Re: Leadership Participation & Sign-offs
Michael A. Golrick (mgolrick@SCLC.ORG)
Wed, 30 Dec 1998 10:17:11 -0500
Larry Tuck wrote:
>Ronald Fox wrote:
>
>>I have had a problem with boys accepting leadership positions..... Has
>anyone else had this problem?<
>
>
>I've been wrestling with this one myself lately--in fact, I sent a post to
>the list a lot like yours a few weeks ago. The last straw was a couple of
>months back when only the ASPL, Librarian, and one PL (out of six) showed up
>for the PLC. I don't have any definitive answers, but here are some things
>I'm trying:
[snip]
>* We traditionally held PLCs on Thursdays. I'm experimenting with other
>nights. We don't have a troop meeting on the fifth Tuesday of the month
>(when there is a fifth Tuesday--three or four times a year). Those months,
>we'll have the PLC instead of the troop meeting on the fifth Tuesday. Also,
>I moved the PLC from the church auditorium where we hold our troop meetings
>to a smaller lounge with carpeting, comfortable chairs and a fireplace, and
>served hot chocolate and cookies. I found the scouts were less unruly in
>this setting.
I guess this is always a problem. As over-programmed as some of the boys
are, no matter what time you chose, there will be a problem.
Let me offer a solution with a twist on Larry's. Our recently retired SM
began a new tradition which his successor is continuing. The PLC is held at
the SM's home. This accomplishes several things. First it reminds the boys
that the SM has a life outside scouting (*gasp*), it accomplishes Larry's
goal of a quiet contained space, and the SM can have ALL his resources at
hand conveniently.
Our SM also serves refreshments....a plus and homey touch.
Our PLC has been moved to Sunday afternoon from 4 - 5:30. There are fewer
conflicts for scheduling, and itwill not conflict with the daily homework
battle. As a father, I like it!
Topic #2: Sign-offs
Larry also wrote:
>* A tough sell, both to parents and some of my ASMs: Let--force--PLs and
>Instructors to start signing off on advancement. With the understanding that
>I'll be spot-checking and it's the signer who will be in trouble if he signs
>off on something for a kid who doesn't know the material. In our troop the
>last couple of years, all sign-offs have been done by ASMs. One of my
>projects over Christmas break has been to put together a list of who can
>sign off on what. When kids come to me to get signed off on Tendfoot through
>First Class requirements, I'm going to refuse, and tell them to see the
>appropriate Instructor or their PL.
I guess Troop 68's tradition of boy-led is longer and stronger than some. I
would call this a PLC decision. We have it as a PLC decision that to
sign-off a boy must be Star or higher in rank and brothers cannot sign off
brothers. I remember when the PLC changed it from 1st class to Star, and it
was a PLC decision.
I guess my point is, Larry, you are going in the correct direction you can
cite Troop 68 as an example, and get your PLC to make the rule, not you,
the ASMs or the Committee!
Happy Holidays!
Michael Golrick
CC, Troop 68, Trumbull CT
Charter member, Owaneco Lodge #313
