Re: Award for Starting a Troop
ALICERAE@AOL.COM
Wed, 30 Dec 1998 15:42:14 -0500 (EST)
Many of these postings seem to be centered on the adult getting "a pin" or
something to wear to show everyone what they have done. Isn't the best form
of recognition the unit and how it progresses through the years?
Okay, I'll brag, too. Three years ago, I was asked to leave my 2-year
position as an ASM and become the SM for the local Elks Lodge who wanted to
sponsor a boy scout troop. Okay. We started with 4 boys and within 2 years
were up to 24. I had 2 ASMs and 9 committee members with a very active parent
base. Last year (Oct. 97) I was asked once again if I would be interested in
starting another new troop and I went for it. Some of the boys did not get
along and were considering leaving the troop, so I took 5 boys and started a
new troop sponsored by the local Kiwanis club. We have been going for over 1
year now and are up to 11 boys with 5 Webelos bridging in Feb.
I don't need any patch or pin to help me feel comforted by my efforts. Just
seeing the units progress, grow and continue with newly-formed traditions is a
great feeling. Just knowing that I had some influence in the life of these
boys is the best recognition you can get -- who needs a pin?
I know that it is important to recognize adults for their efforts, but isnt'
this carrying things a bit too far? Let's remember why we are here!
Alice Rae
SM, Troop 26
Napa, CA
