A Bad Night at Scouts
John Macko (AKM97@UNO.CC.GENESEO.EDU)
Tue, 13 Dec 1994 10:02:29 -0500
Richard,
As a fellow Scoutmaster, I know how you feel. I have those nights as
well. And there are many nights when I wonder whether I am making
a difference and why I am wasting my time (only an hour a week...)
Regarding the SPL and PL elections, we have had similar situations.
A technique we are using to nip the problem in the bud is to have
the PLC set some pretty high standards to be eligible for SPL and
PL, e.g., PL: First Class and Troop JLT traning; SPL: Life and JLT
Camp. This usually weeds out the unqualified and absentee Scouts.
A second method we use is to have job descriptions for each position.
Thi ese can be found in the JLT Hankbook. Before the election for SPL
and PL these descriptions are read to all candidates who must state
that they will do the job as described if elected. We then have a
"swearing in" ceremony where they hold the Troop flag and promise to
do their duty in front of the whole Troop. We also have formal and
informal "performance reviews" where we compare the Scout's job
performance with the job description. Each Scout is told that if
he is not doing the job, he may be asked to resign for the good
of the Troop.
It has taken three years to implement these procedures and we now
have a very strong and active Leadership Corps. We still have
problems with some of the boy leaders however...
Hope this helps.
YiS,
John Macko, SM
Troop 70
Geneseo, NY
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