Toos Day - Including the Adults, Increasing the Adults
Starting today, we will have Toos day. These articles will focus on the adults, and what they truly mean to the groups they are involved in.
Baden Powell once said, “The Scoutmaster guides the boy in the spirit of an
older brother.” When I watch good adult leaders this holds true. They are members of the Troop and they are part of what is going on during the time together. Three years ago, my view of Scout leaders was a bit different than what I have met. I pictured older men, wearing their old Scout Uniform, operating in a drill sergeant type role. While supporting leadership by being a leader themselves, this image does not hold up to scrutiny.
I have met many amazing people over the last few years, and the ones that I am drawn to are those that are encouraging the fun. I am fortunate that I am excited for our weekends and weeks away no matter the situation. When our Troop is solo, the small group of leaders enjoys our time with each other as much as we treasure giving the experience to the kids. When we are paired up with our boy counterpart Troop, It only increases the enjoyment. We share a common goal of allowing our Scouts to learn and grow in a fun environment. We are also comfortable cross-training the kids. The male leaders from our partner troop will just as gladly help and instruct our girls as we will instruct their boys. We share a set of common beliefs and values. It makes me want to be there on the weekends with the kids because there are times of shared enjoyment while it is work.
My advice to Troops is to include pictures of the leaders in your posts and updates. You never know who is on the fence about helping out your Troop. You can never be sure what skills they possess or how getting them involved can enhance your program. You never know of the parent looking to connect a little more to their ever-growing child, and a car ride and campout could be that bonding event. If parents only see the tired Scoutmaster after a long weekend of camping, they might only see the work. They will miss the play portion that makes the tired expression on our faces.
Start small with new potential leaders, a shorter outing. I would not suggest their first experience be a weeklong summer camp. Get them on a hike, or an easier Scout Adventure. Remember that as we get older we are allowed a challenge by choice mentality, and we get to decide with a 2-foot rule, if we don't like it we walk away. Scouters need to feel the same feelings as Scouts. It has to be an enjoyable experience. You will have adults that have all kinds of backgrounds. Some will have never camped before, but they are all willing to try something if it looks fun. Also, mention a nap... A Scoutmaster is Sleepy.
The photographs of adults with kids are an important tool for recruitment. Try to capture the moments as candid with genuine expression. As a father of teenage children stealing these moments is awesome. It also shows our Scouts that adults still like to have fun and try things that are challenging. We need adult leaders to help. When you only have 2 leaders for the outings, it puts pressure on them. They have to start scheduling their lives around these trips. It puts the "if I can't make it, I will let the kids down" pressure on us and leads to burnout. By recruiting more members to join the activities it means that life can happen and it will not impact the Troop. Also, there is no rule on how many adults can join you on an outing. If you are 1-1 ratio that is just fine.
Remind parents that they can join. Talk about the joy you get out of serving the youth.
Show them the experience their kids are having, so they can actively engage in conversations with them about what they are doing. It will build a connection to the Troop.
Show them the value of the challenge.
Show them the joy of camaraderie, and what it's like to simply enjoy a night around a campfire.
“When a (Scout) finds someone who takes an interest in
(them), (they) respond and follow.”
No comments:
Post a Comment