Re: Adult Leader Meeting....Meeting of the Minds
Marcia Trudeau (MarciaTX@AOL.COM)
Sat, 17 Apr 1999 18:06:35 EDT
Hi Scouter in Honduras....
I probably live the closest to you...that's why you get to reply. I can walk
to Mexico easily.
The SM is aware of the significance of advancing and all its meanings, etc.
He is using creativity with the patrols....and trying to create a tradition
amongst the troop. It really isn't confusing.....
I have heard that it is best to keep patrols together, unless Scouts are
willing to move to another patrol. This keeps them together yet helps fill
the older scout patrol which dwindles. Right now we have an older boy
patrol, which is the Eagles. They are down to four. The patrol below
that...the Indians have about 8. By utilizing this move, the older scout
patrol will grow to a good number and when the younger scouts come in, they
will take over the arrow patrol.
The SM would like to give meaning to their Scout patrol names. Its not just
a name... A Indian is just not an Indian...it has meaning behind it...same
with Bison...and Arrow. I suggested that he have a traditional fireside
story that brings this together...something they can tell as a tradition.
The SM is going to discuss this with the boys...that would be his next step.
Here...Class A is uniform shirt, green pants, socks, etc. .... no sashes, OA
etc.
Class B is a polo shirt, green pants,etc. Please don't say...this is not
what the book says.....we can easily change it to the official book
meaning...but this is easier for the Scouts. Plus this is not the only troop
that uses this classification. Full uniform we call Sunday Best...it
works...and they understand.
I think the SM will stick with Class A (Not Sunday Best) for regular
meetings, except in the summer time or after a campout....or when there is an
activity which is going to destroy the shirt. We have Scouts that are now
ironing their shirts and pants themselves to get ready for Monday
meetings....so having them wear uniforms and conduct periodic inspections
must be working.
I really think this SM is on the right track. He has attended all the
training....he went through Woodbadge....he gets the Scouts attention with a
calm quiet voice (thats impressive)...and the boys respect him. I am staying
in the background since I am new and don't want to be considered too pushy.
The responses I get on Scout-L will help him out in making a decision. I
think its very important that us more seasoned adult scouts show support.
Thanks for your input.
Marcia
