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Weekend Turnouts

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5:38 am
October 20, 2009

moonshake

PTC Wolf

posts 40

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Hello All,

I'm starting to get the impression that weekend events are pretty risky of late. I started out the year with jam-packed calender, which included several weekend events… to give folks ample opportunity to make the most of the Scouting experience. But after 3 pretty feeble turnouts (nature center, ham radio demo, and geocaching), I'm half wondering if I need to down-shift on the weekend ideas… Just stick to the usualy Den Meetings & Pack Meetings on Tuesdays. Guess I'm half concerned about possibly being the only one from the Pack walking in the Halloween Parade this coming weekend. Frown

It's way to early to even think about faulting the program… we're just getting started. Maybe it's the swine flu… or the economy that is sapping overworked and depressed folks to the point that they just need to recoup for the weekend.

I guess I'm not really looking for a solution to a dilemma… just making an observation. Anyone else running into this?

Thanks!

John R.

10:57 am
October 20, 2009

Scouter_Garry

SATX

PTC Boy Scout

posts 106

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We notice that the timing on weekends is critical. You have to schedule scout things after football, soccer or whatever sport season your in. Also look at the local college and pro sports schedules as parents will pass on scouts for a big game.

Along with timing you have to watch the location. Travel time can also deter participation.

My wife's GS troop is planning a trip this weekend given two options for time 10 AM and 4PM 2 of 17 parents are good for 10AM. 13 of 17 are good for 4PM.

By watching the timing and location we normally have a 50% or better turn out for weekend events.

1:10 pm
October 20, 2009

BigMc

Houston

PTC Tenderfoot

posts 243

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Garry's right – timing is critical because so many boys also participate in sports. Sibling activities also have an impact – when my wife and I have to have our three kids in different places simultaneously, it gets dicey and sometimes, someone has to forfeit something.

Last year, my daughter's GS troop had numerous activities scheduled outside of normal meeting hours. Since the leader only has one child, she was booking 3-4 weekend activities per month. Impossible for us to do with three kids. It can also get frustrating for the kids who have to miss things, because they hear the other kids talking about the fun they had.

Solicit imput from the families that don't go – was it scheduling conflicts, overloaded calendars, "I've had enough Scouting this month" (gasp). If it is the activities themselves, what would they like to see?

Kevin Mc.
ScoutMaster – Troop 1865;
Copperhead District;
Sam Houston Area Council;
Houston, TX;
Twitter TaxgeekKM

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