Larry Geiger has served as a Scoutmaster for two different troops so that means he has transitioned in and out of the Scoutmaster role more than most of us. I asked him to write about these transitions and offer his advice. In 1981 in Lawrence, Kansas Ed Burgess (here’s Ed with five Eagle Scouts) had served as Scoutmaster for 50 years. In 1987 when I moved away from Lawrence Ed was still Scoutmaster....
Volunteer Scouters often have to explain themselves and dispel persistent misconceptions. Here’s a few things I think people who don’t volunteer don’t get: I have already heard all of the jokes and impolite innuendos about Scouting and Scouters. I have a pretty good sense of humor, but how about you think a little more about what you’re saying. I don’t get paid to do this work yet I strive to be as professional, competent and thorough as possible....
Here’s an email that I get fairly regularly asking me to help resolve Scouting trouble: “My son’s (Pack, Troop, Crew) is having real difficulties with our (Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Advisor, Committee Chair) and our program is (poor, indifferent, terrible). I’m only a (Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, parent) but I want to try and fix this situation to benefit the (Cubs, Scouts, Venturers). What’s your advice?” I reply: Find another (Pack, Troop, Crew) that better matches the way you think Scouting ought to be as soon as possible....
This post is a bit of a bait and switch. You think this is about term limits for Scouters and it is – kind of. Thing is I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other. I can see good arguments for and against the idea of a limited term of service for a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, or any key leadership position. It really depends on the person and the situation....
Sometimes we get so involved and so closely identified with Scouting that we bruise easily. Perhaps the sharpest criticism is when our Scouts seem disinterested or uninvolved. Boys are Scouts because they like the idea of Scouting yet battle with some of the things that Scouts do. In a period of life when they are intent on forming an individual identity they sometimes despise those things that make them a part of a group....
These ten Scouting moments (in no particular order) are the best times I’ve spent as a Scoutmaster: One early spring night we all got up at three in the morning and hiked our sleeping bags and pads down to a field at camp and watched a meteor shower. Stars shown through crystalline skies as if they were close enough to touch. One hour later we had counted over 100 ‘shooting stars’ and, thinking that enough for anyone, escape the numbing cold and returned to our cabin....
Anyone who answers the call to service in Scouting is extraordinary. “Extra – Ordinary” – get it? Scouters do extra things. Ordinary folks bring their children to a Scout meeting. Extraordinary folks are already there to make the Scout meeting possible. Ordinary folks pack their sons up and send them out camping. Extraordinary folks pack themselves up and go camping along with them. Ordinary folks enjoy a quiet evening at home or a round of golf or maybe even a night at the movies....
The Scoutmaster Edgar R. Guest There isn’t any pay for you, you serve without reward, The boys who tramp the fields with you but little could afford. And yet your pay is richer far than those who toil for gold, For in a dozen different ways your service shall be told. You’ll read it in the faces of a Troop of growing boys, You’ll read it in the pleasure of a dozen manly joys,...
Anyone who spends several years as a Scoutmaster will end up arguing with a fellow Scouter, committee member, or parent. While these conflicts aren’t inevitable they are unfortunately probable. What follows is plain-spoken advice from Ask Andy, a fantastic resource for Scouters with questions or difficulties. Having weathered several of these conflicts I can assure you that this is solid advice. Study it carefully and follow it faithfully – it will save you a great deal of heartache....