Re: ADD and Scouting

On Thu, 23 Feb 1995, Justin M. Martin wrote:

> What I usually do is tell myself to keep myself under-control,
> so I don't make a fool out of myself and embarass the entire troop.
> Many
> people are suprised to find out that I have ADD. They say I "hide it too
> well" or that "I'm just full of Ritalin right now, I'll be hyper later".
> That last one was told to me by a Scoutmaster a few years ago.

Justin,

I commend you for your endurance. The guy (Scoutmaster) that told you
that should be strung up(Kidding). I myself was told by my father and
lots of others almost the same thing...to be frank..it hurt and stayed
with me for a long time. I am now 41 and still ADD. I see it as an asset
and as an advantage that you and I and others have over the "normal"
people. We have an ability beyond that of the rest. But, with that comes
a curse...we are easily distracted and prone to implusive behavior. It is
discipline and stimulation that keeps us in track. My hat off to you for
being what you want to be and knowing what must be done to achieve it. To
anyone there is nothing that cannot be accomplished with hard work and
desire. You are proof of that. Remember this one thing...YOU are only
limited by the reaches of your own imagination. GO GET IM... By the way
if no one has said this..."I am proud of you for doing as your doing..keep
going the stars of heaven await you!"

> I found that one of the best ways to keep an
> ADD scout "in-line" is to put another scout with the same problem in
> charge of his patrol. Well, that's all for now.

One final thing... This is a good idea, However those of us tht are ADD
need LOTS of stimulation to remain interested. I give My ADD kids lots of
stuff to do...That seems to do the trick for us.

There is a vast fellowship of ADD people on this list...Believe me that
we are all here to help and assist. It constantly amazes me with how MANY
Scouters that are ADD....And my wife says I'll never grow up....heh heh
If she only knew I don't plan too ;-)))

John Oakes

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