Re: A potential problem
Steven G. Tyler (sgtyler@EROLS.COM)
Tue, 10 Mar 1998 12:56:08 -0500
Dave Loomis wrote' in part:
> Discuss it with your Unit Commissioner, District Commissioner, District
> Committee Chairman, District Executive, but be sure of your story. Get
> a couple of boys who will admit that they have been approached, and, if
> possible on or two defectors. It may be tough to prove, especially if
> the receiving troop denies any impropriety, and contradicts the stories
> of the boys, but the attention focused by your actions may make them
> think again.
>
> Secondly, check out your program and determine why scouts currently
> registered in your unit might want to change units.
Be careful about what's being done here. If Scouts IN YOUR UNIT are
being approached and recruited without their having first expressed an
interest in changing units, I agree there's an "impropriety" of sorts.
However, I read the post to be about Webelos who are "expected" to
bridge to the Troop, but had not yet done so, which is a very different
matter, IMHO.
Not to reignite an old thread, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with
a Troop recruiting from ANY Pack that's willing to be approached. Some
Scouters feel that they have a proprietary interest in "their" Webelos
(i.e., from the Pack with the same CO) and that any other Troop willing
to recruit them is "poaching."
My view is that recruiting by several Troops gives each Webelos the best
chance to find a Troop that works for him. It also keeps the Troops on
their toes, focused on making the best impression on the Webelos through
service to the Pack and offering opportunities for joint activities.
While this can of course be carried to extremes on both sides (like the
posting about the $100 equipment "nest egg" offered to Webelos who made
the "right" choice, for example), a little friendly competition and
interest in the Webelos is a very healthy thing, and should not be
discouraged.
--
YIS
Steve on Cattail Creek - sgtyler@erols.com <Steven G. Tyler>
Severna Park, MD, USA
"The Computer Counselor," Technology Consulting for the Law Office
Advancement Chair and de facto Webmaster, Troop 339,
Baltimore Area Council, BSA (http://members.aol.com/troop339/)
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
