Re: Attitudes (Final Diatribe of the Evening)
Barry Runnels (barry_c_runnels@MMACMAIL.JCCBI.GOV)
Fri, 6 Feb 1998 09:36:11 -0600
>I have also been to many a committee/parents meeting and been told that I
>ask too much from my Scouts. To those parents I simply explain that
>Scouting is all about challenge. Our purpose is to build character in
>their sons by setting up challenges and helping them to meet them. No
>Scouter can build character in a Scout if he does all the work. In a like
>manner, no boy will ever grow into the kind of man everyone wants him to
>be if he never has to work for anything. When I was a boy, and a Scout, I
>did most of the things a Scout does. I did my share of complaining. I did
>my share of skating (US Navy term for do nothing while looking like you're
>doing something). I also learned very quickly that no one was going to do
>everything for me.
Wow, the Scouts in your Troop are they luckiest Scouts in your area. I hear
it said that only 3% of Scout become Eagles. I think only 3% of Scout
leaders have the heart you just showed me. I learned a lot from your post.
We have the same problems in our Troop but let me pass on something that
happen this week. Last week we had SPL elections and a 13 year old beat two
14 year olds that are much more qualified than the 13 year. The father of
one of the 14 years old approached me this week to give me some ideas on
how we can make sure qualified Scouts get the SPL position. I didn't
understand at first why he was telling me this but as I listened, I noticed
that he was shaking. His voice didn't show it but looking in his eyes, I
could see he was very up set. I realized then he wasn't so concerned about
getting qualified SPLs as he was upset his son didn't get elected.
I have gotten pretty close to his son and I know that although he wanted
the SPL job, he wasn't near as upset as dad. His son is about 6 months from
Eagle and his dad has pushed him the whole way. Three years ago we were
sending this boy home for really bad behavior. Last year he informed us
that he was only 6 months away form getting his Eagle because he just about
had all his MBs. His dads goal was a 13 year old Eagle. Problem is that we
are a Troop that is more concerned about character and Scout Spirit than
young Eagle. So we sat down with him and started explaining what an Eagle
was. How a true Eagle lives by the Scout oath and law because it is in his
heart, not his resume. In the last year I have never seen a boy work so
hard to try and live up to those standards. A year ago all he talked about
was number of merit badges and getting SPL. Now he talks about how to help
the young boys and what he can do to help the Troop after Eagle (when ever
that happens). We are very fortunate to have this Scout in our Troop. He is
by no means a perfect kid and still has bad days but it is obvious to all
of us that has earned the honor of Eagle. I explained all that to his dad
when I realized what was going on. I really felt sorry for this parent
because his son is an Eagle and his dad doesn't even see it. His dad thinks
the Eagle sits on the pocket, not the heart.
Your parents may not realize it yet Anthony, but your Scouts are the
luckiest kids around when they are with you. Keep up the good work because
I have a lot to learn from Leaders like you.
BCR
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
