"Sash and Dash" -- Advice?

[Eagle91]

Admin note: Split from OP: Training Schedule- What's Next?
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Eagle Scout Class of 1991 & Scoutmaster for the last 18 months...

I have completed Scoutmaster classroom and outdoor training (our council calls it Oakleaf) and have served on staff for this event.

After being elected twice as a youth and not proceeding, I was nominated as an adult & completed my OA Ordeal in August.

OA program has been non-existent in our troop for 5 years- until I became Scoutmaster. However, our guys do what is called the "sash and dash"- and have little interest with any events.

I want to get my troop more excited about OA - so the enthusiasm will spread and Scouts will want to be on the election ballot.

I am looking for feedback from my fellow Scouters...

[wagionvigil]

I made sure everyone got to the OA weekends. Hey OA weekend is the X weekend in April I am going and Mr. X is going everyone get their weekend reservation in and we go as a unit.
You arrange the transportation and if necessary make their reservations but make them pay.

[Eagle91]

thanks for the tip.....I will definately try that.

I want to make OA something cool- that guys want to be elected to. I feel that I am going to need to be the sparkplug in the beginning

The admin split and edited my post the Training forum into the OA....and took away my second part of the question.....

I have an opportunity to attend either OA's National Leadership Seminar or Wood Badge. Hoever, I am unable to do both.

In looking at other posts- you have a vast knowledge of Scouting and value your opinion.

What are the benefits of both? Should 1 take 1 before the other? In my situation- what should I take first?

[wagionvigil]

In my council OA is Cool. We average over 200 at a service weekend ausually 250-300 at our February Banquet. WE have had two region chiefs in the oast ten years. In August we had a Hot Air Balloon at our fellowship weekend whih the members could go up and down in. Our council does not have a camp ranger We are the camp Ranger and do everything that needs built,fixed or moved.

[kwildman]

Attitudes reflect leadership...

to me your wanting to promote OA is a great first step. Sash and Dash is always a problem but the active youth typically have scoutmasters that value and promote the OA.

[FrankJ]

For those who have great OA programs, I salute you. It is not the same everywhere.

[Bill Pitcher]

As stated, take your OA guys to as many OA events as possible. Spread the enthusiasm. If your Lodge has a banquet, get them there to see the awards handed out. The Lodge will provide more leadership opportunities for them. Get them to your region's conclave, participate in the classes and watch everything. Have them serve on election teams and wear Lodge Regalia and watch what happens!
Then, get everyone to seal their membership by moving on to Brotherhood. Completing that after 10 months will spread the pride in their Lodge. Your Lodge Advisor will provide the steps they need to take to become Brotherhood members. Perhaps take on a Lode Advisorship yourself . . . in Dance Team or Ceremony Team. Get them to regalia day and make their own piece of regalia or make something for the Ceremony Team to use. You'll see the pride GROW! Good luck.

[mt_goodrich]

As wagionvigil suggested, tell everyone when and where and get them there.

I have shed a few Scouting responsibilities that I have had (no longer Scoutmaster and have decided to take a break from staffing Wood Badge courses) and have decided to get more involved with OA in our council. To be honest, I have been paying my dues, but have not been participating. That will change and I am excited.

[Quailman]

We just had our election last night. Nine of nine eligible got voted in. I also would like to see our troop more involved, and I think it will be, since our new SM, who is an Eagle, is a vigil member.

I looked up our lodge website to see the calendar and learned something. " New OA Troop/Team Representative Adviser Position a new, official BSA adult position of responsibilities. Its purpose is to create the role for an adult to guide the youth TTR and be a ‘voice of the Order’ at the adult level in the troop structure.  New position patches will be available at the Scout Shop soon."

Also, troop recognition is available. http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/forms/u ... d-2012.pdf