committee vs cubmaster or scoutmaster

I always enjoy reading Kim's post. Everything is so clear to her.
Kim could make millions teaching Cub Master courses around the country.

As a Cub Master I had the privilege to work with four CCs and all where
great. One of them taught me the values I now have in Scouting. I learned
from working with these folks and watching other Troops and Packs that the
difference between good Scouting units and great ones is a clear view of
direction.

Usually you will find great units have someone who has a goal or a vision
for the Scouts in that unit. Usually this person is a SM or a CM because
that's the natural slot for them but I know of several units where the
leader is the CC because they don't like the spot light on themselves so
they work with the CM or SM to achieve the goal or vision.

Sometimes Units will get two leaders who each have a different goal for the
unit. Many times in Packs one leader finally leaves and the other takes on
both positions. This happens a lot. These units tend to struggle when that
leader leaves. In Troops, one leader will leave but the other leader will
find someone who will work with him or hers ideas.

The problem most troubled units have though is they have no clear direction
or goal. These are the Packs and Troops that I see our DEs worry the most
about. Training will help them but you would be surprised how little these
units push it.

I picked all four of our CCs because I am generally lazy and I knew that I
was not good on the business side of the Pack. So I looked for that person
(most were type A people). I made sure the Den leaders job was easy and
that our program was fun for the Scouts. The CC made it possible for me to
do that and together we truly were the "Mighty" Pack in our District. It
wasn't always easy. Type A people are strange. They like to work.

I helped start a new Troop and we used the same philosophy building our
committee and our Troop is now one of the three most visited Troops by
Webelos in our District. (by the way, for Troops who have trouble getting
Webelos to visit, tell them you want to stay small, it brings them in by
the dozens).

There is a constant give and take by CMs, SMs and CCs. If there is
friction, someone has to give a little and many times there is no clear
direction to go but as I was taught by my first CC and experienced has
proved this true, most differences are easily solved when the Scouts are
put in the equation. Did you already say that Kim?

I love this Scouting Stuff

Barry Runnels
"Mighty" Pack 339
Troop 386
Edmond OK

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