Re: Scout Problems
Sarah Jones (sacubs@DOVE.NET.AU)
Fri, 29 Nov 1996 07:23:42 +1030
G'day all,
One thing that my husband didnt tell you, is that we are both leaders in a
area where unemployment is often at 50% and youth unemployment is often higher.
often only one in 10 scouts will come from homes where they have both
parents and *a* income (a single income. I could count less than five in the
District who have two incomes). Some may have both parents, but no income.
But I would estimate 80% at the very least would have a signle parent and
are reliant on Welfare.
While I realize this is not indicative of all of scouting (heck, I grew up
and started my training in a area where it was the total opposite. Everyone
had 2 parents, even if one was a step parent in a few cases and the majority
had 2 incomes. If your mum didnt work in some way, (casual, part time or
whatever) then that was considered unussual)
It just means that you obviously deal with tose that you know you can deal
with. I actually thrive on the challenge of helping all Cubs, both good, bad
able bodyed and not so able bodyed. I am in it for *all Cubs* regardless of
race, creed, behaviour or physical problems.
I make time to talk with each cub at meetings. OK, 90 minuates and 15 cubs.
So what, I am there for all of them. if that means that I arrive at the hall
at 6:30pm and dont leave untill gone 9pm so what? I am doing what I belive I
need to do. I enjoy working with the Cubs. I should point out as well, that
I am the only leader in the pack, with a different parent helping me each week.
This is just me personally. I just cant stand the though of some child
suffering because someone didnt take the time to show a little interest. For
those who say "Oh, I am teacher and I get this everyday at school" fine,stay
there (before anyone says anything, my mother is a teacher and I have 3
Aunts who are teachers) then you may apprecitate the extra time I take to
help that particular child with reading or behaviour. I have even been
stoped by a child's teacher once, as on Cub cammp, I helped a child with
their reading. it imporved so much. OK, the Cub wanted to earn that badge,
we sat down and we worked through the reading. i refused to read it out
forhim. He wanted that badge, he was going to read the requirments. I gave
somehelp, but he was going to earn it. He got that badge and many others. He
had finnaly been given the extra time and understanding. Turns out the Child
not only needed glasses, but had dyslexia, as I myself had as a child. His
teacher then borrowed every scouting related book she could get and taught
the child to read with them. Even the badge books. The child is now in High
School and doing extreamly well. he is looking at doing engineering or
computing as a degree at Collage/University
The point is, as someone who had dyslexia at school, I needed a bit extra
help and often/didnt the teachers couldnt give me time I needed. So, if I
could helps someone else, fine. I am in scouting for *all* cubs, no matter
what of their physical, emotional, mental states. I work with the good and
the bad. I see each one as a differennt person needing some of my time,
which I gladly give them. After all, they are the future and mabye if we
take the bull by the horns, we will get that perfect world another poster
refered to in our lifetimes.
sarah Jones
Cub Scout Leader
Angle vale Scout group
Elizabeth District
South Autralia
Australia
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
