It takes dedication and effort to work with youth in order to help them grow and thrive. When we think about some of the “faces” you see doing this in Scouting, we came up with six key players that help make Scouting Thrive in our communities:
-
Scoutmaster / Cubmaster / Den Leader
Although we all know Mr. / Ms. Scout Master gets thanked by the families all the time, and everyone inthe neighborhood
knows – “he is the Scout Guy.” No amount of thanks, plaques or recognition can match the commitment it takes to be the unit leader.
They not only spend their weekends camping with the boys, their evenings at troop meetings, PLC’s and Roundtables – during their regular work day a coffee break is spent thinking about the Cobra patrol leader, and all the other folks on this list – and they are the people making sure they show thanks to others. - The Unit Committee Chair
Dedicates their evenings, weekends, and lunch breaks to managing all the details of the trips, events, community service activities, and Courts of Honor, and relating with all the non-Scouting entities that help enhance program offerings.
Can’t even count the number of hours spent doing the customer service work reassuring, explaining policies to, and encouraging parents and committee members.
Rarely gets to go camping, but loves to see the smiles on the faces of youth returning from an activity. - The Single Parent
Their son loves the program and this parent really wants to help – but with three kids and tight family finances it’s difficult. So when the compact Toyata shows up Friday night in the church parking lot with two little ones in car seats in the back, the Scout in the front seat and his Back pack in the trunk, they are ready to drive. They are ready to do their part to help caravan the Scouts to the camping trip. Of course the one Scout in the back seat, with his pack on his lap, could have fit in one of the mini vans. But at this moment it’s not about troop efficiency it is about community. We understand and appreciate that when her 11 year old and his buddy finally get out of the car to join their patrol, the parent turns around to drive the 70 miles home for a busy weekend at work and baby sitters, and missing the Scout. - The People-Getter (Membership Coordinator)
Spends 2-3 months twice a year planning the Spring and Fall youth recruitment events, in order to manage a two-hour onslaught of parent questions about paperwork, money, and commitment.
Constantly thinking about how to set up a unique event that will allow families to have fun, get involved, and see a role for themselves in Scouting.
Constantly told “but we still need more parents” at Unit Committee Meetings. - “The Hand Shake Guy”
Every successful Scout unit has a “hand shake guy” (or gal). They greet the new parents and the new Scouts and make them feel immediately welcome. They have an uncanny memory for names. They make introductions. They deconstruct the complicated unseen Scouting protocols about which patch goes where, and the difference between JASM, ASM and SPL and APL. - The Set-Up / Clean-Up Crew
You know these folks – first ones in the church basement, turn on the lights, put the coffee on, move the tables and chairs, and prep the room for the committee meeting, the PLC or the roundtable. Everyone is talking after the meeting and they gently push folks into the parking lot. While the Scouters are chatting they scurry around cleaning up, and before you know you have a bunch of home baked cookies in your hand and your told “bring these home.”
Take a moment to share this and tag the people you recognize here – trust us, it will make their day! Use #ScoutingTHRIVES in your post, to help organize the conversation as it grows.
One last thing: If you’re one (or more) of these six people, thank you for everything; we couldn’t bring so much to so many without your efforts.