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 sit in on patrol corner and keep order, guide the discussions and work on making all the kids more comfortable.

This forum is great.

"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. He's advancing quicker than the others and, while he's obviously a deer in the headlights about a lot of aspects of being a Boy Scout, he'll risk a lot to achieve his goals. He's a good kid and it would be easier if the other guys had each other's backs.

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 they need to present a scout skill at a troop meeting. The patrol leader asked for volunteers to present different elements of the skill. They all declined, so he assigned skills to teams of two boys. Last evening, in their patrol corner, he finds out no one has worked on the skill and they're all informing him they have no intention of working on their skills. As ASM, I briefly sat and explained how important teamwork is. The kids gave me a blank stare. Later, the patrol leader nearly burst into tears, saying no one wants to do anything. This was only one example. Attendance at campouts is spotty, personal responsibility is minimal, etc.

So, what kind of advice do you all have for motivating a patrol to listen to their patrol leader and to man up to the various tasks and responsibilities in scouting?

I am working with the patrol leader to advance his leadership skills. He's also 11 years old. But he can't lead if no one will follow.