Re: "There's a snake in my boot!"

Barry Runnels said:

>Why are we so afraid of thanking the adults.... We as adults and youth
>work together to achieve a goal (our goal is that Charater thing).

Yes! In my few but busy years as a Scouter, I've met many adults whose
lives were changed from their relationship with Scouting. So, is it bad to
find that your quality of life is improved by being a Scouter? That
suddenly, being there to help the boys isn't the only reason you're doing
this? NO! The aims of Scouting can benefit the whole family...the Cub
Scout program is partially dedicated to the growing of a family, not the
growth of a boy alone.

Adult recognition is a very uplifting way to say thank you to the
volunteers who give their time, energy and gifts to support the program.
It is also alright to recognize those who put in the minimum effort
required; there was still an effort. And the recipient knows just how
minimal it was!

And Marc, undue pride in the knots one wears is certainly inappropriate;
but considering the years of dedication that my friends' uniforms
represent, I think that pride in their accomplishments is just. I honor
them (I'm not saying you don't). And all their knots. Just like the boys'
uniforms, their uniform tells the beginning Scouter a story, gives them a
goal. Would we discourage a boy from wearing a rank badge because we
thought he was too proud of his achievement? I don't think so.
Self-esteem is important at any age.

And last, but not least, although the family shouldn't have to suffer
because of a Scouter's dedication, it is still 20% of the volunteers doing
80% of the work. Where would YOUR district and council be without those
people? (And yes, I do know of situations where the family DID suffer
because of a Scouter's over-dedication. We always hope we can counsel them
to hold family first: it still has to be the Scouter's choice).

I hope I haven't run off at the mouth, but this thread has really been
weighing on me.

Mikele Hushing-Kline
Webelos Leader
District Training Chairman
Del Norte District
Los Padres Council

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