Re: HELP !!
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Tue, 30 Jan 1996 14:25:24 -0700
Kevin:
you have a tough situation, and there are no easy solutions. But it
sounds like the quality of the existing troop program, leadership and
activity is just about "bottomed out." So drastic measures are in
order. It is really important to talk with each Scout individually if
possible, to find out what they really think is important to them and
what they would really like to do if they could have any opportunity in
Scouting. Their answers may surprise you (they may have already) but it
is interesting that if you treat Scouts as colleagues, and respect them,
they will rise to the occasion and give you some very mature and
insightful answers, which you may find very helpful in keeping them as a
part of the organization. If they feel like they have the "ownership"
and respect of others in the program, and that they are contributing
meaningfully to the organization, they might not only stay, but provide
you with some very good leadership for your younger Scouts. If you can
"spark their creative juices" by taking them as a group out for pizza,
and/or a movie, rec center or something fun that they decide on,
then brainstorming with them about ideas that they can plan and carry
out, you may develop a very dedicated following. If you serve as a
role-model or mentor for them, and have fun with them, it can be a great
experience for you all.
Sometimes it
helps to offer a "menu" of possible activities which may spark their
interest, but let them choose them, and then be accountable for their
conduct. They may fail, but they will certainly learn more from that
experience, and later appreciate the learning gained from the failures,
far more than if they were "handed" a program which they did not have any
say or involvement in. I have found more and more through the years that
Baden-Powell and Ernest Thompson-Seton really had a remarkable insight
about Scouts, and one of the "biggies" was giving them trust,
responsibility, and accountability, and most of all abiding respect and
encouragement to "dare and achieve greatly."
Best wishes...Bob Amick, Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72,
Boulder, CO
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
