TRAINING TIP
Scouting Is a Special Place
When preparing for a RT Training Highlight on
“Scouting is a Positive Place,” I remembered this presentation from
Scoutmastership Fundamentals and thought I would pass it on to you to think
about. There are many good thought here for you as a leader and for your Pack
committee to think about in how your unit operates and how you deliver the
promise of Scouting. CD.
Educators and others often talk about providing youth with a "safe haven," a
place where they can feel physically and emotionally secure. This is a place
to grow, develop, learn, and to mature. We refer to this safe haven when we
use the phrase "Scouting is a special place."
As
adult leaders in Scouting, we have a special responsibility to youth. The
Scouting program always has emphasized this role as one of the "Methods of
Scouting."
Each of you should take a moment and think about what
the phrase "Scouting is a special place" means. It is safe haven where boys
should feel free from bullying, where each can achieve at his own rate and
there is no limit to the number of top performers (Eagle Scouts, Arrow of
Light holders). It is a place where each can use his God given gifts and not
have to worry about what gifts others may have. A place where no one is left
out.
There
was a chart that went with this presentation. It had the following
information:
Scouting is a special place. The rules are the ones
we know well: the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. (Remember, this was a Boy
Scout leader course, we could substitute the Cub scout Promise and Law of
the Pack. CD)
We create a safe haven in Scouting, a place where
everyone should feel physically and emotionally secure. We do this in
several ways:
·
We set the example for ourselves and others by always
behaving as Scouts should. We live the Scout Oath and Law (Cub Scout
Promise and Law of the Pack) each moment of each day, to the best of our
abilities.
·
We refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate put-down,
name-calling, or physical aggression.
·
We communicate our acceptance of each participant and each
other through expressions of concern for them, and by showing our
appreciation whenever possible.
·
We create an environment based on learning and fun. We seek
the best from each participant, and we do our best to help him achieve it.
Creating a Safe Haven. Creating a safe haven is best accomplished by
personal example. Your attitudes, your example, and your expectations will
set the tone. The process of reflection and other activities that bring
Scouting's values through to youth will keep the message clear.
Delivering the Promise. After discussion amongst the participants, the
session was summarized as follows:
·
By being caring adults, creating a safe haven, and recognizing
the differences in the ages and stages of youth development, we can create a
special place in Scouting for boys. Reflection, the problem-solving process,
and opportunities for meaningful community service each help to achieve this.
·
Our goal as leaders is to bring the values of Scouting through.
The way we do this is with an exciting program, challenging activities, and a
real adventure for boys. We deliver the promise.
What
do you think "the promise" is? Take a moment to think about it before reading
further. “The promise" is the commitment we make to boys on the first two
pages of the Boy Scout Handbook. The promise is the fun and adventure the boys
are seeking through Scouting. To get them outdoors and let them have fun
while learning. We don’t want to keep them cramped up in meetings, sitting
around talking. They want to be and we want them to be doing things,
especially doing things outdoors. Which is why it is so great that Cub Packs
are now doing Family Camping several times a year and the new books have more
outdoor requirements.
