Eagle POR Problem

[Kudu]

As it turns out, he decided that he really doesn't want to leave the Troop and his friends, even if it means giving up on Eagle. He's a great kid and I'm humbled that he thought to ask my advice earlier this month.

 

Back before POR advancement requirements were invented, his bearing was called the Spirit of Scouting: The natural result of the influence of competent Scoutcraft and the "Real" Patrol Method on a boy's character.

 

If this Life Scout is a Natural Leader, then he probably has already been acting like an Assistant Scoutmaster.

 

Just as active as some of the adult leaders.

 

If not JASM, then a good SPL will be able to suggest how a Natural Leader has already been informally acting as a Troop Guide, Instructor, Webmaster, or what-ever.

 

So the "December 12th deadline" has NOT passed, except in the minds of Game of Life enthusiasts.

 

That's how the Patrol Method worked before office management began to cast its cold shadow on Scouting in 1965.

 

Before then, leadership was like the Scout Spirit requirement, something that a Natural Leader was doing all along without an official "appointment" date. You know, like advancement is supposed happen naturally with regular camping.

 

Is that so hard to understand?

 

If so, do you have official Scout Spirit dates? The date on which you (as a leadership expert) tell each Boy Scout that he needs only live the Scout Law for six months so that it "counts" toward his next rank?

 

To avoid this Playskool Democracy crises in the future, simply eliminate regular Troop-wide elections and get rid of the ASPLs (except to Peter Principle an incompetent PL).

 

In other words, return to Green Bar Bill's Patrol Method:

 

1) Talk to each Natural Leader separately and ask him to run for, or stay on as Patrol Leader (or SPL, if you have one).

 

2) If a Patrol needs a new Patrol Leader for some reason, then only that Patrol needs to "hold an election" (and only after the Scoutmaster meets with that Patrol individually to talk about what makes a good Patrol Leader).

 

3) In the "Real" Patrol Method, the SPL is appointed by the Patrol Leaders. If you must elect a new SPL (or have one at all), then do so separately from Patrol elections and POR appointments.

 

4) During every Scoutmaster Conference with a Scout First Class and above (who is NOT a Natural Leader), walk the Scout over to the SPL and work out a POR before the SM Conference concludes (or appoint him as a JASM yourself).

 

Easy Peasy.

 

Yours at 300 feet,

 

Kudu

[qwazse]

"Defacto Troop Encourager"

 

Now that would go well on a sleeve!

[JMHawkins]

That and a Scouting for Life Association open to everyone who remembers their time in Scouting with fondness.

 

We have that! You join by filling out a thing called the BSA Adult Application (also known as the Official Complaint Form in some Troops).