Scoutmaster Troubles
Larry Rinaldo (lrinaldo@R02DG05.R02.EPA.GOV)
Thu, 21 Apr 1994 11:52:53 -0400
Ken Writes:
=> Well I've dragged on for quite a whiel now, and I would like to know what
=> you think. Should I do something? Or am I wrong in what I think? Maybe
alot
=> of other troops out there do operate like cub packs. But I hope not. Packs
=> are for Cub Scouts, and troops are for Boy Scouts. I just hate to see my
troop
=> turning into a pack. Thank you for taking the time to read this message and
=> I hope that we can fix this problem.
=>
Personally, I am appalled at the condition of what your describe with the
troop. Ken, I happen to be a Unit Commissioner, having been through Woodbadge
so, I'll give some reflections based on what and how a unit SHOULD operate.
The first question as a follow-up. Is the SM trained? If he has NOT gone
through Scoutmaster Fundamentals, he does NOT know how the program should
be run, but rather is running an older Cub Scout program, as he sees fit.
It is imperative to have the SM know what every other SM must use as a
standard of performance.
You also should have a Unit Commissioner assigned to your unit. Find out who
that person is, and give him a call. I commonly have gotten calls from Scouts,
parents, and Scout leaders (volunteers) who have numerous questions, and
observe that 'things' are not quite right. The suggestion I offer you is to
contact this person, fill him in, and with his HELP along with the Chartered
Organization Representative, should make a presence known. I mean, call or
better yet VISIT the unit. They both have the obligation to observe, and
ensure that the Scouting program is taking place--in a BOY run manner.
If the Unit Commissioner has NOT visited, it is important to relay the message
to your District Commissioner, and mention that you have problems and need help.
If left up to the SM, NOTHING will get done. It will fester, and could
degrade the troop. So, I urge you to take action, from the events you have
outlined, this is a 'sick troop' with the NEED for training. Not only for the
adults but also, for the youth. The current SPL NEEDS to have the enthusiasm
to carry out planned activities.
From your comments and questions it is obvious you CARE about the unit.
I urge you to take the next step, make a few calls. Good luck, let us
know the results.
I am:
/\__/\ Larry Rinaldo U.S. EPA
( \ / ) Internet: lrinaldo@r02dg05.r02.epa.gov 26 Federal Plaza
\ / "...back to Gilwell..." New York, NY 10278
=\ /= Go Foxes!! (212) 264-5591
-- Unit Commissioner (212) 264-8100 FAX
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
