Re: ADD & Promotion
Ian Ford (ianford@DIRCON.CO.UK)
Sat, 12 Nov 1994 00:31:37 +000
One of the major problems for kids with any sort of problem - whether ADD
, LD or a physical disability - is lack of self-esteem. Certainly in the
US and UK a lot of emphasis is placed on physical prowess in sports , and
the kids with poor co-ordination etc. often get left out. I know when I
was a kid I was <always> the last when they picked teams, being totally
lacking in any skill at games ... and it hurt.
Scouting can be something special for kids who don't always fit in with
the playground culture. I got a lot out of Scouting as a kid. A bit like
Mark, I got the Chief Scout's Award at sixteen but didn't manage to get
my Queen's Scout award , mainly because I was trying to salvage grades in
the Sixth Form (High School) and didn't get my act together.
As Leaders we can do a lot to help kids just by giving time and recognition.
When I ran a Cub Scout Pack we had a soccer team. Priority was given to
the kids who <didn't> play for school or club teams - those who tripped
over the ball and appeared to have three left feet. The point was that it
gave them a chance to play when they would never have made selective teams.
Inter-Pack soccer was fun. I think one year we won the championship
almost by mistake !
I have always tried to stretch the boys in my units to try something new -
I forget the exact quote , but there was something about one's reach
should just slightly exceed one's grasp if that makes sense. In other words,
try to get kids to try for that " little bit beyond " which is when they
grow.
Sometimes as Leaders it means taking a chance and " investing " in kids
who might not be one's first choice for a leadership position or whatever.
I've often been pleasantly surprised at how well it turns out if only we
put in the effort to try to make it work. I've seen the most unlikely
kids develop leadership skills simply by being put into a position to
develop skills, and given a bit of instruction and counselling.
YiS
Ian
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
