new scouts patrol
(no name) ((no email))
Tue, 11 Jun 1996 14:31:22 PDT
Since I never introduced myself earlier: My son just wanted to be a cub
scout... I have served four years as Committee Chair and Assistant Den Leader.
All the scouts in our den completed the entire four years and only one did
not continue to Boy Scouts. I also had a Tiger Cub who ever so proudly became
a Cub Scout earlier this month. I only have how many years to go? Anyways, I
have been quite involved in the Pack and will also become involved in the
troop. I have had a wonderful and busy four years.
Here's the reason I am writing.
In February, our Pack graduated 20 Webelos, 19 of which went on -- all to the
same troop. When they joined the troop two new patrols were formed and each
patrol was assigned an older scout to serve as patrol leader. That lasted 3
months. Last night they held elections. Here is where the problem comes in.
After four years of these scouts having a leader present at all times, now
they are totally on their own. I fully understand that this is a learning
experience for them (I've seen them attempt to cook at campouts and do stay
out of their way). However, I am wondering if it wouldn't be appropriate to
have a leader observe the new patrols for awhile. (There are plenty of
leaders available). During the elections, one of the boys who did not have
any votes started bad mouthing my son who had half the votes. My son is very
timid and was badly hurt by this "friend". The scouts changed their votes and
my son left the meeting. I did explain to him that he should have stayed and
told his friend that those comments hurt, were not true, and it was not good
scout behavior. He was too upset and humiliated to do this. I explained that
the other boys should actually been more impressed with his ability to handle
the situation rather than be laughed at as a crybaby - he lost points with the
boys by leaving. (BTW, although I'm his mother, I personally don't think he
was ready for Patrol Leader but, of course, didn't tell him that.)
Anyways, just looking for an opinion on helping the boys understand this whole
new situation they have been thrown into. When your involved, you know what
to do. You can see the floundering in the new scouts' faces -- Where do I go?
What do I do? Nobody told them they had to go the Awards person after they
finished their scout rank if they ever wanted the award. They assumed since
the Scoutmaster signed off, it was a done deal..... until after four weeks and
they still had not been recognized.
The troop is great overall, but I'm just wondering if the new scouts should
have at least 3-6 months of observation with just a little input from leaders?
I don't have a problem with letting them flounder and make mistakes and eat
terrible looking pancakes after they have somewhat of a clue.!
YIS,
Sandy Whiteside
Costa Mesa, CA
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
