Re: Quality Unit (opinions are nice,
Geary Morrill (A91VIGIL@AOL.COM)
Wed, 27 Nov 1996 18:47:32 -0500
If everyone who has posted to this thread would simply apply the same
creative thought processes shown in arguing their positions to meeting
existing QU objectives as written, we'd soon have to find another topic.
Considering none of us would have ever been in Scouting if our leadership
hadn't been receptive to some growth, we seem to now be strangely myopic
about encouraging growth.
I've never seen so many arguments against growth. What's really being
discussed is regeneration. It's biological. Your body grows cells every day,
and it doesn't debate the importance. Cells are lost. Without new cells,
pretty soon the body dies. Arguing against "planned growth" is arguing for
"planned death"
Facts:
Scoutings reach = 18% = <1 in 5 Scouting age youth.
Median BSA troop size = 16 Scouts.
Program quality increases significantly* when troop size reaches 21.
Strongest Troops* serve 33 or more youth -11% of all units
Ratio of adults to Scouts in strongest units nearly 1 to 2**
Strong Troops exist in every size & type of town/city/ region
Common denominator = strong, well trained, motivated adult/youth leadership
* in advancement, membership growth, trained leadership & member retention.
** either as a unit leader or member of committee.
Among troops 16 youth members
61% of larger troops plan troop program in patrol leaders council.
71% conduct monthly patrol leaders council meetings
66% went camping 25 or more days/year
93% went to a Boy Scout-operated summer camp.
A majority also have outdoor adventures their youth membership plan, a
program for older Scouts, and add 10 new members a year (yes they have
losses, too!)
Among troops 16 youth members
16% plan troop program in patrol leaders council
26% conduct monthly patrol leaders council meetings
To quote one Scoutmaster: "Small Troops are ran by adults, large Troops are
ran by boys".
71% of dropped troops had five (minimum requirement) or fewer adults
78% of dropped units had 16 or fewer boys.
100% of Dropped units deliver poor quality program.
95% of Scoutmasters get 100% of membership from Webelos Scout Dens
(that's 19 of 20 units)
2nd year Webelos program serves 20% of the available youth population
(400% growth potential - unless, of course, you enjoy focusing on negatives)
Majority (> 2/3) of Scoutmasters are pleased with the size of their unit than
not
(regardless of it's size). They see little or no need for further growth.
Top reasons given for not wanting/having growth objectives
- Not enough young people in the neighborhood
- Not enough room in the meeting hall
Majority of Scouts (> 2/3) want more Scouts in their units than not
(regardless of size)
Top reasons given:
- More fun having more guys involved
- More things to do
So, whose troops are these, anyway? Possible wrong people (former youth) are
making all decisions/rationalizations about lack of unit growth??
-- Train 'em
-- Trust 'em
-- Let 'em lead
It was true over 80 years ago, and when some of us were youth members..Do we
suspect it may still be valid today?
Geary
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
