Re: "Policy changes" by LDS Units (Long)
Gina Gestautas (NORTH@DRYCAS.BITNET)
Fri, 16 Sep 1994 10:34:00 EDT
Not to belabor the point, but I do feel that it is important to remember
that yes.. the LDS church does do some things differently, but that
in the context of some of the things I have seen in other groups is not
so intrusive that it ruins the program.
As to the musical chairs of leadership within the scouting program, it
can be true that people may be shuffled in and out but is not always the
case. If troops follow those things that are requirements for a quality
unit award (the commissioner in me is speaking now) then you would not
have an issue with anyone leaving.. because you would have someone already
ready to step in to do the job! The LDS Church system of service will
mean that sometimes as more responsibility is added to a member, his duties
for example as Scoutmaster will be too overwhelming.
With information and consideration, I don't find it troublesome to include
all Scout groups in most activities. One example is to have more District
activities for Cubs on Saturday instead of Sunday since LDS packs probably
won't go if its on that day (of course, not all on Saturday).
The issues with one group vs. another usually are not so important at your
unit level. It only becomes an issue at a district and higher level when
district scouters forget that units are not all the same. In certain
regions where units tend to have similar backgrounds and needs (for example
from a primarily christian background) it is difficult to remember to plan
for Jewish Scouts, Islamic Scouts, etc. In Chicago, our Council calendar
included all major religious holidays so that you could take that into
account planning district and council events. LDS even had a few extra
events listed.
Dietary needs are another place I see consideration lacking. Many groups
are vegetarians or have other needs. An offer to acommodate special needs
goes a long way to make people feel welcome at these larger events. I
usually bring all my own soda, sweetener, and hot chocolate to camping
events since I am a diabetic. I am usually confronted with bug juice,
sugar, and sugary hot chocolate all weekend and it's better to just be
prepared. ;) I am not saying there is anything wrong with those, but
I am sure if there is one diabetic at a large function, am sure there are
more!
Just wanted to add again that we want to include instead of exclude those
people that make up our districts and councils. Am sure that if we go
that extra mile to understand and accept those units that are different
than our OWN that we can learn alot and gain new friends!
YiS,
Gina Gestautas, Unit Commissioner and District Trainer
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
