Advice on changing troops.
don newcomb (newcomb@US2.NAVO.NAVY.MIL)
Mon, 25 Jul 1994 09:53:21 -0500
Andrew is now 16, a Life Scout and just a few pieces of paper and a BOR
from Eagle. He is in OA, though the lodge is not as active as he would
like. He has done two summers on staff at the local camp, most recently
swinging through the trees on the C.O.P.E. course. He has been in this
troop since he crossed over from Cubs and was in that pack from Tiger
Cubs up.
Yesterday, he confided in me that after he gets his Eagle he plans to
transfer to a troop that has more older scouts and is engaged in more
"advanced" Scouting activities (e.g. backpacking, longer trips, etc).
I have rather mixed feelings about this. I'm encouraged that he plans
to get more out of Scouting. So many boys just snatch up their Eagle
and are never seen again, that some Scouts believe that when you make
Eagle you have to "get out." On the other hand, I feel that he should
stick around and provide leadership and encouragement to the younger
Scouts of the troop. I feel that as an "only child" he has never learned
to relate well with younger children and needs this type of experience.
At this point I'm counseling him to take it slow, try to build links
with the troop he wants to join but keep active in the present troop.
I am searching for some middle ground. I can understand that he feels
this is urgent. He's getting older fast and wants to grab all the
Scouting he can. Hanging around with the "dweebs" isn't his idea of
a good time.
Suggestions?
----
Donald R. Newcomb * newcomb@pops.navo.navy.mil
Naval Oceanographic Office * drn@fiddle.noo.navy.mil
Stennis Space Center, MS 39522 * Voice: (601) 688-5998
FAX: (601) 688-5485 * DSN: 485-5998
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
