Re: A potential problem

In a message dated 98-03-09 13:15:45 EST, MHolmes@PITNET.NET writes:

<< lure Webelos who had intended joining our troop as well as boys already
in our troop into joining their troop. They even offered "incentives" (I
call them bribes) to do so -- parties, etc. >>

This is a fascinating issue. I speak as the leader who watched the boys being
"lured" away from my troop. I will not say that other leader had a better
program (ego issue here) but rather I will say that other leader had a bang
up/ dynamite recruiting program. The leader I am referring to had a pumpkin
carving contest for the prospective Webelos at a District Camporee. I tell
you, I was really upset at the time as "my Webelos" wandered over to find out
about that troop. Shortly after seeing it happen I resolved to do a better
job next year. But that other troop continued to do a dynamite job of
recruiting each year.

In answer to your question (what to do): Do a better job of recruiting. The
honest truth is that we Boy Scout leaders don't own the Webelos in an
associated pack or anyplace else. Until those boys sign up with your troop,
under the current rules of the BSA, they are fair game. Once signed up with
your unit, in many ways, they are still fair game, BUT generally Scout leaders
have adopted the polite rule of not recruiting another units boys. In fact,
when offered boys from another unit, I try to encourage that those boys stay
and that their leader resolve the problems not change units.

I have heard, at the District and Council level, many Scouters complaining
that they lost their "feeder" pack. But of course, there are none. I have
heard Scouters say they wished to "go back to the feeder pack system" or that
they wished to institute one. I sympathise, 'cause I have lost boys by being
asleep at the switch. In many ways the complaint is simply a reflection of
the fact that many leaders (like yours truly) would rather do program than
recruiting. We all forget that recruiting is part of program.

I wish you luck and me.

Yours in Scouting,

G. John Marmet ASM
T156, Glenview, Illinois

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