Re: About the Boys [Long]

Erik Asby wrote:
>So back to my
>original question, what is the point of scouting? To just have fun, or to
>help the boys grow? and how do you train the scout leaders about the
>roll of scouting?

IMO, the answer is Yes and Yes. They are not mutually exclusive! This note
also brought up questions about a "fun" summer camp. Might I suggest getting
your leaders to read the current issue of SCOUTING magazine. There is a good
article about what makes a great summer camp. Maybe if they see this
article, your leaders MAY understand that not only is it possible to have fun
while helping the boys grow, but many times, having the boys grow is
essential to having fun...especially as the boys get older.

One thing I have learned both in business and in scouting is that if an event
is successful, they are probably doing something right. It may not have been
the way I would have done it if I was running the show, but part of any
continuous training is to look at what everyone else is doing successfully
and see if you can add what they are doing to your program. I find one of
the best parts of our Roundtable is when the various packs get up and tell
about the things they did the past month. In our Council, we have Camp
Goshen. It serves both Webelos and Boy Scouts. From the Cub Scout (our
pack) standpoint, every boy who has been to Goshen as a 1st Yr Webelos wanted
to go back as a 2nd Yr. Webelo. I've heard similar comments from Boy Scout
Troops in our area. Goshen is obviously doing something right! And yes, in
the Goshen program, the boys do grow (there is a program) yet obviously they
have a heck of a lot of fun. They are not mutually exclusive. Also, the
Leader/Parents who go to Goshen also are looking forward to returning. From
the adult standpoint, there is a hassle and alot of responsibility. But
obviously it is not so great as to keep these parents from volunteering
(willingly...we never have to beg). It sounds like some of your leaders are
more interested in making things easier for themselves rather than great for
the boys. My brother-in-law (ASM) has done both Organized Summer Camp and
Troop designed week long camping. According to him, from the leader
standpoint, the Organized Summer Camp is MUCH easier, and he has never had a
boy have more fun at a "troop designed" week long camp than at a Organized
Summer Camp. It seems that designing a "fun filled" week long camp is beyond
the ability of most troops, but not beyond the ability of Councils.

Michael Smith
Committee Chairman, Pack 160, Herndon, VA
msmith@plansys.com

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