| |
Scoutmaster Distress
Linda CLossen (LClossen@AOL.COM)
Tue, 21 Jul 1998 20:28:15 EDT
Well,
Just got home from summer camp.
We camped in a site with another Troop.
We have camped with them at 2 previous long term camps and numerous weekend
outings. Have known and worked with them for 5 years.
We had a WONDERFUL time... until...
Here are the facts... just the facts.....
The other Scoutmaster had to leave to go into town to work on Monday after
checking into camp on Sunday afternoon, leaving 2 of their SA's and myself in
charge of both Troops.
Their Scouts were scheduled for something to do every hour on the hour, 9 -
5:00 and several hours during the evening. No problem....
Ours were scheduled for 2-3 hours of merit badges, with fishing and raccoon
hunting time thrown in for the rest of the time. No problem....
Everything went fine.
Everyone was happy.
Much fun was had by all.
Scouts got to where they were supposed to go.
The Scoutmaster came back and life went on.
Scouts and SA's from the other Troop continued to come to me with questions as
well as to their own Scoutmaster. Seemed to be, no problem......
The next day, the other Scoutmaster woke up ill.
It was my day to wake all of the Scouts from both Troops.
I asked them not to disturb the Scoutmaster or make waves or difficulties
until the Scoutmaster felt better. No problem... Everyone agreed to take it
easy on the Scoutmaster....
Obviously, a bad move on my part.
The Scoutmaster proceeded to chew me a new body opening because, I was keeping
the Scouts from coming to their own Scoutmaster and by asking them not to
disturb the Scoutmaster I was undermining authority and portraying the
Scoutmaster as a bad Scoutmaster unable to do the Scoutmaster job, and
portraying myself as the good Scoutmaster.
I was accused of conspiring and working with the SA's against the Scoutmaster.
Confused?
So was I.
I had my own Scouts to take care of and it was an imposition to have to keep
an eye on another Troop.
But, a Scout is helpful.....
I apologized to the SM for any misunderstanding and expressed that I had no
intention of undermining authority and was just trying to do the job I had
been asked to do.
Wednesday, the Scoutmaster had to leave again to go to work. The Scoutmaster
assigned SA's to follow certain Scouts who were not achieving what the
Scoutmaster thought needed to be achieved.
I did nothing but take care of my own Troop and keep my nose clean.
I referred questions to their own SA's when they were asked to me.
No problem....
Then, a brand new body opening was drilled!
I was being anti-social and cold shouldered!
I apologized once again.
This time for directing the Scouts to their own leadership and keeping my nose
out of their business.
Over the course of the week, the Scouts and SA's became distressed with the
pressure that the Scoutmaster was putting on them.
They wanted to play. They had to work.
They saw us having fun. They watched from the sideline.
Scouts and SA's from the other Troop became distressed with their Scoutmaster
and one by one started coming to my tent to ask if they could transfer to my
Troop.
I said no. They should stay with their own Troop and work it out.
They said they want to quit.
Keep my nose clean and to myself or speak with the Scoutmaster and try to
figure out what is going on?
What would you do??
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
|
|
A few Commercial Links from the SCOUTER NetCompass...
|
North Star Canoe Rentals Canoeing and Kayaking in Vermont
It Takes Two: Scrapbooking & Fundraising Boy Scout papers and stickers for scrapbooking
Unique Craft Kits to Make Make your own Kaleidoscope and other kits!!
Adventure Foods Ask for Scouting Discounts! Adventure Foods for backpacking, camping, hiking, kayaking, boating. Also pack foods for diabetics, food alergies, vegetarian, health food, plus baking mixes and bulk ingredients and spices
BUGLES! From www.Scoutbugle.com SCOUTBUGLE.COM has BUGLES for Scouts and Re-enactors. Our web site contains resources for learning to play the bugle, bugle calls and assistance in completing the BUGLING MERIT BADGE. Purchase Rexcraft Replica bugles and other styles to fit your needs.
Colorado whitewater rafting Arkansas River rafting on the way to Philmont
White water rafting and climbing in WV Whitewater rafting, climbing,mtn. biking - all at one site in West Virginia
Add your link to SCOUTER NetCompass
|
| |
 |
|
 |