My Scoutmasters Response. Thoughts? This is as close to "shut the f*ck up" as we get in Connecticut. Don't think it is going to have the effect that he desired...
Hi Chris --
You are asking that our boys behave at a higher standard because they are scouts. OK, I agree with that objective. But, are current behaviors outside what is normal for 11-17 year old boys? You are expert in these areas, but my experience is that boys this age are not nice to each other. As we press the Scout Law, we are swimming against the current. Isn't that the underlying foundation of Boy Scouts?
That doesn't mean that I am giving up. Just the opposite ... we press the Scout Law so that as boys mature it will be part of their make-up. And, maybe we help some boys mature earlier.
But, we are dealing with natural behaviors. Cub Scout parents need to hear that there is nothing abnormal about the boys in Troop XXX. This troop should have a positive reputation because we clearly center around the Scout Law, and provide tons of opportunities for boys to practice it. Aim for the higher standard, but let's not allow negative talk because we aren't to that lofty, magical place.
Reputation still out there? Many Cub Scout parents haven't dealt with teenage boys yet, and don't know what's typical. Our response needs to be clear that Troop XXX boys are not abnormal. In fact, most of them are better than normal. Very few of them are "worse" than normal.
Physical acts that intimidate younger scouts: I absolutely need to know about this, and I need to address this immediately.
Verbal acts that intimidate younger scouts: I need to know some specifics, and we need to judge if it's talk beyond what's normal. Again ... I will continue working to have all the boys be nice. But, I don't think we should tolerate that Boy Scouts acting like normal boys gets chatted up around Avon as if Troop XXX is a bunch of bullies.
Ridicule, Harass, Humiliate: I need to know if any of these things happen outside what's normal teasing ... and certainly anything that is physical or threatening.
We now have new patrol alignment and new patrol leaders (actually, several repeating PLs which is a great thing). Patrol Leader training will be scheduled, with behavior as an important topic.
We will plan to frequently break into patrol sessions. I agree it's more productive.
[District Trainer] ... have you met him? I doubt that he is the answer.
Assistant Scoutmasters in the Patrol Advisor role ... we continue to define this role and ASMs are gradually embracing it. The continuity of some PLs with their Patrol Advisors may help move this along.
Let me know if you have other suggestions, observations, concerns.