What Don't People Get About Being A Scout Leader?

This article at the Atlantic got me to thinking about what people don’t understand about the work of being a Scout leader. (I am not really interested in what you think of the article. You can comment to the author on their website if you like – let’s not discuss the article here please.) Scout leaders have to explain themselves and dispel certain persistent misconceptions pretty often. Here’s a few things I think people don’t get: 1.

I have already heard all of the jokes and impolite innuendos about Scouting and Scout leaders.

I have a pretty good sense of humor but think a little more about what you are saying. 2.

I don’t get paid to do this work yet I strive to be as professional, competent and thorough as possible. You can yell at me, berate me, call me names and I will generally be patient with you. Just try to remember that we are all in this together – I am not your hireling ; I am a partner in trying to help you son become a decent human being.

Scouts perform a lot of service for their communities and we welcome opportunities to serve. We also appreciate hearing about the opportunities more than a week or two before they happen. Don’t get huffy if we tell you it can’t be scheduled on short notice. 4.

I don’t walk at the head of a column of Scouts; I am not a drill sergeant, general or team captain.

I am not a teacher (teachers are much smarter), a referee or a wizard. 5. My work is to provide an environment of opportunity for your son. What he does with the opportunity is totally up to him. Don’t ask me to make him do something because I won’t. 6.

I am balancing my Scouting work with raising a family and keeping a job.

I can’t fill every volunteer position or take every volunteer opportunity even though I want to. What do you think people don’t get about Scouting and being a Scout Leader?