Re: Scoutmasters

Peter Van Houten writes:
->
->Scoutmasters
->Brian -- I noted on your signature line that you were, among many things, a
->Scoutmaster and Cubmaster. I know there are others that hold similar
->positions and would like your input. I've been approached by several troops
->(drooling at the mouth) to recruit me (not necessarily my son) to join when
->he crosses over (which will won't occur for two years) and be there
->Scoutmaster. However, my other son will be just coming into Tiger Cubs when
->Kris crosses over, so I'm committed (and its not to an institution) to remain
->involved (probably as Cubmaster) in the Cub program.
->
->Whats it like being both Scoutmaster and Cubmaster. I would appreciate the
->pro's and con's of those who've been there!
->

Peter,
Sorry to put off a response, but I needed time to think about my
answer, and work do call :)

I suppose, that my advice would be - Don't. I do, but I have an
excellant, busy, industrious, hard-working, and committed staff in both
groups. I have already sreved notice that I will retire as Cubmaster
shortly, and have assisted the pack in recruiting and training my replacement,
who now serves as an Asst. Cubmaster. I have already shifted quit a lot of
operational duties of that post to my replacement, so my workload has been
moderated in that regard. I am primarily a Scoutmaster these days, and It's
really the position I like best (yep, including all the district, council, and
national stuff, which I regard as mostly pain in the patoot). I too, was
recruited as Scoutmaster by my chartering organization (they were very careful
in their choice, and *very* agressive once that choice was made - after a
few interviews, there were free dinners, hunting trips, guest trips to lodges,
etc. etc. - Who could refuse?) In any event, they sold me. I continued on for
a couple of years doing both, nearly killed myself with Scout meetings, and thin
ned my schedule down by delegating responsibilities to Asst. Scoutmasters,
and their Cub counterparts. I only Scout three or four days a week now :)
I couldn't have done this, without recruiting some really super
people to help. I am very lucky, to share company with some great Scouters,
and dear friends, in my programs. If you are serious about taking a dual
role, my best advice is: Look hard at your leaders, and reflect upon your
ability to recruit and motivate more. Be a little pessimistic.
So, the short take is, don't. I'm only going to be Cubmaster a few
more weeks now, and don't feel the burden there much anymore. If you do,
god bless you, you poor schlub! I suppose, we should all be grateful that
There are Men and Women out there dedicated to our cause to such an extent,
that they would even consider this sort of thing.
As far as the District, Council, and National stuff goes - it's no
big deal. It is my experience, that in comparison to Unit Leaders, the
committee people talk a lot, scmooze each other bunches, and *do* very
darn little. Mostly, they seem to sew things on their uniforms, and act
like big shots. :)

Brian
(Too lazy to type silly titles)

--

|   Brian L. Davis                       Internet: brian@cor.gov   |
|   Richardson, Tx                       Compuserve: 72600,2721    |

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