Re: Excess Scout Energy
golden cliff (c60clg1@CORN.CSO.NIU.EDU)
Mon, 1 Apr 1996 12:23:42 -0600
I have seen cases where Scouts from other troops were running wild and
uncontrolled around a camporee at all hours of the night. All Scoutmasters
must realize that they are responsible for the conduct and safety of their
Scouts at all times.
It is a personal rule with me, I am always the last person to go to bed
at night. I don't go to bed until every Scout is in bed and accounted
for. I also wait until they are marginally calmed down (younger boys).
I enjoy quiet time at the end of each day after everyone is in bed. I
enjoy gazing at the stars, reflecting on the days activities, considering
tomorrow's challenges, or waiting to make sure my bladder is completely
empty (I dislike "calls of nature" in the middle of the night).
BTW, the previous items are not listed in priority order.
I make it known to my Scouts that "hazing" or "initiations" are not done
in our troop. I explain that I am responsible for every Scout, and each
Scout in the troop I consider a personal friend, don't mess with any of
my friends.
Each person is responsible for his own actions, as Scoutmaster I am
responsible for my own actions plus everyone else's in the troop. If I
cannot accept responsibility for a Scout (due to previous problems), he
doesn't do activities with me. I'll work with a Scout as long as he works
with me, but I have a limit. I only work with Scouts I can take
responsibility for and trust. The boys understand that. I've only had
three boys I've refused out of hundreds I've worked with.
I work to make "no hazing" not only my policy, but also the policy of my
older Scouts. They understand it just isn't done. We don't do that here.
If the boys know you are serious about it, they will respect it. If you
talk about what hazing "you" did in the "old days", you're setting yourself
up by giving them your bad examples. If you think that hazing is cute,
get out of Scouting and find a new hobby or interest.
There are hundreds of ways boys can have fun in a positive manner. Make
your program fun and adventureous. If the boys are having a great time
doing positive things, they won't have the time or the need to find these
"negative fun" activities.
YIS, Cliff Golden cgolden@niu.edu First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL
Scoutmaster Troop 33 Three Fires Council BSA
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
