Scout Problems
Terry Slade (TMSLADE@IPGATE.ACTX.EDU)
Wed, 27 Nov 1996 10:24:33 -0600
I am a Scout Leader. Plain and simple. I am not a nurse maid, a
Doctor, or a shrink (I can't spell Psycologist). I do not have the time to
spend with just one boy while the others go un-attended. With between
30 and 80 boys on a campout or at a meeting, I refuse to baby sit some
problem child. It is hard enough to teach the boys with out having to be
a prison guard.
If we have problems with a scout and he refuses to obey, we call his
mommy or daddy and tell them to come get their little monster. Unfair to
the boy you say. TOUGH!!!! It is unfair for me to take time away from
the others that are willing to sit still and learn. You would be surprised
how fast the semi-problems come around when the real problem is
removed. Never threaten to send them home, just one major warning
and they are out of there.
Example: One of our little darlings punched another scout at camp.
We put the kid on probation with KP all day, trash pick-up, and water
hauling. At the end of his day of labor, I asked him if the punch was
worth all his troubles. His response was "sure it was, he got in my
way". The next day after several altercations, we called mom.
He came from a broken home: dad hit mom, dad left, mom remarried,
new dad has own kids, not the center of attention any more, in a gang at
school, bad grades. You know the routine. Some kids have this
situation and use it to become better. Others use it as an excuse to
cause problems.
We as Scout leaders have a unique situation. Some where between a
Coach, School Teacher, Parent, Jailer, Shrink, or more likely a combo of
all the above and more. Do your best, as you can and don't get upset
when you can't reach that kid that is lost. Rejoice for the other 100 that
you helped to succeed and remember to watch your back for the the one
that didn't.
There is the rare story we hear about of the kid that was lost and how
Scouting was able to bring him around. The one we brag about to
others of how we made a difference in a childs life. I can fill volumes
with my own storys and those of others.
Sorry to be so long winded. We are only volunteers. We make no
money for our troubles and in most cases pay for the privilidge to work
with the boys. Just the rantings of a Leader in the trenches. YiS
Terry Slade ASM-80 UC CM OA Advisor District Activities Chairman
Golden Spread Council
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
