Adventure Base 100
First – Wow and thanks to all the volunteers who gave up time on the Holiday weekend to attend and volunteer to work the various booths and activities. Bruce Showstack did a terrific job coordinating volunteers from several councils. We had volunteers helping out with the Museum, the Boys Life photo booth, the penny pincher, the Scout Dome, the NESA booth, the popcorn booth and the mapping activity. We had other volunteers attend the wood badge beading ceremony, Eagle alumni event, and key 3 event. The weekend was packed! As I walked from the parking lot to Government Center on Sunday Morning I had people ask me if this was a “Scouting only” event because there were SO Many Scouts there. Our national folks had a much different take on the weekend; they expressed gratitude that we got to talk to so many “non-scouts” to participate. Clearly the location and dates provided a terrific opportunity for us to showcase Scouting. Personally I enjoyed meeting so many people through the knot tying boards. I met dozens and dozens of Scout friendly people and got to teach the square knot, bowline, sheet bend and clove hitch probably 150 times last weekend.
Undercover “Boss”
Have you ever watched the show Undercover Boss? http://www.cbs.com/primetime/undercover_boss/
I’ve only seen it a few times but I just love the concept. The idea of a CEO doing the work with the folks he/she employees can really be eye opening for everyone. Before I make this parallel I want to be clear that I view myself as a servant leader – NOT a CEO in the classic sense. However the dynamic is similar, workers in places like Waste Management, White Castle, and Roto Roter do not get to see or interact with their CEO and therefore the CEO doesn’t get a chance to see how the decisions from the board room affect the folks trying to make the company effective. I grew up in Scouting. I’m very sensitive to the feeling that the decisions from “the puzzle palace” often do not seem to make any sense.
I need to hear about Scouting policies and practices from our Scout Masters and Cub Masters. I really enjoy hearing the honest feedback. I have taken the opportunity to capitalize on the “Undercover Boss” idea a few times in the past month. I was somewhat undercover at Adventure Base 100, Massasoit, and staff week at Storer. It’s fun and enlightening.
Some things I’ve hear in my “undercover capacity”
I’m surprised at how many people talk about possible mergers
I’m surprised at how many people don’t know about the pool issue
Some folks have long memories
I’m surprised at how many people use the word “politics” to describe the way the council functions
Most folks agree we need more visibility
Many folks feel successful in spite of the council
There are a lot of divergent ideas about how things could be better
Everyone wants the Scouting to succeed and grow
As I mentioned in my last update – I’m visiting camps every week partially undercover and then again formally to conduct a conversation about Scouting priorities. The first meeting was held at Massasoit Family camp weekend on Saturday night. The room was full about 20 people – lots of great ideas! That room came up with a clear list of the top 6 things the council should do to help support Scouting.
I’ll post their results after I’ve conducted the meeting a few more times so we have a broader and more balanced view to post.
See you around the campfire!
Chuck
