excited about camp

I had to share this because I know you guys will get it. My son is an older scout (junior in HS) who went to summer camp with his troop for 4 years. Because of repeated experiences with a few boys behaving (very) badly and a distaste for a week of adult-led nonsense for several years running, he kind of burned out on camp and wanted nothing to do with it for the last couple of years. I gave up pushing the issue.

Fast forward - over the weekend he told me all about how he wants to go to camp!!!

What changed - new troop, new patrol (real patrol). All the guys in his patrol are going and he said it sounded like too much fun to miss.

I'm so happy that he's excited about camp again.

Excellent news, Lisabob. It's amazing how resilient our young folks are, and how big a difference a properly run BSA unit can make!

That is an amazing turn-around, especially after staying away from camp for a couple of years. I'm glad that he found a good troop and patrol in which he can experience the great times Scout camp can offer!

I'm really happy that it looks like your Lad has found his nook.

I have at times marveled in how when we all use the same materials and attend the same training's that things can be so different from one Troop to an other.

This isn't always a bad thing.

The Troop that OJ was in, up until he aged out had its own way of doing things. A lot different than I would have done them.

His SM was (and still is!) A very nice fellow. Served for a very long time until his wife passed away.

The Troop was very much about him and the way he thought that things should be done. Advancement ruled (At times with his interpretation of the requirements.)No such thing as a PLC or in put from the youth members. He decided and informed parents that the Troop only wore uniforms from the waist up.

He picked who sat on the Troop Committee. (HWMBO was a Committee Member on paper for a number of years and never attended a meeting.) His idea of Scouting seemed to be about attending summer camp (Same week, same site, same camp) and anyone who was still around after the age of about 14 making Eagle.

For all of his faults, he had a knack of getting along well with adults. The parents seemed to really like this guy. This was apparent by the number who would attend summer camp with the Troop, sometimes there were 36 Scouts and over 20 adults attending summer camp.

OJ, at times did get very frustrated. He'd served on JLTC staff and never really got to put into practice the stuff he picked up there.

I think in the end he knew that he liked the SM, because he was a nice man but used the Troop as a place to "Hang his hat" while he did the stuff that he wanted to do with the OA. and Camp Staff.

The guy who replaced OJ's SM. Is very different. Into doing things a lot more by the book and the way that most people would say things should be done.

But the parents don't seem to like him and the boys don't like him.

The Troop is now on the ropes and I'm worried that it isn't going to be around for much longer.

I have never had any problem with the fellow, but he just seems to have a way of rubbing people up he wrong way.

I like to think that I'm good with kids (And dogs!)But much as I hate to admit it there have been Scouts who just didn't get along with me.

Talking with Scouts who are now adults who did stick it out and didn't quit, they tell me that there were times when they felt I wasn't being fair and came across as being a little too pushy.

They say that they would have quit if it hadn't been for the fact that their friends and pals were in the Troop and that even with me around they were having fun.

They go on to say that after a while, other than the odd flare up when they wanted to punch my lights out! They sorta got used to what was going on and even if they didn't agree with what this was, they respected the time and effort I was putting in.

I know that at times I can be a real pain, but the fact that these old Scouts are still in contact with me, some of them from over 30 years back! Makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I'm even the God Father for a couple of their kids.

Scouts and Scouting for me is all about relationships.

I've seen Scouts remain in what I think is a terrible Troop which seems to offer nothing of any use. I really don't know why they just don't leave? I can only think it has something to do with relationships.

Good luck to your son, I'm sure that his pals and him will have a great summer.

Ea.

If he wants to have fun at summer camp, he should apply for camp staff.

Nah, he isn't interested in staffing. Too many other things going on with his summer. (I spent many years on camp staffs though, and I had a blast, so I understand where you are coming from - but for the moment I'm just happy he wants to go to scout camp again)

So very cool, Lisa

Here's to him and his patrol having a weeklong blast!