Re: How do you get them into uniforms?
Bill Hunter (hunteb@SMTPGATE.LDS-AZ.LORAL.COM)
Thu, 21 Apr 1994 12:47:35 MST
Full uniform or not is an issue of the key adult leader/s.
In our small 1 sq mile town we have three troops. One Mormon, one traditional
Scouting (they wear full uniforms with neckerchiefs) and my high adventure
troop (we wear only a scout shirt at meetings and ceremonies, though the older
boys life & Eagle tend to acquire full uniforms).
Though we all follow the same overall program, our implementation is unique,
and usually it rides on the personality of the SM or toher key adult leader.
We run a less formal group and focus on building self-esteem, confidence and
cooperation. Uniforms are low on our priority list, while being active in the
field twice-a-month is very high.
I agree that seeing a scout unit in full uniform looks very sharp. But how
many kids join scouts to look very sharp?
My suggestion is that you write down on paper your chief goals. Than let the
kids do the same Where your goals and the kids goals match, you will have a
great Troop , wonderful experiences, and little aggrevation.
If your goals are very different than the kids, in time, they will drop out.
Sometimes the most difficult thing for us adult leaders to do is to think like
a kid! What was important to you as a child of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc.? I
have found the new scouts of 10-11 think the uniform is great, but that soon
changes when they hit 12 and 13. Remember, young teens are striving for their
own identity. We, like many troops, have our own T-shirt (tank top and sweat to
match). The logo was done by a commercial artist so it looks like something
from a store. Our theme "The Vertical Edge" was easy to work with. This shirt
the kids wear to school, to play and on trips. Its all over town.
If you decide on full dress uniforms and you have no strong competition from
near-by troops, the kids will live with it if they really enjoy your program.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
