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3:18 am
April 26, 2011
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moonshake
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| PTC Bear | posts 41 | |
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Post edited 3:20 am – April 26, 2011 by moonshake
Post edited 3:25 am – April 26, 2011 by moonshake
I've heard this concept mentioned here before… "Burn Out"… especially toward the end of a long Scouting year. It's often remedied by a low-impact summer while the batteries recharge. But my issues seem to run deeper.
This course unfortunately was inevitable. I've been the 1st/only Cubmaster of a revitalized Pack for the last 4 years. (Approx 15-20 boys). I have basically been a 1-man commitee the whole time. Our Charter Organized Rep has essentially been the co-chair with me… as I have been responsible for Fundraising, Treasurer, B&G Chair, PWD, Advancement, and co-Den Leading my son (with my wife). Never had an assistant CM, camping chair, or trainer. Our Dens run on auto-pilot (if they are even running at all). I don't have time to have monthly den planning meetings on top of the other roles (all while working 2 jobs).
(OMG… 1-person commitee with unchecked finances?! I have 4 years of receipts which will also allow me to add "financial martyr" to the list of positions… if anyone cares to ask.)
This is too bad. As a Speech Communications & Theatre Major in college, I put on a decent pack meeting. But with all the other burdons, I can't focus on that (my originally agreed upon role) and do it to my fullest ability.
The goal was to find my replacement this year, and train them in next year (next year being my son's last)… I have asked the group in many different ways… and gone to my "Pack Champions" individually and have no one even remotely interested. They probably see the dynamic I have created and want nothing of this. I figured I would tough it out through next year (my son's last) since he enjoys it. But I'm already subconsciously retiring.
I know the number of units is important to a district, so I have rechartered with myself on paper (there was no other option at the time). Hoping for a miracle, but it would likely just be history repeating itself. It would really not be fair to anyone to limp the group along in the current form. I'd almost rather see the more interested boys farmed out to healthier units. But I'm sure the other groups have their leadership woes. The other option would be for a complete "do-over". Have the first few meetings without me next year… to see if anyone steps forward out of necessity… and perhaps go from there.
Regardless of what happens, I do want to thank everyone here for their advice over the years. I have come to the forums for some major issues and received much help. I can without a doubt say that I wouldn't have made it this long without the podcasts & forums.
Thanks for reading… and I'll keep you updated if there is good news.
John R.
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8:22 am
April 26, 2011
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SM Shawn
| | Green Bay, WI | |
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There is nothing wrong with checking out…
Not all programs can be successes, such as what you read on this or other forums or blogs. For the most part, we all have a lot of issues with out units and try to mud our way through them. But, as it not always the case, the help isn't there, and you are left to do it all on your own.
As master Yoda said, do or not do, there is no try. You did…for 4+ years. If you think that you can try for a couple more, like you said, you are doing those kids a disservice.
The short and skinny, cross over with your son, and try not to look back. If those parents care about the program, they will make it work, maybe with your help. That's my remedy.
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Host of the True North Podcast
Co-Host of Scout Nation
Scoutmaster
Dad and Husband…
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9:59 am
April 26, 2011
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stevejb68
| | Minnesota | |
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First of all John, I would like to commend you on your 4+ years as a cubmaster, especially under those conditions. I am surprised you lasted as long as you did. Most would have resigned after a couple years.
I agree with Shawn. There is nothing wrong with checking out and moving on. It sounds like you will be a great asset to a Boy Scout troop.
If the parents want the pack to continue, they will need to step forward. If not, well, it is their choice.
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Steve B, Scoutmaster, Troop 68, CMC, http://www.melrosetroop68.org/blog/
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10:47 am
April 26, 2011
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Scouter Warren
| | NC | |
| PTC Wolf | posts 34 |
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I commend you for your efforts as well.
As for the Pack, just be honest with them (if you haven't already). Let them know you are stepping down and there will be no pack without a Cubmaster, etc.
A lot of people (including those in our pack) assume that the Cubmaster does it all or most of it. Fortunately for us, we have asked and asked and come up with a good set of volunteers for next year. We have had a many of person to say no. Some for good reason, some for well….. not so much. The key for me is forgetting what the parents think about me (and if they avoid me) due to me asking them to help out over and over.
If I were you, at the next pack meeting where they are all together, I'd give them the 'this is how it is' speech, and go into gorey detail if you have to about what it takes to run a pack. Then try to get volunteers and many to step up.
Beyond that, bridge up with your son and don't look back.
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Warren — Assistant Cubmaster
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9:34 pm
May 11, 2011
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smwalker_oh
| | Middletown, Ohio | |
| PTC Star Scout | posts 596 |
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What everyone else said. But also I would add that if you want to try and make the families see change, STOP DOING THINGS! First part would be to basically have your CR take over all the committee stuff. By BSA guidelines the CR can also be the CC, but the CM cannot. So Treasurer, committee chair, etc…hand it over to the CR. It sucks to drop stuff in other people's laps but in all honesty it is the CR's job to find a CC and to fill those roles when things don't happen because no one else will step up and do them, you start to get parents involved.
I've been where you are. The guy who was CM for my son's pack when we joined got tired of asking people to help and have them not follow through so he just did everything himself. He was the CM, a DL, CC, Treasurer, B&G planner, PWD Planner, etc…it was ridiculous. When I took over the CC position I made it clear to the rest of the parents that this would NOT continue and if it meant we didn't have a pinewood derby, a campout, a blue & gold or a crossover ceremony then so be it. The key is you can't bluff, you have to mean it. There was some (small) event that didn't happen because no one stepped up to be in charge, and after that people started volunteering to help out.
It took more time than you have left to make the change happen on a huge scale in my son's pack, and honestly there's still work left to be done – we've got close to 30 adults on the roster and there's still empty slots to fill and leaders wearing 2 and 3 hats. I would say that you have done well above and beyond what was asked of you for over 4 years, and it's time to put the responsibility of re-staffing the pack on the Charter Organization and Chartered Organization Representative where it belongs. Enjoy the rest of your time as CM and cross over with your son with no regrets, you have done your part and allow and expect those who are responsible for continuing the pack to do so.
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PT – Pack 19 Middletown
CR/CC – Pack, Troop & Crew 801 Middletown
MC, Packs 321, 418 & 468, Middletown
Hopewell District Cub Roundtable Commissioner
Hopewell 2011 Fall Recruitment Coordinator – Middletown
Dan Beard Council Certified Trainer
GSWO NOVA #449 Service Unit Camping Coordinator
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1:54 pm
May 19, 2011
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robcarignan
| | Portland, Maine | |
| PTC Tiger | posts 6 | |
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Wow, wow wow. As I read your post I felt I was looking into a mirror – except that I'm less than a year into this. I'm not the Cubmaster, though at times I feel I am. I wear the hat of the Committee Chair and all chair positions and am a Den Leader. Our BEar Den Leader said he and his son couldn't make the Den meetings because the Scout played hokey and our meeting time coincided with their ice time. That was six months ago.
We have no $. No one pays dues. There is no fundraising.. etc etc etc. Same Litany, so I won't boor you.
Good luck, and hope for the best for me!
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