Benefits of Scouting

[sctmom 11]

I had a meeting with school staff this morning about my son (5th grader). He has some behavioral / emotional problems. It is becoming more and more obvious that he does not have many friends and does not communicate well with his peers. He is becoming more withdrawn and is socially behind others his age. The specialist was recommending things to get him more involved with his peers.

 

When I told them he was going to Boy Scouts and gave them a quick run down of what a "boy led" troop, they all said "that's Great! That's just what he needs. A chance to be around slightly older boys, that he MUST work with the other boys, and a chance to some times be the leader." Yep, that's why I have him there! I could take him camping. I could get him the books and teach him the "hard" skills (like cooking, camping, knot tying). It's all the OTHER stuff that is so important.

 

The GOOD peer pressure of a patrol / troop, learning to do what is best for the team, working with different people, setting goals, achieving, trying new things in a safe environment. The school people all perked up when I explained the chain of command of a good troop is through the BOYS, not straight to the adults. They feel this will benefit my son tremendously, he will not be able to just "avoid" the other kids like he does at school. He will have to find a way to get along with them, which will include changing some of his behaviors and habits. And they pointed out that in a year or so, he will not want to talk to adults and will need peers to turn to.

 

What does my son think he is going to scouting to do? To go camping, light fires, cook outside, whittle with his knife, and work on fun merit badges about chemistry, rockets, compass reading, cooking, golf, shooting, archery, etc.

 

As I once heard it called -- "a great conspiracy. The boys think they are there to have fun, but WE know they are learning."

 

[OldGreyEagle 5]

Geez Mom, dont say that so loud or "they" might find out they are learning and ruin all their fun!!!!

[ScouterPaul 11]

sctmom

I think your son is one lucky young man.

[ozemu 10]

You're dead right sctmom. I have had any number of boys with behavioural difficulties and have two currently in my Troop. Yes; what you say is what happens. I have only seen one outstanding change in over ten years as a leader yet I know that others have benefited. Scouting does contribute and looking around at Jamboree's etc there does seem to be a scout personality of sorts. A relaxed approach to where they fit in how they relate to others.

 

Trouble is that sometimes, and at present, I get some parents who find it difficult to tolerate the 'behavioural' kids. They don't realise that consistant adult boundary setting combines with the other boys example to effect a change. Slowly but surely. I suppose they are worried about the effect going the other way and disrupting their 'normal' child. It's a balancing act. Sometimes I feel like a voice in the wilderness when speaking in favour of these boys. It's nice to hear that it is appreciatted somewhere.

 

Thanks for your post.

 

PS I see the Troop structure using older boys as leaders as being vital to this. But you Americans have patrols where all the boys are one age. I can see some benefits but yet....