|
As for
specifically leader recruitment, here's a sneaky method which I have
seen work like a charm, particularly in the Beaver and Cub sections.
I call
it the Chase of the Trapped Keener.
First,
the leader makes it repeatedly clear to the parents that they are free
to stay during the meeting, and watch what's going on. It is important
to INVITE each parent personally when they drop their kid off at the
Scout Hut.
Some of
the "keeners" will occassionally stay (Big Mistake). One of
the leaders acts as a spotter and marks parents who frequently stay and
show some interest in the goings on. Occassionally he will engage them
in conversation about the meeting and kids in general, as parents
usually do. The purpose is to get a better feel of how good a candidate
for entrapment this particular parent is.
Next
time Akela is short a leader (by accident or design), he'll ask the
keener parent "Mr. Jones, would you mind staying for the meeting
today to help out a bit? I'm kinda short on leaders and don't want to
cancel the meeting. You don't need to do anything except watch the kids
to make sure they're doing what I tell them to." If the parent
agrees, and 90% will, that will be his/her Fatal Mistake. The Keener is
Trapped.
During
the activites, you always make sure that the Trapped Keener has as many
kids "to watch over" as other leaders. "Mr. Jones, could
you take these 4 Cubs and do with them as we do in this group
here?" In reality it often ends up with the Cubs showing the
Trapped Keener what to do ... Throughout the meeting, you keep checking
with the Trapped Keener to make sure (s)he's enjoying himself.
If
necessary, depart from previously planned program to give the Trapped
Keener a break or a chance to be a kid and have some fun. It is
important to make sure the Trapped Keener is in a happy frame of mind
before you set in your hook. A happy Keener is a hooked Keener.
You
repeat the process 2 or 3 times, always making sure you thank the
Trapped Keener profusely during the Closing Ceremony and praise his/her
"natural leadership qualities". After 2 or 3 games of Trapped
Keener, you must move in for the kill, otherwise you lose your
opportunity. You've made the sale, now close the deal and get the order.
"You
are so good at this, the kids respond to you so well, you should put on
the uniform. It would be a great help, and I could tell you were
enjoying it, too."
.....
now is the time for The Only Lie a Scouter is Allowed to Tell:
"It
will only take a couple of hours of your time a week".
After a
brief obligatory resistance, the Trapped Keener surrenders his body,
soul and sanity, and the game ends.
Happy
Hunting ...
--
Karl Pollak, 10th Sea Scouts, Richmond, British Columbia
|
