September 2012
A wise old man once told me…to prepare our youth for the
important leadership roles of tomorrow don’t do anything for them that they can
do for themselves. Our mission is to
instill timeless values found in the Scout Oath and Law. The magic of Scouting is that all the methods
we use help instill values. Our vision
should be to prepare these youth to be responsible participating citizens and LEADERS
who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
Scouting provides the premiere leadership development program for youth
today yet its effectiveness in leadership development is dependent on the adult
who is guiding the den, pack, troop, team or crew.
One outdoor adventure this summer brought this message home
to me. Our troop 1916 went on a fly
fishing/canoeing trip to Moon Lake in the Uintah National Forest. We brought with us our fly fishing merit
badge counselor. At this camp all ten of
the requirements (skills) were taught and practiced. Since we had many boys that wanted to
participate and limited resources we devised a plan that allowed the first boys
who learned the skills to teach other boys with adults on the side lines
coaching and guiding where needed. Each
boy tied their flies, practiced tying knots, studied insects that fish eat,
practiced some casting techniques and much more. The ultimate fun part of course was in the
canoes with fly rods laying out lines on the water and fish actually taking the
flies. What was best for me was to watch
boys teaching boys, practicing leadership skills using the values of doing
their best, using good citizenship skills in a patrol setting. Some examples of values used were helpful
(willing to share knowledge and skills), kind (patience in teaching peers), courteous
(civility in manners) and obedient (follow through on assignments). In our reflection of this adventure we adults
felt we far too often jump in and did what the boy could or should be doing. It is a given that when we adults take over a
meeting or activity the development of leadership development is denied to
those who we are trying to teach. The
reality is that youth especially our Varsity and Ventures will let you do
it. If this happens you risk your
activity to compete with entertainment found in today’s world which is pretty
tough competition.
To all of our many Cub Den leaders, Scoutmasters, Varsity
Coaches and Venture crew advisors I would ask us to consider our vision of
where we want our boys to be. Always be
asking what is the vision here. Is
there a better way in the doing of our planning, executing and evaluating our
program that will develop leadership skills?
This emphasis can actually change behavior and improve outcomes of any activity.
Comments and thoughts are welcome. Cheerio and good day!
The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to
become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the
Scout Oath and Law
