a question of supervison
Kim Moye (kmoye@SPDMAIL.SPD.DSCCC.COM)
Wed, 6 Nov 1996 12:09:43 -0600
After reading Chuck and Kirk's posting about the axe, I just have to say
something! As far as Webelos parents not being difficult to impress
(speaking as a Webelos parent :), that's probably true. Show me an adult
that is willing to spend quality time with a kid, and I know that I'll
be impressed. The boys are the ones that the leaders should be worrying
about impressing.
Now to the part I have to share. At a Webelos Outdoor Weekend where troops
were running various stages for the Cubs, some interesting things happened.
1.) When it was time for the campfire, an adult leader used the axe
outside of the roped off area causing all sorts of concerns by my
kids about him breaking the rules and how unsafe it was. The only
thing I could do was praise them on the fact that they noticed this.
2.) At this same event, my kids were being called names (stupid, idiot,
etc) and were told by the older scouts that they were not allowed
to cross the bridge because they were so dumb. They came back to
tell me they could not cross the bridge. (They said nothing about
the name calling). Since I had sent them to get some equipment, I
went down thinking that maybe that we're not suppose to let the guys
cross for a valid reason. The older boys denied that they would not
let the younge kids cross. I "pretended" to leave, but came back.
The boys were again really giving the kids a hard time. Perhaps
I did interfere as a "Webelos parent" by pointing out to the scouts
I did not think they were setting a good example and to leave the
kids alone. Then I truly did walk away.
3.) At the same outing, a senior patrol leader for one of the troops there
apparently went out of his way to help my guys and answer all their
questions. I didn't see any of this take place, but the guys told
me later how impressed they were and how they wanted to be like him.
4.) At a different field trip (nothing to do with troops), the boys were
allowed to do branding. They all get excited when they informed me,
loudly, that there was no water close at hand. Again, all i could do
was praise them for knowing how it should be done.
The bottom line is, the boys really do pay attention and watch what the others
do. Leading by example has always proven the most effective. I just had
to get in my "axe" story.
(And yes, I later did go to the adult who chopped the wood and told him
in a kidding manner what the boys had said. He was embarrassed, but not
mad that I told him about it.)
kim moye
cubmaster/webelos PARENT
pack 308/allen tx
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
