Welcome to my blog...and they said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! I invite you to join me as we discuss the current state of Scouting in Eastern Iowa.
If you have been around a District or Council operation for more than 5 minutes, especially at the end of a calendar year, then you have undoubtedly heard the expression: The Numbers Game. Generally, this is a somewhat derisive term used to describe the fanatical zeal that professional Scouters display in pursuit of getting kids signed up before the magic witching hour of December 31 each year. Careers have been made and broken for missing quotas at year end. I have been particularly animated in explaining my production expectations to the District Executives.
Every staff member and a huge cadre of volunteer leaders in the Hawkeye Area Council are indeed deeply involved in The Numbers Game. We see it as something entirely different than the misconceived idea that all we are trying to do is look good statistically, on paper. Don’t think for a second that the key motivation here is to be able to bask in the glory of being named a Centennial Quality Council or District, and being able to hang a plaque on our office wall. No, our motivation and mission are infinitely more important than that.
The Boy Scouts was founded by Lord Baden-Powell as a movement (not an organization) that would, quite literally, change the world for the better. Just consider the very basic tenets of the Scout Oath and Law, the Slogan and Motto.
These are not just jingoistic propaganda. These are the core beliefs and values that Scouts and their families are taught to live by. Virtually every youth member who experiences Scouting is changed in some way for the better. They become more self reliant, have stronger character, learn to lead and be better team players, and to be responsible for themselves.
This is why the staff and volunteer leadership team in the Hawkeye Area Council are engaged in a relentless campaign to enroll every kid and family we can into the program. We are, quite simply, trying to change the world for the better...just like Lord Baden-Powell did 100 years ago. So join the movement...and help us win the Numbers Game!
3 comments:
Great Job Ed. Looking forward to future reading.
I printed it, and took it into the B-room with me. Great reading!!
I think it is a nice way for lots of people to hear from you.
Ed,
I have heard comments, especially around recharter time, that the Council is just “trying to win some award”. These are usually the same people that have never met their District Executive or Commissioner Staff. The Council may have a goal set, but I feel that these Leaders believe in Scouting so much, that they just want to provide the most boys with the best possible program.
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