MEpurpleWBfox

I have been reading some of the posts (well, all, really, to get to HERE...)and still don't understand.... Our Troop is "supposed to be" boy-led. Thus the Patrol Method is "supposed to be" in place... What I've seen in the course of my sons being involved in the troop is that it's turned into a popularity contest. There is no sense of leadership involved when the boys vote on SPL. Our current situation is a perfect exapmple. We just had "regular" elections (a really fast elections process, due to our return from Philmont, where we had DIFFERENT crew chiefs). The Scout that was elected SPL is only 14, and a Star Scout. He has absolutely NO control over the troop...our previous SPL is ALWAYS stepping in to control the boys (he was elected to "two terms" and did not want to be SPL again, even if elected). Plus, as always, we have a group of boys that are "mischieveous" (my son can be one). The new SPL chose one of that group to be his ASPL. NOW, the questions... 1) My son is a Life Scout, one of the older boys in the troop. He was in the running for SPL, but did not get elected. No big thing. 2) As I stated, the SPL is younger, and therefore (in my opinion) has less leadership experience (it's eveident in his lack of control at the meetings). 3) Ths SM is a supporter of the "boy-led" troop, BUT...at a PLC that was held impromptu at the meeting place, (I was there just watching as a committee member in the same room) the SM PLANNED the next three months' meetings with activities (most to prepare for Klondike, of which our SM is in charge)and then PRESENTED it to the boys and gave the impression that "here we go, it's all set"... I'm confused...what I think I see is a SM leading from the back using the SPL position as his "cover"...and letting the election process "pick" his choice for SPL so he can "lead" the troop...maybe I'm wrong...I'm just a Scout mom who feels that the GUYS need to be the SM/SA to be with the boys in the outings and such to teach them (Moms tend to be, well, MOMS...)to be responsible young men and future leaders. I CAN say with pride that my two older sons achieved Eagle and have had opportunities open to them that would not have been available had they not achieved Eagle. Now that I've been on my "soap box", do I make sense??? Or am I just a mom???

Hey, only ONE Fox posted so far??? C'mon, fellow Foxes.... I used to be a FOX, And a good ol' FOX too, But now I'm finished FOX-ing, And don't know what to do... I'm growing old and feeble And I can't FOX no more (sez who???) SO I'm gonna work my ticket if I can! Back to Gilwell, happy land! I'm gonna work my ticket if I can! NE-I-217 FOX Patrol rocks! (even our Patrol Guide was a FOX!)

Hello from MAINE! I'm a Scout Mom, with 2 Eagle Scouts and 1 Life Scout (5 MB and the Project away from Eagle...)! Been involved in Scouting since 1997, from Cubs to District and back and now back to District! Currently Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner for York District of the Pine Tree Council here in Maine. Attended WB in 2005 (FOX Patrol rocks!) and Philmont in 2002, 2008 and headed back with Scout troop in 2010...phew! Scouting is my life; my DH says it's taken over our home; I have handouts, etc. from previous RT's all over! Glad to be here...