Re: Summer Camp Adult Leadership RE: [Fwd: Summer Camp Adult
Jim (pinewood@MAGICNET.NET)
Thu, 29 Jul 1999 19:27:14 -0400
.......posted on behalf of Mr. Frank Piccione, SM T225:
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A couple of items not addressed that would impact response:
1. who paid the fee for all those added adults? For the most
part,
camps charge extra for adults exceeding a 1/10 ratio. If the adults are
paying their own way, the response is different than if the fee for
extra
adults is made as a surcharge on the boys fees.
2. when did the "extra" - both full and part-time - adults
advise
of their planned attendance and schedule.
In our case I start working from a baseline of the number of adults
required
to "properly" supervise the youth attending the camp. For the out of
state
activity this year, I factored in possible airline problems, driving
requirements, camp support, youth support, etc in determining the
number.
>From that number (in this case 4) I started back in January asking the
ASMs
which of the camps they wanted to attend/support. Once I hit the magic
number, I continued to check, but it was with the understanding that the
fees (if any) and airfare would be paid by the individual.
On the Europe trip (back in 1997) I had more than I needed. That
presents a
problem from the standpoint of taking time from doing the youth
support/encouragement/supervision/etc. in order to deal with the adults.
That's a bad thing. We're there for the boys and THAT is where our time
should be spent. Next time there will be a limit on the number of
adults,
based on a boy/adult ratio, with a prioritization based on position
(ASMs
first, Troop Committee second, "interested parent" third).
It would be possible that individuals from the troop committee would be
selected before all the ASMs, based on the needs of the troop. While
many of
these criteria can be explicitly stated there is one that becomes a
matter
of SM judgement - the individual's ability to be "trusted" to be a team
member and positive contributor in the specific environment/activity
being
performed.
I have actually eliminated myself from leadership of specific events
because
of the last item (Minnesota High Adventure trip) because there were
other
members of the Troop leadership that I felt had stronger/better skills,
given
the nature of the event, and would provide better leadership.
Subjective, yes.
Necessary for the well being of the boys, again yes.
In terms of explanation of this to the adults not selected. I try to
keep
it as simple as possible. There were more than I needed, I looked at
the
relative capabilities of everyone, made the selection. I generally
don't go
into great detail, though sometimes the selection process causes me to
recognize areas where "mentoring" of specific individuals in the
leadership
cadre is needed.
My two cents.
Franco Piccione
Scoutmaster
BSA Troop 225
