Options after turning 18

[SWdenleader]

 We have a scout turning 18 at the very beginning of the senior year. On that date, membership in the troop is complete (I believe). However, the youth is still interested in participating in Scouting, to include OA activities for that last year. I'm looking at options; I've heard Sea Scouts and Venture Scouts go past 18, though I'm not aware of any groups in the area. I suppose I could look it up. Would rejoining the troop as an adult member be an option? What other possibilities are out there?

 Wondering if anyone has experience in this and what path they took.

Edited Sunday at 06:07 PM by SWdenleader

[MikeS72]

Yes, remaining with the troop as an ASM is very definitely an option.  They would fill out an adult application and take Safeguarding Youth Training.  There is also the option of finding (or starting) as Ship or Crew; just look at beascout.org for units in your area.

There is also a new option available if they are not interested in either of those choices.  Depending on the individual and their maturity level an 18-year-old may now be a Commissioner.

 

[Eagle94-A1]

4 hours ago, MikeS72 said:

There is also a new option available if they are not interested in either of those choices.  Depending on the individual and their maturity level an 18-year-old may now be a Commissioner.

Would not recommend. As an active RT member and on the district and council training staff as an 18-20 YO ASM, and as a 21- 24 YO OA chapter adviser, many adults viewed my age in a negative light. I had been ignored, told I don't know what I am doing or talking about, and even cursed out at. All because of my age. What helped was 3 adults who saw the value in my opinions. I could say something and be completely ignored. They said the exact same thing, and it was brilliant.

ASM is the way to go. They adults know them, the youth know and respect them. And they probably have more influence over the Scouts than the other adults.

[Jameson76]

3 hours ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

ASM is the way to go. They adults know them, the youth know and respect them. And they probably have more influence over the Scouts than the other adults.

Only caution is the YPT or whatever they call it now.  If they are active and still in high school "technically" they would not be able to say give a ride home from school for a friend under 18 who happens to be in the troop or in any troop.  That would violate the 1 on 1 deal.  Not saying it's logical, but not sure what the solution may be.

[skeptic]

While we cannot generally return to the past without considerable adjustment, this may be one place where bringing our short lived Rover program back might be smart.  During its short life, it kept many of the "betweeners" involved.  Just a thought.  Rovers, in various formats thrive in the larger world.  

 

[Tron]

The answer might be Cataylst. It was announced as going forward at the NAM and is designed to maintain engagement for 18 to 35 yr olds.

[MikeS72]

9 hours ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

Would not recommend. As an active RT member and on the district and council training staff as an 18-20 YO ASM, and as a 21- 24 YO OA chapter adviser, many adults viewed my age in a negative light. I had been ignored, told I don't know what I am doing or talking about, and even cursed out at. All because of my age. What helped was 3 adults who saw the value in my opinions. I could say something and be completely ignored. They said the exact same thing, and it was brilliant.

ASM is the way to go. They adults know them, the youth know and respect them. And they probably have more influence over the Scouts than the other adults.

I would agree that there are many 18 - 20-year-olds who would not make a good Commissioner simply because some adults cannot accept that someone younger than them is more knowledgeable than they are.  I currently cannot think of anyone in my district that I would recruit to be a Commissioner, however there are several in that age range on my council summer camp staff that would do an outstanding job.  They are such a presence in their districts that everyone knows and respects them.  Not for everyone, but an option for those exceptional young men.

 

6 hours ago, Jameson76 said:

Only caution is the YPT or whatever they call it now.  If they are active and still in high school "technically" they would not be able to say give a ride home from school for a friend under 18 who happens to be in the troop or in any troop.  That would violate the 1 on 1 deal.  Not saying it's logical, but not sure what the solution may be.

I was part of a national webinar for Crews and Posts a few months ago and this was brought up.  The gist of the reply from the person responsible for SYT was that this is being looked at, as it causes us to lose a lot of experienced 18-year-olds, and it is generally ignored anyway.