Scout Parents
The unique challenge of being both a parent and a Scout leader for the same young person.
When is it time to find a new Troop?
Before you waste anymore time trying to fix what is wrong with a Scout Troop look around and see if you can’t find one that is a better fit.
Choosing a Troop
A recent email :
My son and I are blessed to live in an area with a good deal of quality Troops nearby.
Happy (Scout) Mother's Day!
Before the ceremony a couple of weeks ago I asked the Eagle candidates and their parents to step into a side room for a minute.
Scout Parent Struggles With Letting Go
Every Scout parent struggles with letting go as their child grows up.
Scouting With Your Son
Being the parent of a Scout and a Scouter at the same time, can be one of the most enriching and memorable times you’ll spend together.
Working with Scout Parents on Bobwhite Blather
in Scout Parents Frank Maynard is a blogging troop committee chairman, he recently published this excellent article outlining how to work with Scout parents; Parents who aren’t as involved in Scouting as you are sometimes don’t understand the program as well, and can see a unit working normally as being dysfunctional.
The Twain Effect
in Scout Parents When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.
Podcast Clips
Episode 312 — PREPARING SCOUT PARENTS for SUMMER CAMP
Clarke replays a 2014 recording (originally from episode 228) with advice for parents sending their scouts to camp: think positively, ask scouters all their questions, plan a communication strategy, and make personal plans for the week.
Episode 309 — WHAT EVERY SCOUT PARENT NEEDS to UNDERSTAND
Second installment of Clarke's three-part series on scout parents: scouting is something young people do for themselves, not something done for them; parents must cooperate with the process and allow scouts to learn from frustration and failure.
Episode 308 — SCOUT PARENTS SERIES: RELUCTANT SCOUTS
Part one of a three-part series on challenging parent situations: whether to compel a reluctant adolescent child to remain in Scouting, with practical advice on listening, triaging negative experiences, giving decisions time, and when to require continued participation.
Episode 291 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Two anonymous emails: (1) an overscheduled Scout whose mom insists he continue toward Eagle Scout despite his reluctance; (2) a scouter nominated to the Order of the Arrow whose son was not elected, raising concerns about OA adult nominations and election processes.
Episode 269 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
How parents can prepare themselves emotionally for summer camp drop-off: think positively, ask questions, plan communication, and make plans for the week.
Episode 236 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Anonymous den leader asks how to keep his son engaged in scouting given competing sports and activities; Clarke explains scouting's progressive program, its cooperative (not competitive) relationship with other activities, and the importance of parental commitment.
Episode 228 — PREPARING PARENTS for SCOUT SUMMER CAMP
Clarke speaks directly to parents about what to expect when sending their son to Scout summer camp for the first time — covering homesickness, growth and maturity, communication, visits, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Episode 171 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
Preventing and treating homesickness at summer camp: pre-camp preparation, contact plans, letter writing vs. real-time contact, coping strategies, and what parents should and should not say.
Episode 105 — INTERVIEW WITH EAGLE PARENT
Eagle Scout Dave on raising his son through doubt, dropout, and Eagle — and the parent's dilemma of encouraging without pushing
Episode 39 — PARENTS MEETING
Annual parents meeting — Friends of Scouting presentation and group gear orders through Campmor