apothecus

After reading all the responses, there are obviously differing opinions on how to best proceed with this Scout. I do appreciate all of the advice. I plan to meet with the Scout to find out more details on his personal goals and what I can do to help support him. I am going to make sure we will put him in a position to lead and mentor the younger scouts and benefit the troop (just added another dollar to the jar, Kudu). Right now, I am leaning towards having him spend some time as a troop (there’s another buck) guide before considering JASM.

The JASM was the scout's suggestion. My initial thought was for him to be a guide or instructor. I told him I wanted to give his suggestion some consideration before giving him an answer. I want the boys to choose their PL rather than having him fulfill that role. With a young troop, it would be great to have an older, experienced Scout in the mix. I just need to find a role for him that will keep him interested, engaged, and challenged (I don't think PL will do that) but also help me with developing a new troop and mentoring these young scouts.

This is my first "real" post in the forums so if it is in the wrong place, please let me know and I will repost in a different section. In April, I will be starting up a new Boy Scout Troop. I will have 11 boys, none with more than 1 year experience as a Boy Scout. I have been approached by a young man who will turn 16 in April who asked about joining the troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is an Eagle Scout who has previously been a SPL in his troop. He has been attending a troop out of town for the last 5 years as he wanted to be in a faith based troop (only troop in town prior to mine has been more secular in nature). Due to issues with travel, he wants to try out a troop closer to home. I know this young man’s family, and he is a good kid with strong moral character. That being said, I have no problem having him in the troop. I am just curious about everyone’s experience with having a JASM. What are the pros and cons you have seen with this position? I have read differing opinions but thought I would ask the group.

I'm currently starting a new church CO troop. You will need patience! I've been at it for almost a year now, but I now have my five Webelos cross-overs and the adventure begins! Even though I am starting from square one with new Webelos boys, it's very important to remember, they are not Cub Scouts, they are Boy Scouts! Get all the training you can get so you are very clear on the differences. I have 30 years of Boy/Cub/Venturing experience and I'm still learning as I go.

 

You are about to embark on a really neat adventure that a lot of Scouters never get. Picking up the reins of someone else's efforts is one thing, but being the first to pick up the reins is a daunting challenge. No place to go but UP! and no one whispering in your ear, "We've never done it that way before". No history, no traditions, nothing but what you and the boys can imagine to do. Train them up to FC and hit the trail!~

 

Stosh

This sounds a lot like my situation. I'll have my 6 Webelos + 5 other young men when my new troop starts in 2 months. None of them will have more than 1 year experience as a Boy Scout. I am looking forward to quickly instituting the patrol method and empowering them to run their Scouting program.

Thanks to all for the advice and the warm welcome.

I am a Webelos den leader for a Cub Scout pack and have been asked to be the Scoutmaster of a new troop chartered by my church. I have been checking out the forums and already found a lot of information that will be very helpful. I look forward to participating in the forums.