Re: "Ownership" of Scouts
Marc Solomon (msolomon@TEK1.TEKNIQ.COM)
Thu, 28 Mar 1996 10:35:16 -0600
PABLO_MANUEL wrote:
>
> I've noted a troubling trend out there that some Troops feel they "own"
> and are "owed" any Webelos that graduate from their traditional feeder
> pack.
>
> I find this attitude inexplicable. Remember, "build it, and they will
> come"? I thought our obligation was to construct a program that boys
> will enjoy, and therefore join.
>
> I'd like to suggest that we re-emphasize "what we can do for you" instead
> of "what you can do for us."
>
> Am I alone, here?
Definitely NOT, Manuel! You are correct in reminding Scouters that there
is no obligation by any Webelos to go into any particular Troop. It is each
Webelos Scouts perogative to select a troop that will be best for him.
A few years ago, I was asked by the SM of my troop to recruit Webelos into
the troop. I called all the Webelos leaders in the village and asked them
if I could arrange a meeting with their Webelos. We held a recruiting night
for our troop and for those dens that couldn't attend, I arranged to have
myself and a few Scouts from the troop go to their meeting.
At these meetings, I had a slide show depicting the activities of the troop
over the last few years and had the Scouts teach the Webelos a few things.
I also handed out to their parents in information pamphlet describing the
philosphy and methods used by the troop.
Over the next few months, I received a few angry messages from Scouters from
local troops. They were upset because I "stole" their Webelos! I explained
to these Scouters that the Webelos were not "theirs" and that all these
Webelos had in fact visited the troops in question and found ours
preferable.
That troop had an extremely active program (one Scout even complained that
we were TOO active). The program was created and even scheduled by the
Scouts themselves. There are usually a few changes the adults make to the
schedule but these are very few. The Committee and the SM and his
assistants are just there to provide safety and planning behind the schedule
the Scouts have decided upon. The program is THEIRS not ours!
THAT is why I was successful in recruiting Webelos into that troop. I just
told the facts to the Webelos and their parents and THEY made the decision.
I am not a theif, I just had a better product (the program) to sell than my
competitors did.
--
YiS,
Marc W. Solomon Unit Commissioner
msolomon@tekniq.com Sycamore District
marcsol@aol.com Blackhawk Council, IL
I use to be a wise old owl . . . Now I am just old
P.S. I have been informed that my previous postings had line lengths that
were too long. I hope I have corrected that.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
