Venture crew coed Youth relationships

[swainwc]

I've recently become involved with a coed venture crew as an extension to the scouting done by my daughter in earlier years. On a recent outing I was made aware of the two deep principle. This made me feel very comfortable with the policies. However, over time and much to my needs for guidance I've found little discussion about male - female relationships and how to deal with them. Especially since the youth are late in their teens.

 

On the surface it appears that the topic is completely off limits for discusion amongst the adult advisors. The feeling is that a strong silent "No activity" is promoted without discusion.

 

Being new again, it appears that the youth are well mannered and behaved amongst the opposite sex and the females have an equal voice in all things.

 

I guess being a bit naive and remebering when I left scouts at 16 to discover girls, I find the mild tempered males and in today's world of girls asking boys out a bit sublime to be real.

 

My daughter is 19 now and she has/is going through the being liked by boys phase and so I am unsure how this all works with the youth. Also, the venturing crew has the youth in leadership and the adults as advisors so it appears difficult to recognize the role one plays when coed relations appear too friendly versus outright "dating" or are just good natured platonic relations. But even dating may be possible at older ages (say 18+) as two young adult advisors (mid twenties) are a dating couple that may have come together in the crew.

 

I think the other aspect involves the adult to youth relationship. Due to the problems in the past of inappropriate activities things are very rigid and as one would expect with someone other than your own child. How do you know where the caring "parental" interface is too much and steping back to give the youth room can be detrimental for safeties sake. Just thinking with my typing and through raising my daughter I know a voice in my heart will be able to guide appropriatly, but I am just looking for some clarification on rules and edicate, plus some leadership advise.

 

All comments welcome.

 

[FScouter]

The issues you raise are well-covered in the Venturing Specific Training for adult leaders. You might want to sign up for it. You don't have to be a registered leader.