This is an interesting thread - the subject of older scouts as "slackers" caught my attention.
Our troop loses older scouts when they hit high school where the extracurricular activities and schoolwork take up their time. I don't think all of our older scouts are "slackers" but there's little incentive to come to meetings or campouts. I was part of a Philmont crew this summer with some outstanding boys - top notch students and really good role models. Most of them were juniors that I'd never met in the troop before - and this is my third year as an ASM with the troop.
What I've read so far makes sense:
- the boys have to want to be there and do the work
- parents have to be involved but cannot do the work for the boys
- adult scouters need to be up front with the boys about expected participation - would you roll this under "Scout Spirit"?
I'm also interested in your experience / insight on what we as adult leaders can do to help older scouts stay involved in the program for their own development and to serve as mentors / examples to the younger scouts.
Stosh's example was a good one - the kids in his Venturing crew are all interested in re-enactment. I also thought the JLT training example was interesting - and would be good to hear more about - it sounded like the boys set their own vision and the adults helped them accomplish it over the course of the year.
I'm sure there are examples of things a Boy Scout troop can do as well - leadership training, high adventure programs, and other fun activities geared to older scouts (e.g., rifle / shotgun shooting, rapelling, etc.)
I got the impression that some of you clearly communicated to your boys that they had to stay involved with the troop / crew in some way as part of their advancement to higher ranks such as Life and Eagle. Is this true and, if so, how well did it work?
I do have a reason for asking - I've got four boys, all in the same troop. Two are 9th graders, one is in 7th grade, and one in 6th grade. I'm trying to help the troop develop opportunities for them so they want to stay involved. This is also something I have as my Wood Badge ticket - how to keep older scouts engaged and involved in the troop. Keeping older boys involved does seem to be a problem with most folks I talk to - the answer can't just be cram them into Eagle before the gasoline and perfume hit.
Sorry for the long message - thanks in advance for any input.
