As a former Scoutmaster, I know that those 10 and 12 year olds can amaze you with what they can do - but I also agree that the things they can't do create a lot of work for the Scoutmaster.

Do your Scoutmaster a favor - volunteer to be an assistant scoutmaster (or merit badge counselor, or troop committee member), even if you limit your role only to helping plan and participate in the overnights. Depending on your relationship with your son, you can stay pretty close, helping his patrol, or can pull back, helping the troop as a whole.

Trust me - you'll be the SM's new BFF!