From: Mike Doherty (CubScoutsDen3@AOL.COM)
Date: Wed Jan 19 2000 - 09:02:06 CST
First let me say Hi to all, My name is Mike, from Somers Point New Jersey, I
am a first year Cub Scout Den Leader and have what one would call first year
blues...
A parent came up to me about three weeks ago ripping how the scouts were no
fun for her son and that her husband thought I was a *beep* because I never
game him the time at the Den meetings to talk to him. Blasted me because a
Den Outing was shorter then it should have been, all in all just ripped me up
and down.
Now, since then I have done a major overhaul of what I was doing, tried to
make it more interesting for the kids, more discipline (which we were
lacking) and a more structured meeting. And I asked parents for donations
for our den box and suggestions for outings and even offered them if they
wanted to to have them do a craft with the boys.
Now the meetings have gotten better, the parents are still not actively
participating in the Den, I have published a newsletter every month for the
parents and kids to keep them updated, and tried to put some time at the end
to talk with each parent.
The problem I am having is, I am feeling this is just a dead end project, not
that its not worth the time (it is, its for the kids) but critisizm is ok,
but stab me in the back with one hand as long as you help me with the other,
not walk away.
Anyone have any suggestions on trying to get my confidence back, and to make
this more enjoyable for the parents and get them involved, the kids seem to
have a great time, I am at a loss....
**Mike
