Re: About the Boys [Semi Lon -Reply

Carmela:

Thanks for your response. I am working with the boys to help them
understand that they can do what they want at camp, and if they want
to have fun, they can. Of course we need to camp, and there are some
programs that each must go to, (Flag Cermony Ect.), but most of the day
the boys can be as aggressive of as lax as they want.

We will see what happens.

Erik

=======================
Erik Ashby
Novell E-Mail Admin
EASHBY@NOVELL.COM
=======================

>>> Carmela Storm <carmela_storm@MATHWORKS.COM> 05/22/95
08:06am >>>
Reply to: RE>About the Boys [Semi Long]
Dear Erik,

You asked what is the main reason for scouting and is it "To just have
fun, or to help the boys grow?" I hold that is it both. To have fun while
teaching valuable lessons and tackling tough challenges.

I have several questions:

Did the boys choose which activities, merit badges and service projects
that are planned?
Have their specific interests been addressed (i.e. which merit badges)?
Do they have reasonable amounts of down time and free time?
What has been the level of involvement by the boys in the planning
process?

I find nothing wrong with requiring the uniform, troop flag ceremony and
the usual cooking and cleaning at campsite. But it is summer for these
boys and they will need some "free" time or at least time they perceive
as "fun".
Most teenagers are booked solid during the school year between school,
music, sports, church, scouts and family, they barely have time to
breathe let alone relax and just be boys (or young adults).

Ask them to design a schedule with the things they would do during a
camping trip. It is difficult often but start them off by agreeing that
everyone needs to eat three meals a day and that the cooking and clean
up needs to be done. Remind them they are scouts and need to wear
their uniform and respect for the flag is not to be neglected. Other than
those requirements ask them to fill in the day and see if you can't reach a
compromise.

The age group you have is one of the toughest for maintaining the
"scouting" attitude. They are trying to define themselves as individuals
and often rebel at everything. The more they are involved in the planning
the more they will participate and be responsible for the outcome. I often
find as an adult it is hard to sit back and watch my girls (same age
group) fall flat on their collective faces because they didn't plan or aren't
giving it 100%.
But when I try to prevent the error, they lose interest in participating.
Making mistakes is part of the game plan. They never make the same
error twice though.

A final note, maybe what you think is a challenge they see as boring?
Let them plan their own day and live and see if they like it the other way.

Good luck
Carmela
Cadette Troop Leader #3026

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