Re: The REAL problem
Michael Trouillon (mtrouillon@earthlink.net)
Mon Jun 15 18:10:08 1998
Skipper Woltz brings up a couple of good points. I agree that the
upper age limit should be 18. I know that most of the west coast units
consider those between 18 & 21 to be junior officers. Based on my
"moldy" memory of Scouts, I seem to remember that in a Troop, 18 yrs is
considered an adult. Perhaps those on the list who were involved with
the upcomming changes to the program can let us know if this idea was
ever discussed.
That said, I do not think that lowering the age down to 12 is a good
idea. My experience with that age is that they are not yet mature
enough to handle the structure of the program (at least as we run it).
13 is pushing it also. We have tried out a few kids in the 12-13 age
range (we register them in a friendly Troop and take them on a few trips
to "try them on for size") With very little exception, it has not
worked out. Could be our neighborhood being a bedroom community of Los
Angeles where parents spend more time on the commute than with their
familes. Latchkey kids have little motivational guidance.
I also agree that there are numerous other activities for each of our
crew. Between jobs, sports, band, girlfriends, family and just regular
school it is difficult at best to get an "extra" event in the calendar.
He mentions "affluence", funny that even though the economy is good (at
least thats what the press and politicians keep saying!) we seem to have
a difficult time collecting dues of $10.00 a month! I think that with
the current affluence we as a society have gotten quite a bit lazier
over the years! I admit to being guilty of this offense as well as my
crew. . .
I too have seen quite a bit of attrition of adults over the years.
Just my informal guess tells me that a good deal of the long term
leaders came up through the program. I'm not suggesting that this makes
a leader better, but perhaps just "used" to it! I make this statement
while in my 21st year of Sea Scouting (youth as well as adult).
I think the bottom line is to market ourselves smarter, use resources
better and persevere!
Michael Trouillon
Skipper
Albatross - Simi Valley CA
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