T4AsstScoutmaster

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input. There's a lot of good food for thought here. This new patrol had been assigned a troop guide, but that boy hasn't attended events in a long while. The troop is undergoing a lot of changes and there are new ASMs (I'm one of them), so the SM, who is very capable, experienced and dedicated, has his hands full. I'm thinking it'll be helpful to have an ASM fill in as a guide and mentor for this patrol and have the PL focus on providing information to his patrol, coming up with duty rosters, encouraging advancement, etc. The ASM (well, me) can

"If the PL is on the verge of tears, he also needs some encouragement and serious bucking up. He may just need some coaching on the right phrases to say when confronted with recalcitrant Scouts." Agreed. What are some correct responses he could use? I've heard him use all kinds of approaches, like "I can't do this by myself", "We'll all take small pieces, so no one's doing too much", "this'll be fun" and, up to and including "If no one will help, then I'm quitting".

Kenk, that's a good observation. I think the PL is mostly embarrassed by the patrol's lack of participation. He's been trying to keep a lot of this from the SM and other leaders. He does tell his patrol if they don't perform, they'll look foolish. From a peer, that doesn't work. I have figured out that 11 year old boys are absolutely risk-averse. They do not want to try something for risk of failing. Instead, they'll choose to not participate, crack jokes and disrupt. Our SPL is a solid and commanding kid. He wouldn't have a problem stepping in. I feel for the patrol leader.

Greetings All! I've been lurking on the forum here for a couple of months. I'm a recent Asst Scoutmaster. We have a patrol comprised of new scouts; there are 5 boys, all in 6th Grade and crossed over about 7 months ago. They're as messy, confused and risk-adverse as any new scouts would be. I've been noticing, though, a recurring trend for the boys in the patrol to ignore their patrol leader. The patrol leader is a kid they've known for years from cub scouts. He's a good kid, very conscientious and new to leadership. Let me get specific. For a month the patrol has known th