Behavior, Discipline, Consequences

How does one control a group of Scout-aged boys? Boys are known as experts in mischief, subterfuge and misdirection.

Physically they lack the gray matter required to make mature decisions.

Rationality often looses out to the influence of hormones. They cannot calculate or analyze risk reliably. They will foolishly sacrifice a lot to gain a little approval from their peers.

Admirers of conformity and worshipers of non-conformity they struggle to learn just who they really are by trying all kinds of things.

Their sometimes coarse behavior is punctuated by moments of extraordinary sensitivity. Is the only answer iron handed constant vigilance? Why would anyone risk their tranquility on so high a probability of misbehavior and mayhem?

Because, given the instability of those things that influence their behavior, they are very predictable.

Scout aged boys are fiercely loyal and possess a strong sense of fairness.

Inwardly they appreciate boundaries even if they complain and resist outwardly. They respect consistency, deplore lecturers, have a lawyerly approach to rules and regulations and value honesty.

Scoutmasters who put themselves in the role of controlling and policing the behavior of his Scouts directly they have already lost the battle. This responsibility one for the Scouts.

I am not suggesting that we should be indifferent or permissive. We must familiarize the Scouts responsible for leading their Troop with prescribing and maintaining standards of discipline and behavior.

Scouting has given us these standards in the Scout Oath and Law.

Scouts understand these standards. They will need help in understanding how to enforce them if we are to avoid cruelty reminiscent of the Lord of the Flies. They need an example of compassion, empathy and understanding. They need to be shown that discipline and authority is not a club to beat people with but an opportunity to be helpful; to minimize shortcomings and celebrate achievements. This sort of discipline does not rely on punishment but on positive reinforcement.

Although Scouts will do some truly outrageous things they must be understood in the context of their age. We have to understand that difficult behavior is not directed at us personally and respond with fairness and kindness. Once established this kind of positive peer pressure tends to perpetuate itself. New Scouts will understand the way things work very quickly and will go on to become leaders within the same system.