i need some advice

[OldGreyBear]

Is there anybody else in the troop who understands thngs the way you do? You will need an ally

[hops_scout]

First, it sounds to me as if the PLC is nonexistant.

we also include everyone with a position in the PLC

Second, alright so your a guide for the whole troop. I don't think you will find anywhere in your Troop Guide job description that tells you to take control over the SPL and ASPL.

Eagle, if everyone would do their job and be trained to do their job, then a Troop Guide would not have to stomp his foot and take control. After all, that is not his job.

Besides, this almost sounds like a disciplinary problem waiting to happen if not already too late. That makes it the adult leadership's problem as well. Again, not the Troop Guide's responsibility.

[chief36]

you are right about one thing, you have problems. These, however they are not uncommon. It sounds that there may be not enough planned for the older and younger scouts. Many of the older scouts act like they are begging for a new position, such as quartermaster or scribe. Two struck me right of the bat, one... you don't want to step up for fear of failure, how much worse could it get, second... where is the adult leadership? This is the area that the Scoutmaster should be stepping in.

[hacimsaalk]

Is there anybody else in the troop who understands thngs the way you do? You will need an ally[/quote

not scout wise. the only one who has a semi-good idea is the SPL. ( like i said, hes making a turn around. ) now hes realizing how bad we really have gotten

I don't think you will find anywhere in your Troop Guide job description that tells you to take control over the SPL and ASPL.

i know it doesnt say anything, but sometimes, you gotta go above and beyond. and im really not taking over, im really just trying to help out. ( unless taking over becomes neccessary)

[hacimsaalk]

It sounds that there may be not enough planned for the older and younger scouts. Many of the older scouts act like they are begging for a new position, such as quartermaster or scribe. Two struck me right of the bat, one... you don't want to step up for fear of failure, how much worse could it get, second... where is the adult leadership? This is the area that the Scoutmaster should be stepping in.

i agree. i think the older scouts should have lots more events planned, but once again, im the only one doing any planning. i think a lot of the older scouts would be good in positions that dont rewuire as much leadership, like quatermaster or scribe.

I dont want to step up(, taking over an already battered up troop,), with people expecting me to change things, then fail like the last SPL.

the adult leadership in our troop believes in mostly a boy-lead leadership. ( i really think they want us to figure this one out for ourselves)

[momma_bee]

Micah

Not that long ago, you offered to invite my son and I to one of your meetings. You were proud of your troop and felt comfortable sharing the experinence with others.

I have no advice to give; no sage thoughts that will help you.

But, I do hope that you find that pride again soon.

[hacimsaalk]

Micah

Not that long ago, you offered to invite my son and I to one of your meetings. You were proud of your troop and felt comfortable sharing the experinence with others.

I have no advice to give; no sage thoughts that will help you.

But, I do hope that you find that pride again soon.

yes, i remember this. Im pretty sure it was either when I was Aspl ( and our SPL was awesome), or right after we got our new SPL & Aspl. i too hope that i can soon get that pride back, cuz the way i feel about it now is really depressing.

[ASM-142]

... i too hope that i can soon get that pride back, cuz the way i feel about it now is really depressing.

Unless you get that pride back that chances of making Eagle on May 30 is not realistic. Pride (scout spirit) is a big part of this.

[Lynda J]

You said that there were two running for SPL. YOu and the boy that THE TROOP voted to hold that position. Makes me wonder if this sudden dislike of the way the troop is run is a little sour grapes because the troop elected the other boy over you. Look real close at the reasons for your being "unhappy" with how the troop is running..

[hacimsaalk]

You said that there were two running for SPL. YOu and the boy that THE TROOP voted to hold that position. Makes me wonder if this sudden dislike of the way the troop is run is a little sour grapes because the troop elected the other boy over you. Look real close at the reasons for your being "unhappy" with how the troop is running..

when he was elected- yes, there was some bitterness towards him.

now- nope, none at all. in fact, after about a month or so of being grumpy about it, i got over it, and now im happy for him.

ive never really been really bitter over it. him and i go a ways back and are great friends. my reasons for being unhappy are real, im not the only one whos sees whats going on.

[cballman]

well as a troop guide have you ever thought about helping him? just because you have a position badge means that you should probley use it to help the troop. if he is not doing the right things for the job was he just dropped into this position? these are questions that might need to be asked by the older boys AND the adults. if he is not doing the job right has he been trained to do it? have you been trained? IMHO let he who is the perfect scout cast the first stone, if you have no perfect scouts the welcome to the real world. also since it has come to light about how the troop is then another question, How many boys are in your troop? you need to look at these things and then chart the right path that you can work through. if you come up with a plan then WORK WITH the SPL and help him become a better SPL.

[hacimsaalk]

you need to look at these things and then chart the right path that you can work through. if you come up with a plan then WORK WITH the SPL and help him become a better SPL.

as i stated before, im trying my darndnest to do this. after careful thought, ive come to the conclusion that the problems really arent all his fault, its because he had little traing before this. instead of taking his position, i now think id rather stick to waht i have now, and help him.

[momma_bee]

I have been thinking about training and job descriptions as it relates to Scouts.

I was wondering if if was a good idea to read the official job descriptions (when available) and open the door to discussion as to what the boys expect from the postion.

For example, is the quartermaster expected to get material out and put it away (from shelves themselves) or monitor / assist the Scouts while they go in and out of the area. For our troop, our tents and such are stored in the rafters above an auto shop - no way a boy is going up there. So, what SPECIFICALLY would the QM do with us?

My point, Micah, would it help now (or would it have helped before) to have a frank discussion about what you expect from an SPL, what other Scouts expect, what the SM/ASM/CC expects and most importantly, what an SPL expects?

Almost like campaigning, and using my QM example, if a boy wants to be QM in our troop, he better be able to get to the shop after an event and be willing to hand the items to the guy on the ladder. If feels the job is putting the items on the shelves and won't help if he can't do it all, he isn't the QM for the troop and would be better in another position.
LIkewise, if his parents expect him to come straight home, he needs to tell him it is his job to be there.

It could clear up expectations.