An Introduction... and a few questions.
Clayton J Hanson (wodencjh@JUNO.COM)
Mon, 18 Aug 1997 17:56:06 EDT
Hello all:
After months of reading this list on another server, a change of address
has prompted me to come out of my shell and introduce myself to the
virtual campfire. I joined my Scout troop in February 1991 as a Webelos
crossover at the ripe old age of 10=BE. During patrol elections that fal=
l,
I was chosen to be the Assistant Patrol Leader of my patrol, the Silver
Eagles (I think someone was a little colorblind). During January 1992,
our Patrol Leader resigned and I assumed the position of Patrol Leader
for the remainder of the year. Later, in September 1993, I was chosen as
one of the two ASPLs (the troop numbered approximately 50 at the time).=20
Following an attendance problem (the SPL had missed over a dozen meetings
due to band practices), I was chosen by the PLC to be SPL for the
remainder of the year. At present, I am a Life Scout and once again SPL
after a two-year hiatus while I served as the Troop Guide/Junior
Assistant Scoutmaster. However, I will be unable to serve another term
as SPL as I will be turning 18 midway through 1998.
My troop has gone through a number of upheavals this Scout year (Fall '96
to Fall '97). First, our Scoutmaster of the previous six years retired
to serve as Committee Chairman and, subsequently, was transferred to
Connecticut by his employer, which left the troop's adults in something
of a lurch. Second, his successor was forced to resign three months
later, as his work schedule became increasingly difficult to reconcile
with the Scout schedule. Third, at virtually the same time as the
scheduling crisis was unfolding, the SPL moved out of state and left me
holding the bag. Fourth, the adults could not agree on a new SM, and no
strong candidate stepped forward, until March of this year. Finally, the
schedule which the Troop Committee approved during our planning campout
in June is riddled with violations of Scout policy and poorly placed
campouts (I, unfortunately, was not there to correct them for I had
injured my hand the day before while chopping kindling with a hatchet).=20
This final point leads into my first question.
How can I (and the Troop Advancement Chairman) convince the Troop
Committee, that their schedule is ill-conceived and should be changed?
Second, how can I make certain that the future SPL will be able to serve
as a good example and leader to boys who are only two years younger than
him (as both SPL candidates are just turning 14 and the average age of
the troop is about 12)?
Finally, does anyone know of any truly great low elevation (as in
snow-free) camping areas within about two hours of Portland, Oregon?
A Scout is... Loyal.
_____________________________________
Clayton Hanson, SPL Troop 343
Fort Vancouver District, Cascade Pacific Council
mailto: wodencjh@juno.com
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