Some Training Notes
Cleaning out a few old boxes, I came across a small notebook from my trip to the Philmont Training Center in 2002. They have a great family program - adventures for all ages. And the Scouters get to spend a whole week in a terrific class. My class was on the ethics of scouting. We covered a lot of ground. If you can make the summer pilgrimage, it is well worth the trip.
Paging through the book, I find a few scattered thoughts that might be worth sharing.
What are the issues your kids are facing?
- Peer Pressure – don't want to be known as scouts
- Conflicts – work, women and wheels are the WWW that stop many boys from reaching Eagle
- Lack of parental guidance or support
- Parental over-involvement (or too much scouting pressure)
- Scouting as a punishment?
- Over scheduling
- Bullying
- Home life not consistent with scouting values
- Transportation
- Caught between divorced parents
- Lack of boundaries
- Finances & economics
- Wild expectations vs. reality
- Lack of friends at scouts
Reasons why it is important to do the right things.
- Society's rules (just like baseball)
- A lifestyle of ethical decisions will have long term positive consequences
- Setting an example for our kids
- Makes you happier and healthier
- Relationships and reputations are based on trust, and once lost are not easily regained
Are you your kid's hero? If not, why not? Who are your heroes, and what are their qualities?
Baden Powell called Scouting a game with a purpose.
Ask how each outdoor activity matches the oath and law. BEFORE the activity.
Troop meetings can focus on one point of the Scout Law.
In a Scoutmaster conference, ask how the scout has grown on specific law points.
Courts of Honor: save a list of meritorious conduct, or present awards for good character. You might have an oath or law coin as an award, nominated by the scouts.
Consider boards of review that are open to the public, including parents. Even a newspaper. Ask a scout if his has earned the rank. Spend a lot of time on the oath and law. Ask parents to come with a list of things that their son has done supporting the oath and law.
For Scoutmaster minutes, use an object and focus on current events. Focus on good things and heros. Give homework.
Sign up families instead of scouts. Get a family to help with court of honor refreshments, uniform exchange, etc.
Bring parent's letters to camp. I've brought blank postcards in the past, and given the boys an opportunity to write home on Monday night. You can get a temperature on the scouts before you mail them in the morning.
A few good books:
- Signs Up! A collection of scouting parables (Vick Vickery)
- Even Eagles Need a Push (David McNally)
- Leader Lore, the Book (Doug Brewer)