In reply to the last three replies... in reverse order!
3. As a concerned leader in this Scout's home troop, let me mention, the committee has no say in this matter, it's strictly an SM decision by National guidelines. The committee can however remove a Scoutmaster who is negligent or not performing to their expectations. That is their recourse.
2. The Scout has a record of creating problems. The Scout however shows leadership abilities but slips up on leadership qualities. He has shown that he can be an excellent Scout for a period of time and then make an exceptionally bad choice. The previous SM had him on the carpet to remove him from the troop. The current SM had him on the carpet to remove him from the troop. There is pressure from some parents to have him removed or demoted or they will move to another troop. Since these problems he was elected SPL. I for one recognize his abilities and made a conscious decision to work with him despite the objections from some parents (and Scouts). At the moment the Scout is at the local Scout camp taking National Youth Leadership Training. Ironically the staff has recognized his leadership abilities and are considering him return to return as an instructor. This youth is a born leader, good or bad!
1. The big problem here is the younger Scouts who were not able to attend the National Jamboree, camped nearby and visited the Jamboree. Some of the Jamboree contingent troop Scouts (including this SPL) were signed off the Jamboree bus before returning home to join the younger Scouts and their families and siblings for several more days of camping. The story of this theft incident is well embedded into the the entire troop of boys, young and old. They all know that their SPL stole patches, outright or by deception and led a band of others to accomplish this. OUCH!
The resolution as I am seeing it from here is...
The Scout and his "gang" were all punished, good bad or indifferent according to the guidelines established for a troop PLC. There will be no double jeopardy punishment doled out by his home troop. This was made clear when he rejoined his home troop.
The SPL needs to prepare a statement to the Scouts of the troop. He needs to tell them exactly what happened, what was wrong with what happened and his plan to prevent it from happening again. They need to know that he is willing to correct his ways and re-establish their trust.
The SPL needs to draw up a contract. This contract will be between him and the Scouts in his charge as well as the SM. This contract will need to stipulate that this youth leader will need to lead by example and that this example will need to be exemplary, squeeky clean and Scoutlike. There will need to be a zero tolerance for unScoutlike behaviour. If the SPL does not uphold the contract he will need to step down with the understanding that the SPL must lead by example and must be trustworthy. Without those attributes the leadership position is worthless to the other Scouts. I'm hoping this SPL will meet these challenges and obligations. I also expect the other adult leaders, committee and parents to support the SM and SPL in this endeaver.
Every Scout is different. Some are more challenging than others. The brightest Scouts are usually the most difficult but then again they often have the most to contribute to the troop when the day is done.
Yours in Scouting,
A concerned leader
