Re: About the Boys [Semi Lon

Reply to: RE>About the Boys [Semi Long]
Dear Erik,

You asked what is the main reason for scouting and is it "To just have fun,
or to
help the boys grow?" I hold that is it both. To have fun while teaching
valuable lessons and tackling tough challenges.

I have several questions:

Did the boys choose which activities, merit badges and service projects that
are planned?
Have their specific interests been addressed (i.e. which merit badges)?
Do they have reasonable amounts of down time and free time?
What has been the level of involvement by the boys in the planning process?

I find nothing wrong with requiring the uniform, troop flag ceremony and the
usual cooking and cleaning at campsite. But it is summer for these boys and
they will need some "free" time or at least time they perceive as "fun".
Most teenagers are booked solid during the school year between school, music,
sports, church, scouts and family, they barely have time to breathe let alone
relax and just be boys (or young adults).

Ask them to design a schedule with the things they would do during a camping
trip. It is difficult often but start them off by agreeing that everyone
needs to eat three meals a day and that the cooking and clean up needs to be
done. Remind them they are scouts and need to wear their uniform and respect
for the flag is not to be neglected. Other than those requirements ask them
to fill in the day and see if you can't reach a compromise.

The age group you have is one of the toughest for maintaining the "scouting"
attitude. They are trying to define themselves as individuals and often
rebel at everything. The more they are involved in the planning the more
they will participate and be responsible for the outcome. I often find as an
adult it is hard to sit back and watch my girls (same age group) fall flat on
their collective faces because they didn't plan or aren't giving it 100%.
But when I try to prevent the error, they lose interest in participating.
Making mistakes is part of the game plan. They never make the same error
twice though.

A final note, maybe what you think is a challenge they see as boring? Let
them plan their own day and live and see if they like it the other way.

Good luck
Carmela
Cadette Troop Leader #3026

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