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This post is a bit of a bait and switch.
You think this is about term limits for Scouters and it is – kind of.
Thing is I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other. I can see good arguments for and against the idea of a limited term of service for a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, or any key leadership position. It really depends on the person and the situation. I can see that a unit that adopts a term limit would solve some possible problems but I can see the same policy causing others.
We all have to sign on again annually as it is. I suppose the Troop Committee could ask a bit more formally what each leader’s intentions are at recharter time if they felt that would help. When these ideas come along my basic test is to look for the concept somewhere in the last century of Scouting. If it’s not there I don’t spend a lot of time wondering why it isn’t.
I have a very different take on term limits for district and council volunteers. I really think those positions need to turn over frequently. There’s a different dynamic to that sort of leadership and it needs constant renewal.
I think the far more interesting subject is the nature of adult leadership in Scouting.
Scouters often take on too much responsibility, wear too many hats and generally overextend their commitments. We do this out of a sense of responsibility, because we like a challenge, because it’s rewarding, because no one else will do it or because it’s a lot of fun. Nearly every one of us has a story of getting overextended and the fallout it produces. Nearly every one of us has a story about burning out.
The great thing about adult leadership in Scouting is that nearly anyone can do it! A bit of training and mentoring and just about anyone can do a good job of it. Some get involved for a few years; bring a lot to the table and then they are done. Some of us never really get done, we’re always finding more to do.
I know a lot of golfers. A few are lifers – they will be out on the green until they get carried off. They go to the driving range, read books and take courses. They may even play in a tournament now and again. Most, however, are just happy to play a round when they can.
In Scouting some of us are lifers and some of us are going to help out for a few years. This only causes problems when the lifers start to look down on the others and get a little sanctimonious about things. The other side of the coin is when the new folks see us lifers as stick-in-the-mud old crabs.
Problems like that are easy to avoid; just be a nice person. Understand that you always have something new to learn no matter how long you’ve been around. Keep your eye on the ball, don’t get distracted, and have a good time.
I have been Scouting since 1972 my father was my Scout Master and the Troop SM well after I left and joined the military. I was the Cub Master and the Scout Master for my sons as well, I am now a SM going on 14 years, ADC, CC, UC and a COR, while fresh blood is always good to get into a troop there is something to be said on the “old Timers” They have been giving of them self for so long that it’s in their blood I know many men and woman that have raised their kids and other peoples kids in scouting! Saying there should be a “TERM LIMIT” is great but show me the volunteers standing in line that are trained to the standard of BSA policy and I will gladly retire. Show me the volunteers standing in the wings to take my spots and the parents that are not using the BSA as the National “Baby Sitting Association” and dropping their kids off so they can have me time, there are too many selfish people out there that do not pay it forward because they feel that they are deserving of a break and that they want to let someone else raise their kids that the “Lifers” have to where 5 different hats. if as a lifer you don’t know when you are being a “stick in the mud” ask yourself this simple question is this for the kids or is it for me? If you are doing everything for the kids and you can look at yourself in the mirror every morning then you are doing the right thing, if you are expecting to be given the silver Beaver or the vigil honor from OA, then maybe you need to go and get on the golf course and let the new blood take over. Till I have enough people to take over all my jobs I will continue to help the kids and promote the BSA to the best of my ability even if I am the lone scout standing on the hill. Every kids should be offered the experience of scouting whether you have 4 or 40 scouts in your troop I can’t say that I agree with “TERM Limits” but that is the great thing we can agree to disagree
Iron Rhino Scout Mater TRP 26 Heidelberg Germany
As far as Cub Leaders go, term limits are pretty much a non-issue, in fact the opposite is generally true. Maintaining consistency in leadership is generally the issue with packs, as soon as someone gets trained and builds up a bit of experience they’re following their sons up to the Troop.
I completely agree with term limits for District level positions, but the term should be longer than just two years.
At the Troop level I think that it’s a bit more complicated. Setting arbitrary term limits just doesn’t seem like a good idea. You have to create an environment with your scouts and other leaders where people feel comfortable letting you know that it’s time for you to offer something else to the Troop.
… how do you know when you have become a “sanctimonious stick-in-the-mud”?
If, without being asked, you start a sentence with “Well when I was a scout…” when talking to the boys. 🙂
… how do you know when you have become a “sanctimonious stick-in-the-mud”?
When you quit worrying about becomming one, you are one.
I couldn’t agree with this statement more if it was written in stone. To often we see leaders both new and old engaged in arguments that quite frankly have little conformity to the scout law. Courteous, Friendly, and Kind seems to have completely escaped them as they zealously defend a topic that quite frankly has different way to the same end goal. It’s incredibly discouraging to new leaders who are learning to stretch their wings and be better leaders. Part of being a scoutleader is not only providing leadership to the boys but guiding adults and parents into becoming great scoutleaders.
I agree on all points! Scouting is aware of this issue. I am a wood Badge Staffer and there is a new training session called “Generations in Scouting”. I am anxious to attend that particular session.
The only problem I see is how do you know when you have become a “sanctimonious stick-in-the-mud”? My son promises to tell me when (if) I do. He says I will thank him when the time comes. I think he is right!
… how do you know when you have become a “sanctimonious stick-in-the-mud”?
That’s a tough one – I think that there’s a few stages of development involved and that we all spend some time being sanctimonious before we move on.