Abused Scouts Outcome

Dear Scouters,
A big thanks to all of you who took the time to help me in my latest
quandary. I grow and learn each day as a Scout Leader.
To recap, last week I was contacted by a local boys shelter and told
that they were bringing several sexually and physically abused boys
to my Troop to join. I was in a panic. We were not capable of
handling the situation.

I tried with no avail to contact my DE as many suggested. Finally,
Monday afternoon, we made contact. I gave him the problem and he
said he'd check it out and let me know. That did not help me at all.
So, I contacted my Unit Commissioner, Terry Peters. Let me sing the
praises of my UC, not only in this situation but in his everyday
duties as a Commissioner. We have had many commissioners in the 9+
years we have been Scouting. He is a jewel in the crown of Scouting.
Aways there, checks with us before each monthly commissioner meeting
to see if there is anything he can bring to the board, comes to a
Troop meeting at least once a month. You have got to love him.
Well, I gave him a call and before I could even get half of the story
out of my mouth, he was saying he would be there with me at the
meeting and bring someone who could help.
The next day (Tuesday), my DE called and said in essence that this
was a unit problem to solve. He also said that he was the one who
gave out our Troop name to this facility. I strongly asked that our
name not be given out in this manner again and that he contact me
with prospective Scouting names and I in turn would contact the
perspective Scout. Hopefully eliminating an embarrassing situation
like this again.
As I anticipated, our UC was waiting for us at the meeting. He had
brought along Tim FIinthoff, Scoutmaster of Troop 406, also in our
area. Tim told me that he had already spoken to his committee and
committee chairman and that they were ready and excited to have these
boys come into their Troop. He said that they were prepared and
trained to help these boys get a good experience from the Scouting
program. Now, if only my DE had did a little checking, he would have
found out that this was the Troop to go to in the first place. How
hard was it? I found out after one phone call.
Then they sad part. The boys didn't come to the meeting.
Today, I will be contacting the home in hopes of reaching the worker
who was interested in Scouting. Their new Troop is waiting and ready
for them. I hope they are ready for the adventure of a life time. I
know many members of Troop 406 and they are a great Troop with strong
leaders who do some wonderful activities.

Thanks again for the advice and help!

____
Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster, Linda K. Clossen
Troop 135
Gerald R. Ford Council
Grand Rapids, Michigan
...I used to be sane...

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