Recently I have come across a couple of instances of rule making that have rubbed me the wrong way. You know what I am talking about – long lists of dos and don’t s with associated penalties and even a place for a signature. Basically a behavior contract. Rules and contracts can stifle the spirit […]
Understanding Scouts
Positive Peer Pressure
During a visit from a Webelos Den at our last Troop meeting one of my Scouts was available to speak with the parents of the visiting boys. We were in our second week of disabilities awareness merit badge; the older scouts were leading a discussion with our younger scouts about the badge. One of the […]
Instructional Methods for Scouts – Skill Teams
The skill team approach lends itself to the dual goals of instructing Scouts and training instructors. As an example here is an application of the method in familiarizing Scouts with ten native plants for the First Class requirement #6: First gather and identify ten plant samples (leaves, flowers, seeds, etc). Select a group of Scouts […]
Bullies in Scouting
Bullying is a tough nut to crack. Bullying behavior satisfies a bully’s needs on a primal, instinctual level; a level so basic that they often do not realize they are bullying. Bullies can’t necessarily be talked or shamed out of bullying, may not respond for long to regular disciplinary measures (denial of privileges or activities); […]
Measuring Tapes?
Measuring tapes are an essential tool for a carpenter; eight feet will always be ninety six inches. But measuring tapes are not indispensable and sometimes cause more problems than they solve. An experienced carpenter will tell you that they would prefer making a cut by holding a board in the place it belongs and marking […]
Teenage Brain
For most of us adolescence is a difficult, chaotic and confusing process. Whether we are going through it ourselves or watching it unfold in others relatively new research on adolescent brain growth sheds light on an otherwise mysterious set of circumstances. It is now understood that our brains undergo significant physical changes in adolescence that […]
Thorns and Roses
Dave Wortendyke, ASM of Troop 78 in Boulder, Colorado – Longs Peak Council — has to say about the value of “Thorns and Roses,” and how to do it… (from Ask Andy ) “While many Scout Troops/Venture Groups either attend National High Adventure Bases, or conduct their own long-term adventures, and almost all Scouts have […]
Helping Homesick Scouts Recover
Night falls on the first day at summer camp; the big opening campfire is over, the troop has returned to the campsite, the Scouts are preparing for taps. Just after we end the Patrol Leader’s Council a young scout, at camp for his first time, is wandering around the edge of a pool of lantern […]
Hazing
Haze \Haze\, v. t. 1. To harass by exacting unnecessary, disagreeable, or difficult work. 2. To harass or annoy by playing abusive or shameful tricks upon; to humiliate by practical jokes; — used esp. of college students; as, the sophomores hazed a freshman A Scoutmaster will do no greater service to his troop than to drive out every […]
