From: Anthony Mako (ajmako@NLS.NET)
Date: Mon Jan 03 2000 - 07:40:46 CST
<Anthony Swantek wrote>
Would the following be considered "Service Projects" or "Service" to the
community/church?
1.) A freshman in High School still works as an "Altar Server" at his
church. It is not required, he just likes to do it!
</Anthony>
The question I would ask is whether or not the church NEEDS servers. Do they
have a shortage? If so, I would count this as service hours. If they don't
have a shortage of servers, perhaps the Scout could help train the newer
servers.
<Anthony continued>
2.) Singing in the church choir. (rehearsal and performance about 3 hours
each week)
</Anthony>
I wouldn't consider this service. Not at first, anyway. If, on the other
hand, the Scout could convince me that it is, I would be glad to count it.
<Anthony continued>
3.) Performing in the church sponsored musical production. This is a
fundraiser for the parish and none of the performers are paid)
</Anthony>
At first glance, this would seem to be the least like community service. It
is, however, much more like the type of activity we should be looking for
than the others.
There are basically three criteria to consider for any service project: 1)
there must be a need; 2) it must benefit the community (parish,
neighborhood, etc.); 3) it must not involve payment for services. Using
those criteria, a case can be made for all three of your suggestions
depending on the need (all three meet the last two criteria easily, the
first criteria is the deciding point).
In any case, the Scout should be encouraged to find ways to turn these
activities into real service to the community (or church). As an experienced
Alter server, he could help recruit and train new servers. As a member of
the church choir, he could suggest a trip to a local hospital or nursing
home to sing.
One final word about "Leadership service projects shall be meaningful
service not normally expected of a Scout as a part of his school, religious,
or community activities." It's important NOT to read this statement as
"above and beyond what is expected." There's a difference between doing
something you're not expected to do and doing something "above and beyond"
what is expected. When we visit a local park, we're not expected to seek out
and remove every piece of litter, but most of us will pick up any trash we
come across - that's doing something we're not expected to do. We are
expected to clean up after ourselves, not remove all trace of our visit -
that's above and beyond. This is a semantic argument, I know, but it's
important to cultivate the right attitude and motivation.
YIS
AJ Mako, Scoutmaster, Troop 381 http://www.scouts381.org/
ajmako@nls.net
Great Trail Council, Old Portage District
