Adult Leaders are role models for our youth

[ScoutDadof5]

IMHO...whether it be a man or a woman, our youth are impacted by the presence and demeanor of the adult leaders of our scout units.

 

I have seen discussion of role models here in the forums.

 

Maybe scouting is not as popular as when we had some of th legendary scouters still around, but the need for solid supportive adults, leaders, and parents has never been needed more than it is today.

 

When our youth look around them, what do they see? I won''t answer that. But, when they look around at us...yes, us as a collective group, can we say that we have positively impacted the life of a scout today?

 

I was taught a long time ago several important lessons that I keep near and dear to me:

 

1. When you throw dirt at someone else, you only lose ground.

 

2. When you point a finger at someone else, remembet that you have 4 fingers pointing back at yourself.

 

Is this post a commentary on any specific item that I have seen posted here in the forums....no.

 

Just a post acknowledging that I wish I could identify some strong role models to my children and my scouts.

 

I would love some examples of some strong adult role models that are visable in the scouting organization that I can point out to those youth. Anyone?

 

For now, I remain interested in supporting our scouts and our leaders.

 

Maybe I am rambling, but with all the challenges that our youth are up against, I warmly welcome anyone who provides a "strong positive influence" for our youth in line with scouting ideals...regardless of sex, religion, age, nationality, race, disability, etc. (I may have missed some, but you get the idea).

 

Humbly stated and not directed at anyone...with no offense intended,

 

YIS

 

Michael

[ozemu]

A few years ago a 16 year old Australian sailed solo around the world. Had been a Cub Scout.

 

A well known Australian businessman, philanthropist and patriot was a very active Scout through to adulthood.

 

and stacks of astronauts were Eagles.

 

But they just don''t seem to fire up the imagination and enthusiasm of a football or rap star. If they had the same PR people and tv exposure they might. That''s a national/world Scout issue.

 

Point is that invisible role models are not useful. The Scouting ones who count are in uniform each week at the local hall. They are the only visible role models available.

 

I''d love to be able to choose them but in reality anyone who throws their hand up gets a shirt. Some are brilliant and others not so. Roulette.

[ozemu]

Slightly off topic.

 

To boost the image of Scouting here, emphasising the benefit from being a Scout - I intend hosting a reunion of our Troop.

 

I know of medical, engineering and teaching students who were in the Troop. Another is trying for the Air Force at years end and one is a big solid farm hand.

 

These ex Scouts are fit, personable, responsible and great examples of our product. Many are well known locally in sport and will have been seen by the current Scouts.

 

I''m praying for a collection of examples if not uniformed adult role models

[Eamonn]

While at times I''m overly critical of the BSA and the "System" -Whatever that is?

Deep in my heart I do believe that the youth we serve do have a feeling for the good work adults in Scouting do.

Right now I''m lucky that I get to work with the older youth and they not only seem to appreciate the time I put in, but are happy to offer me a pat on the back.

Sailing around the world or landing on the moon just aren''t on the cards for me. Outside of the area where I live, no one knows or cares what I do with my spare time, or who I am.

But here in my small community the locals do know and do appreciate the work volunteer Scouter''s do.

Every time I go for a haircut the barber tells me so. I have made Scouting presentations to local service groups (Lions Elk''s, Rotary.) and given recruiting talks in local churches. Afterwards I receive a lot of thank yous.

Of course I''m not the perfect role model. Like everyone else wearing a Scout uniform has never taken away all my bad habits and my involvement in Scouting certainly hasn''t made me a candidate for saint.

The bad thing about the Scout Law and Oath is that we promise to do our best. Sometimes my best is better than at other times and even when I get it right the bar is raised and my best can be better.

So while I''m aware that I''m no super-hero and chances are that I''m never going to be one, I do think when it comes to

" prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." I can do my bit.

Eamonn.

 

[ScoutDadof5]

Ditto on the "Sailing around the world or landing on the moon"...having 5 kids...my longtime dream of attending the 2007 World Jamboree as a Staff member came and went ...but I have 5 little kids that see me as thier role model on a daily basis.

