What an exciting meeting tonight! The Pack invited me over to visit during their annual Pack campout. Previously the COR and CC told me that they didn't think the three den leaders they had left would commit to getting trained or buying uniforms, but they did! The COR and CC also committed to uniforms and training! I found a lady down in Sandy that has adult scout uniforms for $17 if you purchase 10 or more. Currently 4 people have paid, and 3 more will pay for their uniforms on Monday, that's 7 of the 10 I need. Looking good! I really excited for this Pack!
Thanx for stopping by!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Meeting!
OK, more things starting to roll. I had my first meeting with my Pack's COR and CC. The meeting was only supposed to be 15 minutes but ended up lasting about 45.
This what we talked about:
- Virtually no one in the unit is trained. The COR told me, "basically no one knows what to do but we are trying." I explained the importance of getting trained and that every boy deserves a well trained leader. I told them about myscouting.org and getting their online training out of the way. I also told them about finding someone to be the Pack Trainer, they told me they have someone in mind. I am actually surprised about this because most volunteers quit after several months if they haven't been trained because of frustration. According to the COR and CC they have been operating without any trained leaders for the better part of a year!
- The Pack has no uniform policy. I told them why uniforms are important and got a committment from them to get uniforms. I will work with them to get uniforms for the committee.
- No program. As it stands this Pack is operating without an annual plan just like most other units. I have found that a Scout unit that plans the year ahead is usually a lot more successful than one who doesn't. I hate to say it but, "units that fail to plan, plan to fail." The CC told me their budget was 0. After the Pack comes up with a plan they need to figure out a budget and then organize some fundraisers to meet their budget.
That was pretty much it except that I gave them some cards that have the Unit Commissioner's responsibilities on it with my name and phone number. I got an invitation to visit the Pack's Camporee on the 24th.
Thanx for stopping by.
This what we talked about:
- Virtually no one in the unit is trained. The COR told me, "basically no one knows what to do but we are trying." I explained the importance of getting trained and that every boy deserves a well trained leader. I told them about myscouting.org and getting their online training out of the way. I also told them about finding someone to be the Pack Trainer, they told me they have someone in mind. I am actually surprised about this because most volunteers quit after several months if they haven't been trained because of frustration. According to the COR and CC they have been operating without any trained leaders for the better part of a year!
- The Pack has no uniform policy. I told them why uniforms are important and got a committment from them to get uniforms. I will work with them to get uniforms for the committee.
- No program. As it stands this Pack is operating without an annual plan just like most other units. I have found that a Scout unit that plans the year ahead is usually a lot more successful than one who doesn't. I hate to say it but, "units that fail to plan, plan to fail." The CC told me their budget was 0. After the Pack comes up with a plan they need to figure out a budget and then organize some fundraisers to meet their budget.
That was pretty much it except that I gave them some cards that have the Unit Commissioner's responsibilities on it with my name and phone number. I got an invitation to visit the Pack's Camporee on the 24th.
Thanx for stopping by.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Decisions, decisions!
Well, I am going to set up some appointments to visit my units with my ADC. The DC and ADC suggested that I get with my Pack and set up a Boy Scout Troop for the pack. Here's a little history of the Pack: The Pack originated at an elementary school. For some reason, the Pack changed chartered organizations from the elementary school to a Catholic church nearby. The Catholic church has a Venturing crew (unfortunately not meeting with two adults and two Scouts) but no Troop. Originally the Pack had no need to be associated with a Troop because the elementary school, with the exception of the 12 year olds, had no other Boy Scout age boys associated with it. As the chartered organization, the elementary school provides the building where the Pack meets. Since Boy Scouts are 12 to 18 years old it makes since that the school wouldn't have a Troop. Now that the Pack's chartered organization has an association with Boy Scout age boys I think that it would be a good idea for the Catholic church to grow a Troop. The problem is that I already have another Troop, the DC and ADC told me that I can be the UC for the Pack, Troop, and Crew associated with the Catholic church but I would have to give up the Troop I am the UC for.
I actually think I already have made my decision. It would be much easier for me to have all three units that I am the commissioner for in one building and it would be much easier for me to ensure that each unit had an excellent relationship. As I see it, the Pack would recruit from its previous chartered organization, the elementary school. The Pack will graduate its Cubs into the Troop. After the Boys in the Troop earn their Eagle Scout they can move into the Venturing Crew until they are 21. Sounds like a plan to me.
Thanx for visiting.
I actually think I already have made my decision. It would be much easier for me to have all three units that I am the commissioner for in one building and it would be much easier for me to ensure that each unit had an excellent relationship. As I see it, the Pack would recruit from its previous chartered organization, the elementary school. The Pack will graduate its Cubs into the Troop. After the Boys in the Troop earn their Eagle Scout they can move into the Venturing Crew until they are 21. Sounds like a plan to me.
Thanx for visiting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)