Troop in need of a SPL?

[ICanCanoeCanU]

We have a situation where most of our troop is very young this year. Starting in September is when the troop elects new leadership positions and we usually have several boys interested in the SPL & ASPL roles. This year we don't. The older boys still in the troop have various - valid reasons for not wanting these positions. The previous scout in this position has said he doesn't want it again past September. He will help the new person fit in but that's it. None of the younger scouts or middle aged ones want it either.

Any thoughts on how what to do now?

[Chief J]

If your Scoutmaster's have some idea on who they would like to work with, perhaps a little sidebar counseling might be in order.

Try and find out the reason why nobody in your Troop is interested? What is the real reason?

If you ask the question, you will get a quick response like "I'm too busy and not interested." If you take time to talk to the Scouts, you will likely find out, they are not interested because ... (The way the Scoutmaster Acts, Too much guidance from adults, too little guidance from adults, personality conflicts, etc).

Once you know the root of the problem, then you can work on finding a solution.

Just my opinion,
CHief J

[OldGreyBear]

Its a boy lead troop. Get the boys together, tell them to be a scout troop they need to have a leader, and let them work it out. If no one comes forward, you really dont have scouts, you have a club and then its up to the adults to figure out what they (the adults) did wrong.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Good thoughts, thanks. I can answer partly why the boys don't want to step up to the plate. Our troop has transistioned quite a bit in the last two years. New SM, young scouts and a gap at the top where lots of boys turned 18 and moved on. Other than the newest crew of 13 and under, the older ones left have jobs and sports. Most dont' want to commit to all the work. We (SM & ASM) have suggested to the boys that we switch mid-year so no one has to hold the position very long and we can work around the sporting seasons. We're trying to have the same scouts start this year that finished off last year, hoping they can work with a few new ones. We have pulled a couple off to the side and basically put them on the spot - stating that the troop could really use their knowledge and it would be a good opportunity for them to lead with what they want to do.
Just found out today that we're having a meeting this week so I'll let you know what transpires.