Re: Mandatory training

Ira wrote of his concern about training taking his time away from the
Scouts, which is a real concern that many share.

In answer, I would suggest that leaders who are not trained, frequently
make easily corrected mistakes over and over again, while they experience
a much longer learning process (some never learn on their own). The
result is that the boys are deprived of some of the program for a longer
time or forever, because the leader doesn't know the program. In
delivering the promise of Scouting, we want to deliver quality program
and that means leaders trained at least in the very basics. The time
away is well worth it in terms of benefits to the boys! Videos and
written materials are valuable, but its hard to learn as much from an
armchair as by getting out there and doing it. Look at it this way - we
have an outdoor program with Troops because getting out there and doing
it is the best way to teach. We certainly wouldn't sit still for
arm-chair Scouts, sitting around like couch potatoes and watching videos
and still call it Scouting for the boys would we? I hope not. No the
only successful way of doing it is get out there and do it. Yes we give
them written material and videos now days as resources, but the proof of
the pudding is in the lab work in the field. Now as leaders should it be
any different for us? Of course not. We are not that different - we
also learn much more by doing and interacting. That's why training is so
important. I can tell you that the weeks at National Camp School and
Wood Badge were far superior in results than much of the so-called
professional training I've seen on the job. It is time well spent and
the net result is a much improved program for the boys. The Scouts are
the ones who benefit when you and other leaders take time out for training.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

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