Adult Awards, Leader Knots

Paul Veltman,

After my first District awards dinner or two, I also felt like most of the
awards and recognitions were being given by District volunteers to
each other. I now feel very different. After a couple of more years
I've gotten to know most of the District volunteers. I now know that
they started out in the trenches like me as Den Leaders, Cubmasters,
Scoutmasters, and committee members. Many of them still are
very active at the unit level in addition to their District positions.
Many of us Scouters would like to see unit leaders be recognized
for their work with youth. A new person may perceive that "mere"
unit leaders are over looked at awards dinners. But the fact is those
receiving awards have as many years (if not more) as unit leaders
as the rest of us PLUS additional service at the District and Council
level.

If unit leaders in a particular unit or district are not receiving
appropriate recognition, then I suggest there are two problems.
First, the unit leadership must make sure their leaders are
recognized. I see it as part of my job as Cubmaster to make sure
the deserving Den Leaders in my Pack are rewarded at both the
Pack level and the District level. Second, long time unit leaders
and committee members need to attend District training, roundtables,
Pow Wow, and other functions. This benefits themselves and their
units with new knowledge. It also is a good way to become known
by other unit and District volunteers. After all, you can't be nominated
for an award if nobody knows you.

Peter Murphy
CM, Pack 125, Crossroads of America Council
murphyp@tcemail.indy.tce.com

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