Re: "Official Scoutmaster's Startup Kit"
Morrisonch (Morrisonch@AOL.COM)
Mon, 4 May 1998 07:54:35 EDT
In a message dated 98-05-03 20:41:56 EDT, Mike wrote:
<<
*A laminated card with the Scout Oath and Law on one side, the Outdoor Code,
Slogan and Motto on the other side
*Another laminated card with net resource addresses on it on one side and
instructions on how to subscribe to Scouts-L on the other side
>>
SERIOUSLY, I think there are two more items which are needed in the SM Startup
Kit, make it three!
*A laminated card with the with the 11 "learnable and teachable" leadership
skills of Scouting. (I have one given to us by Rick Hyman, our Wood Badge SM)
*Another laminated card which contains the 13th point of the Law for Scouters
-- "A Scouter is PATIENT".
*Another laminated card which contains the words "Get More Training".
Regarding leadership skills, "set the example" is one of the most important.
Saturday our troop had a work day at which we cleaned up our campsite at the
local Scout Camp on our military post. Our Scoutmaster often sets the wrong
example because he has little patience with the kids (especially his own
child). Saturday the older boys and the SM all got out of hand, verbally
abusive, and physical. The SM "sets the wrong example". The attitude of "I
know it all and I 'm the toughest, loudest, most dominant dog in town" just
doesn't work in Scouting. The old "Drill Sergeant" behavior is not
appropriate for adult leaders in a Boy Scout Troop and is the wrong example to
give to youth leaders.
I have talked to the Committee Chairman and told her that she and her
committee must bear responsibility for and change the current situation. I'm
afraid the SM's reputation with the boys is too damaged to rehabilitate with a
change in attitude and behavior (actually, I don't think he could change at
62). I don't think more training will solve the problem either. It is sad,
but I think this troop with a 75 year charter and history of service to boys
is coming unravelled. We may have a problem even getting these boys to summer
camp this summer.
Not looking to start a new thread, just needed to voice my frustration and
sorrow over this situation.
YinS,
Charlie Morrison
Troop 27 SA (New Scouts)
NE-IV-90 Fox
morrisonch@aol.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
