by MaryAnn Gardner
A friend of mine is Den
Leader for her nine year old son's Cub Scout Den. She works full time and, due to
her husband's job requiring weekly travel, also happens to be the sole parent
in the household during the week. She had just answered the Adults in Scouting
Survey (see her answers below). And, we were visiting about it. I commented
that her son was fortunate that she took the time to be involved with his
activities.
"I hope my
son realizes what I do for him," she said. "You see, I'm the parent
who enforces the rules every day, who says 'No, you can't stay up late. It's a
school night' or 'Yes, you have to clean your room,' or 'You must finish your
homework before you play video games.' He tells the neighbors how his Dad plays
catch with him on weekends. But, I wonder if he remembers the hours I spent
with him in the back yard throwing a ball that he missed time after time, for
weeks, until he finally learned how to catch it."
I suspect she has nothing
to worry about. Children notice when someone spends time with them - when
someone can be counted upon to always "be there" for them. They may
not say so at seven, or nine, or thirteen years of age. But, eventually, they
let it slip during a conversation (when they are 16, 17, or 20 something) that
they knew you were there and grateful that you were. Because she shared her
reasons for her participation, my friend's answers to the Adults in Scouting
Survey really tell her story. You will probably find they are quite similar to
your own.
* * *
Reason for First becoming
involved with Scouting:
I became involved when my
son joined Tiger Cubs. This was a result of a
campaign at his school and many of his friends were joining.
I became an Assistant Den
Leader to spend time with my son, learning about life in a situation where we
had a group to provide insights and ideas beyond what he learned at home.
To new Scout Parents she
says:
Be involved, don't just
drop your child off and expect the Scout Leader to 'babysit'. Most Scout
leaders will appreciate your involvement. Become a part of this learning
experience with your child and you will both have memories for a lifetime.
Don't let 'work', either at your job or at home, become more important than
spending time learning and doing things with your child. He will never be this
age again and he will only discover each new idea or activity one time. Be
there to share it with him.
To new Scout Leaders she advises:
Let the kids be involved
in planning and executing your activities. They can do more than we give them
credit for and will enjoy the experience more if they have a hand in it. Don't
always stick to your 'script'. Be open to discussions and activities that
happen spontaneously (within reason).
The best thing she finds about being a Scout leader:
Being able to share my
knowledge with children and sharing their adventures and learning experiences.
Was it worth it:
Yes - I never would have
done some of the things with my son on our own that we have done as a group.
Don't miss the experience.
* * * * *
Most of us join Scouting
for the same reason - our own child. Most Scouts remain in the program because
his/her family becomes involved in some way. A program may be excellent, but
without parental support and encouragement, a Scout can quickly lose interest.
An old rhyme comes to mind. I do not know the author, nor do I know the exact
words. The meaning is powerful, just the same:
A boy forgets the things you buy him.
He forgets your scoldings - have no doubt.
But, no boy has ever yet forgotten
When he and his Dad and/or Mom camped out!