Re: Males in GS

This thread strikes a nerve, so let me explain my experience with the
GSUSA,

I've been involved with Scouting since my son was a Tiger (I'm now the
advisor to a High-Adventure Explorer Post). My daughter is a Brownie,
just about to cross over to Junior Girl Scouts. Through the years, I've
repeatedly offered my services to help with Daisy and Brownie meetings,
teach outdoor skills, help with first-aid training, or assist in any way
that I could. I've always been either politely refused or simply
ignored. That not only bothers me from the standpoint that I'd like to
be involved with my daughter in Scouting, but also because her troop
leaders really don't have any outdoor skills or offer outdoor
activities.

While attending Explorer leader training, I had an opportunity to
discuss this with a Scouter that has over 40 years experience with Boy
Scouting. He's run into the same problem with his daughter's and
grandaughter's troops. I just assumed this was GSUSA policy. Perhaps
this is simply the policy of our local council. The problem does seem
to extend beyond our local troop.

The other thing that strikes me as odd about the GSUSA troop
organization is that there is no equivalent to the Pack/Troop/Post
committee to allow parents to become more involved. The Troop is
entirely run be it's registered leaders.

Now, I haven't pushed this issue very hard with my daughter's troop
leadership because I thought they were just adhering to GSUSA policy.
But given the posts on this thread, perhaps I should.

Yours in Scouting,

Bill Lawrence

Advisor, High-Adventure Post 150
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 150

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mary sheldon-fournier [SMTP:fourfive@CAVEMEN.NET]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 1998 9:02 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list SCOUTS-L
> Subject: Re: Males in GS
>
> >>(When I first read the post, I couldn't help but think what would
> happen
> if I
> >>insisted on going with the Brownies or Girl Scouts camping.
> Political
> >>correctness at it's best.)
> >>>>>>>
>
> Sorry, but I know of several GS troops in this area that would WELCOME
> you with open arms.
> For quite a few years the local GS program here sort of just
> floundered,
> recently though it has become quite active, thanks in part to the many
> Dads
> who wanted a good Scouting program for their daughters. One of those
> Dads
> was the father of one of my Webelos Scouts, he began a Brownie Troop,
> is a Leader in the Troop, they go camping , out of town trips , many
> places,
> it is one of the most active Troops in town! The kids love him.
>
> Now, I have already posted my humble opinion on this whole matter ,
> but,
> let me add this. Our kids(boys & girls) need Role Models. Caring ,
> compassionate,
> enthusiastic adults that they can trust, who they know are willing to
> go to bat for them. People who can show them by example that greatness
> is achieved in many ways. These people come come in both genders.
>
>
> Yis
> Mary Fournier

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