HELP !!

Greeting's Fellow Scouters.
I am about to solicit advice, so pay close
attention to my problem :)
about two months ago I was approached by a retiring SM and then later some
commissioner types. And asked if I would be interested in taking over this
SM's Troop. At first I was not too interested , My goodness you say not
interested why ever not!. Well to be honest I have seen this troop in action
every week for about six months { they meet at the same location and Time
that I have a Webelos Den meeting} I have never seen any of the boys in
uniform, even though they all own uniforms I know this because I have asked
all of them individually at different confrontations. Please do not take my
use of the word confrontation lightly. Why confrontations , simple they have
at every opportunity Disrupted my Den Meetings, Why would they do such a
thing you say. Well lack of effective leadership might possibly be the cause
but the problem comes down to the real estate. that both groups are
currently using. The prime location of all rooms available is the indoor
Basket Ball court. These individuals think nothing of grabbing a Basket Ball
and attempting a game even if it means having to dribble around the activity
that the Den assistants or myself are trying to conduct. If I remember to
lock all the Basket Balls away before they arrive , then Loud shouting and
giggling Slamming Doors and looks that would Kill usually surfice their
individual need for disruption. I might add that my Webelos Den is large ,
12 boys 50% of which are ADD. so outside disruption is something I try to
avoid at all cost.
Anyway enough History . what about the Future. Well
when word got out that I might take over this troop. which incidentally is
very small Five boys in all{ Ranks are second class and higher}. several
people contacted me and displayed interest in having their sons. move to
this troop if I became SM. we will also have 8-10 webelos crossing over from
our Pack this spring , the increased numbers would make for a good comeback
of this troop.
Now heres the real problem How do I keep the
existing Five ?. Its not the confrontations of the past that causes me
concern . I have had the opportunity to speak with three of these boys
recently and the impression I am getting is that they will all quit scouting
if I try to change the way they run the troop. Unfortunately I will have no
choice in this matter as the current main activity has been Basketball, This
is what they expect to do at every meeting, Play Basket ball .
When I asked each of them about Advancement and
Badge requirements they informed me that their parent s sign off the
requirements. Now am I wrong here ? I thought that parent involvement with
requirement signoff diminishes at Webelo rank I thought that was the Job of
merit counsellors in Scouts.
Well what do you think Guy's. I will probably except
the position. So how do I keep these boys. I know with time that I could re
kindle their interest in Scouts but I am pretty sure that I may not have
that opportunity.

YIS.
Kevin S. Smith { A Canadian Working in an Alien enviroment}
ACM Pack 234 . Cape Fear Counsil NC

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