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Baloo's Bugle

 

March 2004 Cub Scout Roundtable Issue

Volume 10, Issue 8
April 2004 Theme

Theme: Cubservation
Webelos: Family Member & Sportsman
  Tiger Cub: Our Colorful World and Conservation
Activities

 

 

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. 

 

 

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