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One troop is led by adults, one is led by the Scouts.
What’s the difference? At the risk of oversimplifying the answer the difference is focus.
Troops run by adults are focused on results. Troops run by Scouts are focused on process.
I accept that between the two extremes of fully adult and fully youth led there are many shades of grey but I think the basic conclusion of focus hold up.
Adults are more experienced and more capable of producing results, of posting good numbers. I readily admit that if you want reliable good results it is best to have adults lead things.
If we are focused on the process of Scouting – that set of opportunities and experiences that shape the lives and character of Scouts – we will see both results and achieve the aims of our work.
The pivot point between the two approaches to Scouting is weather or not we understand and value the process.
Understanding and valuing results is easy; do requirements and earn badges, go camping and rack up nights camping, recruit Scouts and grow in number.
Understanding and valuing the process is quite a bit more subtle. When Scouts set their own course, when they learn to work together to make things happen they are participating in the process of Scouting. The results of the process are not easily measurable, we can’t express them numerically and so it takes a trained eye to detect them.
As my Assistants and I are fond of reminding each other as we watch our boys figure things out, “It’s a process…sigh, it’s a process…”
Excellent article!!!
John
I was running the troop in the gray zone for many years. I’d make the suggestions as to where to go and what to do, but for the past year, I have been more of the ‘coach’ watching from the sidelines. IT IS HARD to do this sometimes.
A couple of weeks ago we had an advancement weekend for the new scouts. The SPL had ask for the Troopmaster matrix sheet so he could see what needed to be done. I was happy.
At the end of the day I ask what had been accomplished…not near as much as I would have expected. But, the older scouts got the chance to have fun with our new scouts, there was teaching and learning going on, just maybe not the book form. There was lots of camaraderie and laughs coming from their camp.
So, although many of the boxes didn’t get checked on this outing, better friendships and the ability to work together were the BEST outcome.
Clarke, thanks for giving us things to think about.
I find your commentary striking in view of my first Scoutmaster’s comment in training so many years ago:
“Some adults think Scouting is about getting the perfect pancake.
Scouting thinks it’s about boys learning to cook pancakes.”
“Troops run by adults are focused on results. Troops run by Scouts are focused on process.”
That’s a brilliant and succinct summation of a key difference between and among the troops that I interact with. I appreciate the simple clarity of your statement. As someone once remarked about Karl Popper’s work, “has that quality of greatness that, once seen, seems simple and …. obvious.”
On a practical and personal level, I’m gratified that my son is able to participate in a troop that is consistently led by Scouts.