I would like to share with you again about the Methods of Scouting. You may remember there are 8 “Methods” in Scouting. This is how we accomplish our goals. The methods are:
- The Ideals
- The Patrol Method
- The Outdoors
- Advancement
- Association with Adults
- Personal Growth
- Leadership Development
Last month, I wrote about the uniform. This month, I want to share a little about Association with Adults. The Boy Scouts of America says:
“Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases an [adult] who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.”
The adults in our Troop are role models for the boys. We live our lives in such a way that we set a positive example for them. More than just being a good example, we provide a safe and secure environment where boys can learn and even sometimes fail.
We want boys to develop the ability to call an adult on the telephone or walk up to an adult they do not know and initiate a conversation: Requesting help on a merit badge or a rank requirement. It’s amazing to watch how a scared, shy, 10 year old boy will slowly gain the confidence to approach a Scoutmaster and ask for help. Even more amazing sometimes is that just a few more years and they are reaching out the Merit Badge counselors they don’t even know, or calling a parent to request help with Luminaria distribution.
Scout years are a time of great change for boys, and we want to help make those changes positive. Setting a positive example, taking a sincere interest, and making their interactions with adults a positive and learning experience is one way that we help to bring about the Aims of Scouting.
William Schmidt
Scoutmaster – Troop 204
BSA Troop 204 