Re: An interesting challenge
Sam Richart (richart@SPK.HP.COM)
Fri, 25 Feb 1994 07:43:21 PST
Ron,
Drawing from previous experiances with differant scoutmasters in
differant settings I have found the most effective way of dealing with
potential problems is to start with expectations. The most effective
expectations I have seen laid down was at Brownsea ( a weeklong Junior
Leadership training camp). The scoutmaster spoke for about 20 minutes to the
unit basically saying the expectations he had was for everyone to live up to
the scout oath and law. Each point was discussed to make sure everyone had
the same understanding.
As the week progressed some problems started cropping up. The entire
troop was reminded of the expectations and the problem boys were challenged
(in a more personal environment) to live up to the Scout Oath and Law. They
were also informed that the program would not suffer because of a few trouble
makers, the troublemakers would be removed.
Several of the trouble makers were caught with drugs shortly after
being reminded of the Scout Oath and Law. One of them jumped out of this
group and informed staff of what was happening. One of them, when confronted
later, admitted to the problem and asked to remain on course. The third scout
denied anything happened. All three sets of parents made an unexpected trip
to camp that evening. All the scouts involved had the opportunity to inform
thier own parents of the incident and thier involvement. The scoutmaster then
got the group together and discussed the incident to make sure that all the
right information was shared. After that the scoutmaster met with each
individual family and with the parents and the scout, made the decision
concerning the scouts' future with the camp. The informer and the one that
admitted to the problem were allowed to finish camp, provided that they not
only lived up to the expectations, but also set the example for the rest of
the troop, this was evaluated at the end of each day on an individual basis.
The other boy went home, last I heard he and the rest of his family were in
counseling.
If I found myself in your situation, I would leverage off this
experiance and allow the boy to join the troop and finish his eagle. He would
fall into the catagory where he needed to set the example (not unussual for
an eagle candidate). I would evaluate the situation at least monthly. I
would also mention that no matter what has happened in the past, he would be
expected to live up to the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. He would be
given every chance and supported as any other eagle candidate. Allow him the
opportunity to deal with the hard case Eagle Coordinator, inform both parties
of the circumstances and lay down the challenge. If the young lady is part of
his life take the time to meet her and share with both of them the
expectations and challenges. Make sure it is the boy that wants the Eagle and
not the father. I liked the earlier idea about letting the boy chose what he
wants to be called. Challenge the father to help his son, and the troop. A
strong line that I have heard in a hard case before is 'We all have 24 hours
in a day, don't tell me you don't have time, tell me it is not that
important(I have only used it in the third person with good results, and
originally heard it was used to get parents involved when their son provided
some extra challenge).
enough for now
if I may, God Bless You in your challenge, keep us posted.
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Sam Richart
Internet: richart@hpspkla.spk.hp.com
Spokane, WA. 99220-2500
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
