Troop Leadership and Elections

As we prepare for our forthcoming Patrol and Troop elections, I cast my mind back to the purpose of why we do it this way. To find that answer, I went back to some of Baden-Powell's first writings on this topic. In 'Scoutmastership: a Handbook for Scoutmaster on the Theory of Scout Training' he wrote:

In the administrative scheme a splendid opportunity is given to break away from any incrusting method. It comes about in the Patrol and in the Troop. It teaches the boys to work together in teams. It secures co-operative effort for a common end; that is a democratic thing in and of itself. 

So, I met this past week with your 2 SPL's to see what they were thinking about in regards to their 'team' of Troop 283. They expressed that generally we are improving our overall direction. Patrols and their respective leaders are hosting good meetings, having good camp-outs and doing good service. However, they also felt there was more we could do. Camp-outs could be better attended and better organized. The Troop could do more service and help our community more. Scouts could also be learning, advancing and growing more.

They felt that the best way to accomplish these 'mores' is to get more Scouts involved directly in overseeing these activities. Then by having more focused leadership both the Scout in the leadership role as well as the Scouts being led would learn more, do more & grow more. So I hope you will individually look to yourself in April and see where is your 'more' and how you can help your SPL's do and grow more. I for one will be working with them more, and I hope you will join me.

Yours in Scouting,
SM Smith