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From: GMarmet@AOL.COM
Date: Mon May 08 2000 - 10:20:07 CDT
When the PLC plans activities that are "merely fun" and don't do enough to
further advancement-to-First-Class-goals, this group of parents becomes very
disgruntled and the e-mails start flying! Any advice on how to deal with
this situation?
>>
I think a parent coaching (not Scout coaching) session is in order. First to
teach the parents how Boy Scouting is run (this is after all not Cub Scouting
where the leaders do advancement and everyone progresses in lock step),
emphasizing the wisdom and practices of the Patrol Method (which you
apparently run).
Next to teach the parents the real key to Boy Scout Advancement. It is not
the persistance of the leaders in offering "advancement classes or sessions"
to the boys. It is the persistance of the boy to 1) find out what has to be
done to advance (look at his book) 2) learn the skill, and finally 3) badger
a leader to allow him to demonstrate that learned skill and sign the book.
If a parent is intent on getting a child to 1st class quickly he or she has
to inculcate these lessons in the boy, then review his progress (look at his
book) well before each meeting, and check that he has done it after the
meeting. I do not recommend that a parent do this. I do recommend that the
parent make the process clear to the boy. Persistence is perhaps the most
valuable skill taught in Scouting. It is certainly the major quality which
is saluted in those who have attained Eagle.
Yours in Scouting,
G. John Marmet
Asst. Scoutmaster
Troop 156, Glenview, IL
Owl, C.19.96
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