This will not be my only message on this subject, nor should it be the last time you all think about it. Rather, I hope this will be the start of a new emphasis on an important issue.
As I am sure you are aware, Scout troops should be led by Scouts rather than by adults. Troop 160 embraces that concept wholeheartedly. But I also realize that we cannot expect our youth leaders to have to carry unrealistic burdens as leaders.
Out of our summer camp experience, combined with our experiences over the past couple of years, I decided to talk with the older Scouts in the troop. Something emerged from those talks and that is respect or, rather, sometimes a lack of it.
As I thought of ways to get this point across and to impress upon Scouts the need for a supportive environment within the troop, I came up with several ideas, all of which I rejected except for one. Scouts are judged by, and judge themselves by, how well they live up to the Scout Oath and Law. We have been doing it for nearly one hundred years. We all repeat it at every meeting. It cannot be something we simply say and forget.
Scouts elect their own leaders–the SPL, their Patrol Leaders. But once elected, I need those leaders and all of the other youth leaders to be able to operate in a supportive environment. Keep in mind, that during the year, all Scouts will lead at some point. They will be quartermasters or scribes or grubmasters, or any one of a number of things which make a Scout-led troop work.
For every rank I have to sign off on something called Scout Spirit. From this point on, the most important thing I will be looking for is an indication that a Scout has displayed respect. Respect for your youth leaders. Respect for your troop. Respect for the program. Ultimately, respect for yourselves as Scouts.
Things will not always go perfectly. At times there will be chaos. There will be failures. But we must all share equally in both the good and the not so good. And we all have to pitch in when needed to make things better instead of sitting back and complaining.
There will be more on this at the meeting tonight. As a start, let’s fully support the SPL and the patrol leaders. When the sign goes up, there should be quiet. When there is work to be done we will ALL join in willingly. If a leader needs assistance, then let’s give him the assistance he needs while keeping criticism to ourselves.
See you all tonight!
-Hank Manz