 

Something you said (Eamonn) made me realize something...""Outside of the area where I live, no one knows or cares what I do with my spare time, or who I am. But here in my small community the locals do know and do appreciate the work volunteer Scouter''''s do. Every time I go for a haircut the barber tells me so. I have made Scouting presentations to local service groups (Lions Elk''''s, Rotary.) and given recruiting talks in local churches. Afterwards I receive a lot of thank yous."

 

And as Ozemu said ..."But they just don''''t seem to fire up the imagination and enthusiasm of a football or rap star. If they had the same PR people and tv exposure they might. That''''s a national/world Scout issue."

 

I do realize that our role models are on the local level. It would be nice to have a few larger than life scouting figures that our youth could relate to, but I cannot think of a one. Growing up, I remember Bill Hillcourt, Max Silber, and Harry Thorsen (a friend of my uncles who was a Silver Buffalo Recipient). Before that we had Baden Powell, Dan Beard, James West, Bearce, Carter, Seton, E. Urner Goodman, Carroll A. Edson, etc. Guys that seemed larger than life in scouting and were in the public eyes.

 

In looking at where we have seen Scouting in the national / international news the past few years, I can recall seeing an announcement regarding Robert Mazzuca becoming the Chief Scout Executive. Other than that, the only other thing I have seen at a national level in the news was some national staff member that was caught with questionable (I will leave it at that) material on his computer and was promptly dismissed and escorted out of scouting.

 

Personally, I have never been one to seek the lime light and have tried to sit back and help and support where needed. It wasn''t until recently that my wife and a number of the leaders in the Pack coaxed me into putting my knots and patches on my uniform. I have always tried to put the focus on the kids and not on me. (I have been to national and international events and have a handful of knots to boot including 5 Eagle Palms). One of the committee members actually sewed them all on for me.

 

They (adults) did convince me that as much as they (Scouts) enjoy earning the badges, they like to see the adults with them on as well.

I guess I need to recognize that on a local level, I am a role model, huh?

 

Now, I''m not the perfect role model either. I liked the comment..."Sometimes my best is better than at other times and even when I get it right the bar is raised and my best can be better." I am and I am sure we all are always trying to do our best and better.

 

I can say though that if it boils down to ..."prepare(ing) young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."...then I am right there with you Eamonn =)

 

[local1400]

Welcome Dad. I was impressed you mentioned Max Silber. He is very much missed here in New Hampshire. To todays Scouts, that name is just the name of the Library at the Lawrence Lee Scout Museum. But to another generation, he is simply Uncle Max, a kind and funny old man who gave and gave (time, financial support, and belt buckles) without ever asking anything in return except to honor the Scout Oath and Law.

[BrentAllen]

Dadof5,

A little test for you and your sons:

 

1. Name the 5 richest men in the world (or the US, if you choose)

 

2. Name the CEO''s of 5 of the largest Fortune 500 companies.

 

3. Name the last 5 Heisman Trophy winners.

 

4. Name the last 5 World Series MVP''s.

 

5. Name the last 5 Super Bowl MVP''s.

 

Unless you are a stock broker and a total ESPN junkie, most of us could not answer those questions. Now, try these questions.

 

1. Name 5 teachers who made a big impact in your life.

 

2. Name 5 Scout leaders who made a big impact in your life.

 

I could answer the second set without even thinking about it.

The point is, which group of people make a real difference in our lives - those in the first set of questions, or those in the second?

I understand the reason for your post, and I agree with your point. Just don''t forget the real value of those local role models.

[ScoutDadof5]

Point well taken. It just goes to the further realization that our role models that really make a difference in our lives and in the lives of our youth are around us on a daily basis.

 

This thread has been a bit of an eye opener for me. It makes me appreciate the volunteers and local leaders that much more.

[insanescouter]

A friend and I tried to take your quiz ... uhm will I could answer the two business one but only because I am involved in the business world... I could name 3 teachers that had really effected me and with over 22 years in Scouting 5 leaders was easy ...

 

I would like to take a side moment to shake hands with all you teachers on the list and thank each and every one of you personally

 

Scott Robertson

http://insanescouter.org

[insanescouter]

I had to add this in... friend and I were talking more and we realized that our 4th teacher would be the exact same ... now that is ironic ...

 

4th teacher computer...

 

for me it was an Apple II E which taught me more then the school system could... ok I just showed my age now ... runs and hides my wrinkled skin in a dark corner ...

 

Scott Robertson

http://insanescouter.org