Re: Advice on changing troops.
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU)
Wed, 27 Jul 1994 00:07:38 -0400
Don,
Let me second Lynn McKee's advice and add a bit.
While we want to encourage older Scouts, especially Eagles to continue to
give leadership, it is natural for them to begin wanting to associate more
and more with others in their own age/peer group and to begin voyages into
coed activity. Trying the heavy hand may work for a short while and then
the lad is likely to make a yes/no decision and walk. Too many troops
lose older Scouts, because they try to keep them on without recognizing
the changes the Scout is experiencing. This is that terrible time where
the youth wants the privileges and freedom of adulthood, while not yet
letting go of the protections youth afforded. We can help in that transition.
If the troop is large enough to support a Venture Crew that operates
pretty independently most of the time and has enough challenging
activities, the Scout may elect to stay because of what he gets out of the
program and be willing to help in leadership.
Others will find that it is better to introduce the Scout to Exploring
which offers almost unlimited possibilities for filling the interest areas
of an older Scout and in coed settings to boot. And the Scout can be dual
registered in both a troop and a post.
Our District has two high adventure posts that are comprised almost
entirely of SPLs, ASPLs and Senior Girl Scouts who give leadership to
their troops at non-meeting activities, while enjoying the opportunity to
develop socially and take on more challenging activities.
We have post with specialties in law, law enforcement, search and rescue,
space exploration, computer technology, high adventure, service,
cinementography, safe rides, and more in the area. We are in the process
of starting a post that explores college offerings for college-bound scouts.
Remember we are still in the process of giving program, until the Scout
becomes an adult. Our obligation is to continue to help the Scout grow.
Later, if we've been successful, most will return the obligation of
service as willing adults.
Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
