Re: Attitude problems

Claudia, try not to take it personally. It is perfectly normal for a
youth group to want to make their leader the center of attention during a
water balloon attack. Are you sure you are really having a problem with
the girls, are or you being put on the defensive by another adult who
thinks you are too soft? Different leaders have different styles, and
you need to be able to feel comfortable with your own style. It is more
important to be consistent than to seek some ideal which we let others
influence our definition of.
If they chronically complain about the activities, then take them aside
one on one and invite them to plan an activity that they think everyone
would enjoy. They may have a few good ideas that with a little guidance
could be fun. If they come up empty, they may find a new appreciation for
the fact that you come up something week after week.
Personally, on reflecting about my own days as a Girl Scout, I found
the meetings to be a real bore. I went to them because I had to if I
wanted to be able to go on the outings or to summer camp. I had no
interest in advancement whatsoever, in fact there is an old merit badge
sash in my drawer, but I couldn't tell you if it is mine, my sister's or
my mother's, but I loved to be in the field and could tell you just about
everything our troop ever did outdoors.
Just having meetings out of doors a short hike into the woods from the
usual site made meetings more exciting for me.
Try to find out what these girls stay in Scouting for, they must have
some reason or they would just drop out. Once you know what they come
for, it should be easy to keep them happy, even if they won't admit to it ;-)

Yours in Scouting, Susan

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