Do you believe poor progam ...

[Eamonn]

I at times think we use the word program too much or don't really understand it.

If we are going to stand a chance of keeping a youth member in the "Program" we need to find out what his /her interests are and include them in what we are doing.

One size doesn't fit all.

All of the adults, not just the guys over 50!! Need to try and remember what it was like being a kid.

Remember the things that were fun and include them in the program. - A good water fight, getting really dirty and muddy, being out late at night with a strong flashlight.

I agree with red feather that we need to set our expectations high. The program should challenge the young people we serve. We do a dis-service to the youth when everything is the same old, same old or we allow things that are not someone's best to become the norm.

While I'm happy and do believe that a lot of what makes kids happy today hasn't changed much over the years (Watch younger kids in a play ground, the swings and slides are the same as when I was a kid, take older kids rappelling and see the smile on their face when the get to the ground and look up where they have been) I do also believe that we need to accept that todays kids are just that. If we are going to have rules about things not covered in any Scouting materials these rules need to come from the youth. Back when I was a Scout it was older people worried about how long our hair was. Nine volt transistor radios, hands in our pockets and chewing gum!! Today it seems that we old people are worried about: Baggy pants, cell phones, i-pods and hand held computer games.

I have never ever yet a kid who joined Scouts because he or she felt that their character was in need of an overhaul. They joined because they wanted to have fun and be with their friends.

Talking with Scouts who are now adults who were in the Troop many years back; many have said how much they enjoyed the times spend at camp at the end of the day just sitting around the embers of the fire, just talking.

The old saying that we have two ears and one mouth is especially true for adults in Scouting, when we learn to listen and hear what the youth we are serving are saying we can do a better job.

I believe the Scouting program is all about relationships.

I wish I could say that over the years all the Scouts I have had in different units did like me. Sadly that isn't true.

I know I'm guilty of liking some more than others. Still I have done my best to respect every Scout who I have been entrusted with.

Different Scouts have of course had different levels of commitment and different reasons for their level of commitment. Some of the Scouts who were most active in the Troop were there because life at home wasn't very good and the Troop was a safe haven. Others were so busy doing so many other things that they just didn't have as much time.

At one time I made the mistake of trying to judge their commitment by using mine as the yard stick.

A good program offers the youth members Fun, Challenges, Adventure and Friendship.

I have tried to know the program and the rules even when at times I have maybe not kept them!!

I try and really know as much as I can about each and every Scout and his or her family. I make a point of visiting the homes of all of the youth I serve.

When there is a problem we try and fix the problem and not worry too much about who is to blame.

Before meetings (PLC and now Quarterdeck Meetings) I write on the palm of my hand the words "Shut Up!!"

I also try and be aware of how I'm feeling.

Eamonn