Re: OA running camporees

On Fri, 10 Feb 1995 10:35:55 EST Don Izard <IZARD@UBVM.BITNET> wrote:

Don's post had a good set of ingredients for a successful camporee. I have
seen some of these elements in use, and I have seen some others which he did
not use. I would like to add some comments and additional suggestions:

> While there are some 'challenges to manage', our district OA chapter
> has run 2 of the best camporees in recent years. What make them great
> was that the OA scouts, decided on the THEMES and the events!...

Happy is the district activities chairman who listens to his OA chapter
staff, and the council committee who listens to the OA lodge Executive
Committee! This resource is <so> obvious that it's amazing how few district
and council committees actually use them. Duh! Shame on them!

> One of the challenges . . like many camporees, it is hard to get
> enough staff. Since the primary duty (even of OA officers) is to
> serve thier scout units, the OA should not take scouts, most offen
> the more senior scouts, patrol leaders and even SPL away from the
> units. SO the, OA members have a real challenge to find enough
> staff, and often need to rely on the advisors and other adults.
> At our last few camporees, we have even 'borrowed' staff from the
> local APO chapter! In fact one of the reasons, the OA chapters
> have been running camporees, is the problems with finding staff!

There are several logistical problems associated with a camporee, and warm
bodies with more than two brain cells which rub together are in the realm of
<scarce commodities> :)

Don, you pointed out one other resource - the local APO chapter. I helped
staff a couple of camporees as an APO Pledge, and it was an interesting
experience. That is one resource.

I'm sure that most districts have Explorer posts, with certain specialties
and interests. For example:

Law Enforcement Explorers can be used to direct traffic and park cars, if
they have been properly trained to do so.
Fire/Rescue Explorers can man the First Aid station and operate whatever fire
control measures are needed.
A Drama Interest post can run the campfires and show.
Other Explorers can run the various games and activities.

Now, some of these persons will also be in the OA, but remember: these are
<older> kids, who may not be interested in the games, etc., but would be
interested and willing to assist in the logistical support needed to carry on
a successful program. After all, someone probably did the same for <them>,
when <they> were Scouts - it's time to return the interest :)

Now, in case anyone out there thinks that I'm weaving some sort of fantasy
tale, I will submit that Treasure Coast District, Gulf Stream Council, has
the Explorer Post resources, as well as the OA Chapter, to help them out,
just as I outlined. The adults are not overworked, and the kids have fun
doing the jobs :)

Of course, for those who are afraid of "youth run events", the post advisors
are there to moderate their progress. These groups have been involved in
several camporees, and their participation has become a key element in the
success of the events.

> And remember, the OA is not 'THEM' it is US! We are all scouts!
> If 'THEY' fail, we fail with them. When any scouters complain about
> poorly run camporees, I always ASK them if they would like to HELP
> on the staff, or even just the planning comittee for the NEXT one!
> There is no THEM, just US. We all need to contribute to have a
> great camporee, or any district our council events. If you are
> not part of the solution, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! not THEM!

I use the same tactic when someone gripes about district events, roundtable,
etc., then I challenge them to come to the next one and see if their
perceptions have been altered. It's amazing how fast the complaints stop (at
least in my presence) and sometimes, new blood shows up :)

>scouter don,
> disctict camporee staff for at least 25 camporees, AND former OA advisor

Randy Spradling
Troop Commissioner
Simon Kenton Council
(I used to be a lot of things, including younger)

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message
• Previous message
• Maybe in reply to