bear

I am a female CC, and have been working with a mostly-male troop now for almost 4 years. I think Rooster7 said it so well -- loved his commentary. Yes, I would prefer my own son to have male leadership. Because you men have been boys at one time! Makes sense! HOWEVER, I do enjoy working with the Scouts so much, generally cross-overs, re-chartering, troop meetings. They are great to work with! I wish that the men in my troop would get their Woodbadge training -- I am the only one who pursued it and finished my ticket. I think that coming in as a female, it makes us work all the more harder, have more appreciation for BSA guidelines/training, etc. I have had to work harder in my position (to gain respect?) not only in the troop but also my district position. Plus, I feel I have come into Scouting perhaps with a little more humility than I have seen with male leaders (especially those males who made Eagle 25 years ago and think they don't need training! ARRRRGGGG! Anyway, I do appreciate our male leaders, nonetheless. They know the "language" these boys need to hear and will better respond to. I know, I know -- I'll probably hear some flack from this from other female leaders, but that's my two cents, anyway. Bear

Dear OldGreyEagle, I will be looking for this book! Thanks again for the reference. Take care, Bear

Thanks, OldGreyEagle, for posting your reply to my question! I have really been wanting to research this particular area of B-P's life. I am hoping our library has this book you have mentioned. I am a Christian and am, of course, curious about this information. Again, thank you for your answer, YIS & hopefully a fellow Christian, Bear

Hi! Just read all the replies about being a CC and wanting to also wear the ASM hat. Great answers! I am a CC, have been for three years. During the past couple of years, our SM took on too many positions within the chartered org. (which is also his place of worship) I was very concerned that he was losing track of our boys, their ranks, advancement, etc. The other ASMs were also busy with their careers. I asked them if I could do some ASM work due to my concern as I had the time to keep the boys' advancement recorded properly, etc. (This was before the committee had an advancement person.) If your troop is small and new, I think it is good for all adult leadership to give each other hand. I also felt I could do a better job as a CC if I knew how the troop was run and researched the duties of the SM and ASMs. (I was also the first and still the only one to take my research as far as to get Woodbadge training.) Anyway, I am still a CC and still work as an ASM. Thankfully, our SM is starting to come around, we have many more ASMs who have come on board and have just finished their NLE and OLT courses. Sometimes it is helpful, in my opinion, for the CC to be aware when the SM needs more support and offer it until other adults step up and take on leadership positions. Thanks for considering my opinion, Bear (and a good 'ol Bear, too!)

I have been researching Sir B-P and am wondering what his beliefs were. I haven't found anything really pointing to his convictions. If anyone knows anything about his spiritual life, could you tell me a good reading resource so that I can read up on this? Thanks so much, Bear (and a good 'ol Bear, too!)

The best thing I learned from WB was that I work well with others. WB also gave me confidence about myself. We had a great patrol, though there were some bugs to be worked out, for certain. WB taught me my strengths and weaknesses, some of which were surprises! A few pleasant surprises at that. By the way, my kids know the "Gilwell" song by heart! I just break out with that song all the time, and it's been two years since I took WB! Thanks for asking! Bear (and a good ol' Bear, too)

Dear Everyone -- Again I thank you for your answers, all great! Yes, I have relieved the SM of many, many duties and not only act as CC to the troop but ASM. I enjoy wearing both hats but sometimes think it can be a bit too much. By taking on some of the SMs roles, are we "spoon-feeding" him? After all, being a SM is just as much as commitment as being a CC or any other leader in the troop. I say, if the guy wants to be the SM, then be the SM! So you can see the frustration that goes back and forth with us (committee & ASMs). He is busy -- we cut him slack and take on some of his tasks; he is still busy, but now we have some of our own tasks to take on; he is busier still and is no longer connected with the Scouts and no longer knows their ranks, camping experiences, etc. I mean, why even be a SM if you can't give it 100%? Thanks for your answers. I am learning so much and am glad I have found this website!

Thanks to all who answered the original bear message about our SM! Now, since we just rechartered in Dec., what do we do between now and then? How can we politely and respectfully bring about an attitude adjustment? Really, this SM is a nice guy but definitely has his own ideas/understanding of the BSA. Wish we could get him to woodbadge in Sept. By the way, this SM is a member of the chartered organization (church)as is the charter rep. Both men are friends and very passive about issues -- don't want to take any bulls by the horn. Wondering at this point if there are any policies about chartered organization members also leading the chartered troop. It can get somewhat territorial, I believe. Thanks in advance for any answers/help in this. All is wisdom is truly appreciated. The "bear" is a frustrated committee chair, indeed, but would like for things to work out for this SM. He just isn't plugged in to BSA guidelines, needs some Scout spirit, and could really further his training. But, he also has a full calendar with his hand in other chartered organizational ministries, which is great but this really spreads him thin.

I came in reading about the lousy scoutmaster with much interest, and folks got off the subject and onto patrols working independently or with the troop. I need to see some information on what do do with a scoutmaster who forgets to wear his uniform for Court of Honors, who attends roundtables maybe twice yearly, who has no idea about where each Scout stands in his rank, and who tells another leader their "standards are too high" when it comes to troop work, leadership positions and training. Also, this SM is a former eagle scout with the notion, "I'm a former eagle scout, who needs woodbadge?". Has any troop ever had leadership elections or term limits?