Re: An interesting challenge
Not Andy Murphy! (A_PHIPPS@ACAD.LVC.EDU)
Thu, 24 Feb 1994 15:51:15 -0500
>> Tonight at my troop's scout meeting, I was presented with
>> and interesting challenge, which I could greatly benefit my
>> troop, or cause serious problems.
>> Early in the meeting a potential new scout and his father
>> stopped by. This scout is a Life scout, who turns 18 in
>> December and wants to finish his eagle. He is a very large
>> young man -- I would guess 6'2" or more, and very bulky. He
>> has also not had the best of experiences.
>> He dropped out of school after a less then successful 9th
>> grade year, and a traffic accident that kept him out during
>> his 10th grade year. He is currently presuing a GED. He
>> also apparently (euphemism mode on) made a mistake with a
>> young lady, and has married her, but they are not getting
>> along real well.
>> My first impression was that he is basicly a nice person,
>> who is sincerly interested in completing his Eagle, and
>> helping my troop.
>> However, after the meeting this evening, he was talking with
>> several of the other scouts. I was involved in other
>> conversations, but noticed him place a "choke hold" on a 12
>> year old scout, who nearly passed out. At that time, I
>> misinturpreted this as a demonstration that got out of hand.
>> I later learned, through my Assistant Scoutmaster -- who
>> learned it from his son -- that actually the younger scout
>> had been teasing the new scout about his name (The new
>> scout's mother is from Mexico and his first name is
>> spanish).
>> Because of this incident, I am now somewhat concerned that
>> this scout could have a very negative effect on my troop.
>> We are currently about to enter the third year of a slow and
>> difficult rebuilding process. We expect to get several new
>> scouts from the pack at the same school. If this large, and
>> apparently short tempered, scout causes problems with any of
>> our scouts we may lose these scouts and several friends.
>> Additionally, since this scout does need a leadership
>> position and I did not want to risk him getting into a major
>> role, I asked him to serve as a JASM. I felt this was the
>> position where I could allow him the time to do what he has
>> to, and still get the necessary experience. Since the JASM
>> is also part of the SM's team, this should allow me somewhat
>> better control over which tasks he undertakes.
>> Unfortunately, my Assistant fears that this might give this
>> new scout authority over other scouts in the troop, and lead
>> to political problems. My thought was the opposite, it
>> would keep him clear of the SPL and PLC where the actual
>> running of the troop is done (most of the time).
>> This scout's father is a trained scouter (I don't know how
>> recent his training is) who is willing to work with our
>> troop committee, but does not feel he has time for any more
>> involved work.
>> I would like some advise on how to deal with this new scout.
>> Specifically, I could use some suggestions for the following
>> challenges/problems/question:
>> 1. How do I fit this new scout into a program
>> consisting of 5 scouts with 1 year experience, 2 or 3 with 2
>> years, and 2 scouts with 3 years experience. We also expect
>> several brand new scouts to join us in the next few months.
>> 2. Next week I plan on sitting down with this scout
>> for a Scoutmaster's Conference to discuss where he fits in
>> the troop. I also will need to discuss the incident with
>> the sleeper hold and make sure that he is aware that that is
>> unacceptable. What else should I discuss, and how can I
>> approach this to gain maximum benefit.
>> 3. Should I reconsider my decision to ask him to
>> serve as JASM. Is there another position that he could fill
>> without impacting the troop leadership as much.
>> 4. Our district uses an "Eagle Coordinator"
>> position to approve eagle projects and to help the Eagle
>> candidate work through his requirements. The coordinator
>> for Palatine is an old scouter and can be a bit of a "hard
>> case." He has the attitude that too many scouts are getting
>> advancement too easily and it is his job to make sure that
>> make up for that before getting Eagle. I do not feel that
>> he would necessarily be good for this scout. I am currently
>> planning on talking to another Eagle coordinator for another
>> community in our district, and asking him to deal with this
>> scout. Is this a good idea.
>> 5. Are there any other suggestions that might help
>> me deal with this new challenge, one which right now appears
>> to be almost over my head.
>> If it makes a difference, I do not have a son in the troop
>> and am in fact single. My two active Assistant
>> Scoutmaster's are a father and a 20 year old student at a
>> local comunity college.
>> Ronald B. Oakes
>> Scoutmaster, Troop 91
>> Palatine, IL
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I think the best way to handle this is when you sit this scout to talk to
him...be honest with him, express your concerns and tell him to try and curb
his dealings with the other scouts. I also think maybe you and him might try
and work out a plan of what to do with what can be done when it happens again.
But just be honest with him (in a tactful but blunt way (if possible)) Oh
well, what do I know.
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| Andy Phipps | Funkhouser East Rm. 208 |
| Age: 21 | Lebanon Valley College |
| Interests: | Annville PA 17003 |
| Many | |
| | (717)867-6695 |
| Stay in touch | I like getting mail |
| E-Mail Addresses: |
| a_phipps@acad.lvc.edu |
| bo984@cleveland.freenet.edu |
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Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
