Goodwin’s rules for scoutmasters
In March of 2006, I will become the Scoutmaster of my son’s Boy Scout troop. This is a development that I meet with some trepidation, although I know it’s going to be a blast. Part of me is quite amused about all this, as my own Boy Scouting experiences were less than stellar - I spent two years as a Tenderfoot before quitting.
As an adult leader, I have somehow amassed enough of a reputation that people will trust me to protect their sons from wild bears and undercooked hamburger meals. I must be doing something right - my son spent only three months as a Tenderfoot before advancing to Second Class rank. The curse of the stagnant Goodwin scout has been lifted.
Another part of me is scared to death, wondering if I should make a run for Canada while I still have my sanity intact. You know how mothers are always finding the most interesting objects in their son’s pockets, like dead frogs or crickets? It’s nothing compared to the kinds of things Boy Scouts pick up on a five-mile wilderness hike.
To help me past this hump in my Scout Leader career, I’m going to spend the next several weeks writing down the vast storehouse of knowledge accumulated from six years of leading Boy Scout units.
Rule number one: If a boy volunteers to tend the fire, under no circumstances should you allow him to do so.
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Joe - always carry that useful little widget for removing a boy scout from a horse’s hoof - extremely useful when one loses one’s woggle!
Training, Training, Training
Scoutleaqders Basic and Wood badge can help a ton.
You’re preaching to the choir - I’m on the district training committee.
I’ve taken all the training I can get my hands on, including Scoutmaster Specifics, IOLS and OST2. I haven’t earned my Wood Badge beads yet, but I’m one ticket item away and should have them by summer. Owls rule!
I’ve checked to see if the BSA curriculum has a course in “Joe, You Worry Too Much” but I haven’t found it yet.
Owls? You sound like a guy named Markwell, everyone knows the goal is to be an Eagle!
You have all the tools, just remember to relax, trust the boys, and let the Troop Committee do it’s job.
Most Sm who get in trouble try to be one man shows. A strong troop Committee can keep a SM afloat.
Of course, the reason our Troop commitee is so strong is we have two Foxes to keep the featherheads (and other critters) in line!
Singing, “back to Gilwell….”
No, No, No, Foxes are always in trouble, it is there personality