Concerns About Potential Conflict Navigation

[swilliams]

First meeting as Scoutmaster last night, and our SPL had the scouts re-form their Patrols.  Late this afternoon I fielded a call from a parent whose son has some very mild behavioral issues (alerted to the issues by the parent, not a judgement call).  He will be Patrol Leader for his Patrol.  I was told that one of the other scouts in the Patrol has similar behaviors, so the parent wasn't sure that this grouping was the best fit. There was no demand for a re-do or to separate the kids - it was phrased from the perspective of sharing information for monitoring. So that's the great news. The scouts did group themselves, though the one scout (the one who may have similar behaviors) is new to the Troop and the friend who brought him in undoubtedly influenced the grouping.  (Our CC has some notes that parents have shared about individual scouts, but hasn't shared them yet.  Me taking on this role was pretty last-minute when the previous SM was stepping down, and no one was stepping up.)  

I do have some experience working with kids in an ABA setting, but with greater needs than we're talking about here.  I've finished all my online training - not much there about this.  I haven't done IOLS or WoodBadge - they're only available in a few months, from what I saw on our Council website.  Not sure how much, if any, material they cover about working with scouts with special needs.  Even if this is covered, there's no substitute for experience, which I lack.

Please point me to any resources on helping (or resisting the urge to help, when called for) scouts that have to navigate conflict, and who may be more challenged by that.  Appreciated.

[DuctTape]

 Conflict is natural AND a growth opportunity. Help the scouts figure out solutions to the conflict. The SM is not the referee. Your background has prepared you better than most to help guide the scouts to resolution. I have found using the Socratic Method to be an invaluable tool to help scouts find solutions. Having a few "tricks to try" is also useful when they are stumped. But presentjng them as a question allows them the opportunity to decide.

[Tron]

Scouting America website for special needs scouts.

Troop Leader Guide Vol 2 also has a chapter on working with scouts that have special needs. 

IOLS and Woodbadge do not have anything beyond (or anything for that matter) concerning working with scouts with special needs. You will need IOLS to be considered trained, and technically per the registration guide book and Troop Leader Guide Vol 1 you're supposed to have it before being allowed to be the SM. I am not sure how strict your council is but I would check your neighboring councils for IOLS classes. If something goes way wrong and you're not fully trained SA might hang you out to dry. 

[swilliams]

The next IOLS for our Council isn't until May 3rd.  I'm not sure how strict our Council is, but given that we were going to be without a Scoutmaster at all, my guess is that they're not going to make an issue of it unless I don't do the training once it's available.  I may do Wilderness First Aid and CPR, which is available March 14-16.  

Thanks for the link above.  Will check it out.

[mrjohns2]

On 1/9/2025 at 11:07 PM, Tron said:

technically per the registration guide book

Where is it in the registration guidebook? Also, do you have a copy? The 2024 edition came out, but has been only posted internally for registrars. Would like to have a copy. 

Edited January 17 by mrjohns2

[Tron]

On 1/17/2025 at 10:47 AM, mrjohns2 said:

Where is it in the registration guidebook? Also, do you have a copy? The 2024 edition came out, but has been only posted internally for registrars. Would like to have a copy. 

BSA has pulled the 2020 copy down so this is going to be a little bit of a path through the rules.

I found this archived copy of the 2019 version; I suspect that a new registration guidebook is pending deployment to the bsa website. https://quivira.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/Registration-Guidebook.pdf

Page 41 of the 2019 copy states in reference to being able to recharter: • Conduct the Scouting program consistent with BSA rules, regulations, and policies. They may be found on the My Scouting website and at the following location: www.scouting.org/Membership/Charter_Orgs/ resources.aspx.

Page 8 of the rules and regulations state: Scouter Training. The Boy Scouts of America may establish training requirements for specified positions and completion of that training may be required prior to registration or renewal.

Page 2 of the adult application states: • Take leader position-specific training at my.scouting.org. Classroom training may also be available through your local council. You are considered a trained leader when you have completed leader position specific training for your position and have current Youth Protection training.

Which then takes us to the Troop Leader Guide Vol 1 which states on page 82 very clearly " Complete position-specific and Introduction to outdoor Leader Skills training."

[mrjohns2]

Very clearly states after you go to a 6 year old document and follow a couple of other tortuous paths. Sure it is required. Yep. 

[SSScout]

As in any organizational effort, ""The Work Is Done By Whoever Shows Up""

Thank you for "Showing Up".   You will not be disappointed.  How big is your Troop?   Encourage the PLs and SPL to do the planning of activities with your oversight and blessing. One of my favorite memories is as the Unit Commish sitting in the back of the room while the new (old, he had been there before. Another story) SM met with his newly elected SPL and PLs.  The idea was to plan the coming year's camps, hikes, museum visits, etc.  These Scouts were not new to Scouting, but new to their roles.  The SM suggested things, trips, and the Scouts  obviously were WAITING....   Finally, the nascent SPL said "You mean I can make that decision?" to which the SM responded ""DUUHH !"".  They had a very successful year. 

As to your training, IOLS etc. Yes, sign up and have fun with it.   IOLS is mostly about Scout Skills and safety and traditional  things.  Most of Scout Training, whether in person (how would you really teach knife and axe online?) or virtual, is about safety and personal experience of the trainers. Ask questions.    Save Wood Badge for later, if you are new to the " Scouter" role,  it is good to have some experience to compare WB to.  

One bit of personal advice:  Do not neglect the "Scoutmaster's Minute" , either after the Troop Meeting or by the campfire.  Your personal bits, observations, reminders about what the Scout Promise, Scout Law, real character is all about can have unknown , big results.  If you need some ideas, some inspiration yourself, you can find lots of stuff in print and online. I recommend Robert Baden-Powell, Ernest Seton, and William Hillcourt from Scouting.   Eric Sloan,  Kipling,  Jack London,  St. Francis,  Kahlil Gibran, John Muir....    outside of Scouting.    

Best of luck.  See you on the trail. 

Edited Saturday at 01:20 PM by SSScout