From: Jim Peterson (kupete@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU)
Date: Thu Jan 27 2000 - 09:40:38 CST
Let me echo both Jim Miller's and Jim Sleezer's advice about not having the
Webelos Den Leader work with the new patrols. There are lots of good
reasons but here are a few:
1. New adult leaders need some time to "observe" the WHOLE program in
operation. It's very important for a new leader to work with some second,
third and fourth-year scouts so s/he can see where the program is taking
the boys. I've had many new leaders thank me for "not letting" them work
with their son's patrol or their former Webelos den after a year of working
in another area of troop operations.
2. The scouts in a patrol can certainly be mentored by the ASM for New
Scouts but the primary contact should be with the older boys as Patrol
Guides and then with their Patrol Leader.
3. The scouts get the idea real quick that they can run home to their
former leader to "fix" things.....they have to work out problems first in
their patrol and then with the SPL and the PLC. We get real "frank" with
mom/father/leaders who try to solve problems for their sons or former den
members.
4. Now in our district, we try to encourage the 2nd year WDLs to take
Scoutmaster Fundamentals training. But if they didn't, frankly, we don't
want the adult working very closely with the boys.....they just don't have
the "big picture" necessary to make decisions. As a side note, if leaders
don't have SM Fundamentals training within a year, they don't camp with the
troop. (flame suit on....been there!):-)
BLUE SKIES!, Any day above ground is a good day!
Jim Peterson
BS RT Comm, Pelathe Dist
Heart of America Council Eagle Class of 1963
ASM, T-55, Lawrence, Kansas Brotherhood, Tamegonit Lodge
email: kupete@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu Mic-O-Say: HW "Shieldmaker"
