Problems (Long)

Terry and John both have brought up a subject that IMHO we will see more
and more of in the future. One thing that we must remember here in the
list is that we are only about 668 members strong, and do not represent
the entire Scouting movement in the U.S. I'm sure that I'm not the only
adult leader that talks regularly with other Scouters, other than those
on this list.
In talking, just as in communicating on the list we can begin to see a
bigger picture of what other leaders really thing of the problems with
out youth. Every day, society comes up with some new rule on how we are
allowed to handle our children. I call a lot of these crutches.
(I can see the Flames Coming) Our children at the same time are a lot
more educated than say, we were at their age. They have been brought up
in an over protective society, and have learned well to use all the
tools that , the adults have put in place to protect them from just
about everything. If they don't want to do something that they are
told, they just find the rule that covers it, and the leaders have to
handle the problem that is caused by it.
Terry has brought out one large problem, that most of use don't wish to
address, because it may put a dirty spot on our clean slate as a good
leader.
Personally I try my best to help the Scouts with the problem, to keep
them involved in the program as best I can. I learned a few years back,
to cover my back.
I once had a boy, broken home, alcoholic Grandfather at home, no dad,
mother had no control of her four children. This boy had been thrown
out of everything he was envolved in at age 12. A problem was not the
term for this Scout. He want attention, and would really try to be
good, but could not make it happen. To make a long story short, he
tried to stab me in the stomach with a butcher knife while at Scout
camp. I got lucky and disarmed him physically. For my actions, I was
almost arrested for physical abuse, while at summer camp. On top of
this he threatened my life, told me he would cut my throat that night in
my sleep. When does care stop? This was some time ago, and this boy is
probably in prison by now.
Personnaly, I'de say, if you don't like what Terry and John and Myself
have to say, or don't believe what we're saying, the turn off your
computer and talk with some of the other of thousands of leaders that
are out there. Our little world here on the net is great for a tunnel
vision view of the world, but it's not real time (Always).
Now for my disclaimer. I have been doing this for a long time,
just as many of you on the list. I won't be giving up on the Scout that
needs the help any time soon, but my thing I've learned is to take all
opinions with a grain of salt. One day we will have a perfect world,
but not in our lifetime.
YIS TL

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