lrsap

This is similar to something I posted on another thread, but it applies here.

Scouting is a program that is meant to strengthen the family. If not, there wouldn't be the achievements (Various Heritages and Family Member types) involved. If you have a little voice inside telling you it doesn't seem right, that it would be choosing Scouting OVER family, listen to the little voice. (OK, maybe not thoooose little voices inside ).

Another thought would be about the Scouts themselves. It may not be fair to them to have an SM that feels guilty for being there.

I am my son's W2 DL, and from the sound of it you are just like I was four years ago. I was totally new to scouting when I signed on as my son's Tiger DL.

One thing I would warn you of that was not specifically addressed is the danger of over-committing. Since I have been a Scouter I love the program, the ideals, everything. But early on the love of what I was doing lead me to saying yes to EVERYTHING that was offered. The worst piece of advice I ever received as Scouter was the Spring of my son's Tiger year. "Sure, you can be a Wolf Den Leader and a Cubmaster at the same time." I was just too new to realize how bad that advice was.

Some people have more capacity to volunteer than others, and I would never dare assume anyone's other than mine or infer that someone is not "volunteering enough". The time a Scouter gives to scouting is a gift. If you love what you do, no matter the load, I say go for it. But if you are doing so much that the load feels like the stress of a job, there is your hint you may be taking on too much. Another good indicator is your family time. Scouting, ESPECIALLY Cub Scouts, is a program designed to strengthen the family. If you start to feel your Scouter duties are taking too much time AWAY from your family, listen to that voice inside telling you so. It's probably right.

Hi there. I am a WDL who has been in scouting as long as my W2 son has. Funny, during the school night when I signed him up, I innocently asked, "So, who is the Tiger Cub Den Leader?" What's most amazing is the parents who I had known for about 15 minutes saying, "You would be great!!"

I'm a Good Ol' Beaver from SR-729, and looking forward to the next adventure as my son and I cross over in Spring of 2010. Of course, as my thread "Starting a new troop?" in the Open Forums reads, I have a few important decisions to make.

Anyway, this place is great, and it's kind of scary how long one can sit reading the threads. See you along the trail!!

Sean

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the responses I have received. I just found this site, and it's scary how long a person can spend just reading different threads.

As to some of the replies:

Yes, there are two other existing units in my area. One is perfect, everything I would want my son's troop to be. And if I ended up being SM of a new troop, this would be my model.And the SM, a great guy, would fill my need for a mentor. Problem is, they limit their roster, and there would only be 1 or 2 openings when my son crossed. They believe in providing an excellent program for a smaller group instead of the "We have 78 scouts on our roster" but only 20 at the meeting type of troop. Because of this, the group I have had since TC would be broken up, and I feel some would drop out if they split from their friends. I know as a father it should be my son first, above all others. But I wouldn't be able to shake the feeling of turning my back on the other boys and their parents, who have also become good friends, just because my son got into the "good troop".

The other troop is a well established, boy led, but a bit unorganized unit. At this troop, the SM is looking for a replacement. He deserves it, he has been a dedicated SM for almost 20 yrs. He would like for me to bring my guys in, show me the ropes for a few years, and then have me take over. The problem here is that I have some personal issues (not heavy, just not the most agreeable people)with a few of the parents that are already involved, and I could see some head-butting in the future. Another thing is the CC will need to be replaced soon, so I don't know where that is heading. The biggest question is, in two years do I get to run the troop as I see fit, or is it a "We do it this way" atmosphere.

The appeal of the new unit is the CO feels like home, the freedom to do it right the first time, and my Web parents are into the idea. The problems are, it's a new unit and I'm a new SM.

Sorry to ramble on about my troubles like this, I'm normally more fun. And I'm not sure this place is meant to be my whining post.

But thanks just the same for everything. ANY help or suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Confused Beaver

SR-729

I am my son's Web 2 DL, and have been his DL since Tiger Cubs. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and look forward to the next step. I have been presented with a chance to start a brand new troop with what would be a dedicated Chart Org I truly believe in. I feel at least 4 boys from my current den would join, with the rest joining other troops. My problems are:

1) Being asked to be SM is quite an honor, but I was never a scout myself. I have an awareness of the BS program, but not many knowledge of the details or how a troop is run. How does one start a new troop as an inexperienced SM and provide a quality program from day one?

2) Can I even operate a boy-led troop if it is starting with 4 - 6 freshly-crossed over 11 year-olds?

If I went this route the troop would be starting around March or April of 2010. Any ideas would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

G.O.B.

SR-729