https://youtu.be/z4r5kxXeJOU
As we’ve slowly climbed out of COVID, lockdowns and all the restrictions our municipalities have subjected us to we are all trying to rebuild our programs. Covid was a big kick in guts of the program, but what can do about it?
Transcript:
As we’ve slowly climbed out of COVID, lockdowns and all the restrictions our municipalities have subjected us to we are all trying to rebuild our programs.
Covid as the title of this video indicates was a big kick in guts of the program.
It’s unfortunate as we see many youth who have abandoned the program, found other outlets and things to do with their time. In fact you see it in all aspects of the program. From the scouts to the parents to the leaders. COVID has forced a paradigm shift in the minds of those who have interacted with the program.
But what can we as the leaders that remain do about it?
As I have been telling other leaders, we are in a rebuilding year. Now that year has rolled into two, and soon into three, but it is a process of rebuiliding. Many in the program have abandoned core parts of the program like in person meetings, camping, and the patrol method.
I can’t stress enough how this is the wrong approach. As Baden Powel was fond of saying The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.
You must run your program. Plan your trips, meet regularly, organize by patrols, communicate with the scouts, and instill back the normalcy that had successfully run your program in the past – and you know what it will successfully run your program in the future.
But the second you take your foot off the gas, and cut out key parts of your program, those around you will notice. They will see the disengagement, and as a result will disengage themselves.
It’s a hard time in scouting, and to be honest, National has not stepped up to help maintain and grow the program. The cost is out of control, the resources are few and spotty, and there has been an efficiency push to digitize everything, that unfortunately puts a barrier to getting folks to sign up.
But we relent and run our programs, because there is value there. Value to the scouts and the ever changing society as a whole. Remember, you are not alone, and this is a rebuilding year.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was an exploration of the aftermath of COVID.
