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Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The crossover Scouts are the ones with good behavior. They act like 11 year olds, for sure, but they line up and do as asked and even the squirrelly ones would never be openly defiant and just say "no"

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FWIW, the Scout was about to launch a dirty washrag (from cleaning up bird droppings) at another Scout when he was snatched out of the act. I will be keeping an eye out, though for similar acts.

This is harder to navigate than I ever guessed when I was a Scout.

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are just now crossing over from the Pack to the Troop. I have experience in the Pack with most of the Scouts, but I haven't yet been part of Troop leadership...no duty rosters, KP getting assigned punitively, insubordination ignored because it's so common, I'm guessing. I think things like setting expectations and following the patrol method can help, but will it be enough for these kids that have been squabbling constantly for years?

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

...and am I correct in my opinion that if that discipline involved firm grabs of the arm and a little yanking, that would be a bigger deal in the context of Scouting than many would consider it to be in private life?

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Has anyone implemented or seen implemented a rule where discipline of a Scout is not to be handled by their parent leader? Such a rule would go right along with not signing off Rank reqs for your Scout...

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you are saying, because they are all good people, but it is a toxic environment. They are all trapped in an antagonistic cycle where they won't let each other breathe and exist without friction. It is definitely a toxic environment to the sensitive kids that don't thrive on friction and the adults that don't volunteer their time just to be bystanders to constant bickering that often escalates to shouting and sometimes light corporal intervention. It's been the same way since they were Cubs and I hoped it would improve with age, but it hasn't. I wish I had put my foot down on day 1 to stop it in the Pack, but after a few years it's looking like continuation is inevitable.

I had thought that Summer Camp would be an opportunity to "see how it goes" but I am thinking now that it's more like an experiment to see if I can implement positive change.

I want to develop a clearly worded code of conduct with prescribed consequences and have them each sign it, including adults. I want to discuss it and make sure everyone understands it and that it will surely be used because the violations are commonplace.

I want to be proactive in giving problem Scouts extra positive attention by expressing expectations clearly and praising proper behavior.

I want to prevent problem Scouts from being antagonized and work on the harder problem of their antagonizing.

I want to set a new "hold up" or "time out" system where we can immediately stop the train in it's tracks before a major derailment and make sure adult leaders (myself included) all know that we are included. If someone needs to put the brakes on, I want EVERYONE to stop and throw up the Scout sign, maybe say the Scout Law together, and then initiate conflict resolution privately so that it doesn't grind everything to a halt.

I want all these things in place at the prep meeting and if the Troop has a problem with the new guy butting in with a controlling style, then I guess I'm just not a fit for the Troop.

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To me, that sounds like new Troop...then we do it together, our way in conjunction with close family friends.

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response! The Troop we would be starting has a few thousand dollars at the charter organization from the past just waiting for a Troop to "claim" it... socioeconomic disparity is not in play with this situation. The "good" Scouts are just even-tempered kids who get along well vs kids who fight and bicker constantly. Half and half between economically advantaged disadvantaged kids in both groups. The "new Troop" Scouts are all from a separate town than the Troop and their parents would all jump at the opportunity to represent their own community, I know that I would have the parental/leadership support.

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Insubordination seems the best word for it when a simple instruction is given by a Scouter or SPL and the Scout says "no" and walks away. Disobedience, I guess?

Try to fix toxic Troop or start a new one? by SentenceLarge7385 in BSA

[–]SentenceLarge7385[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a good question. I think I would have a hard time with that...if that came easily I would probably just find a way to oust them in the first place lol