11 Year Olds

Working with the 11 year old scouts for the last, well, almost 2 years has been an adventure.  It has been a bit of a challenge at times as I was more of the number 2 guy on the leadership depth chart and just kind of showed up so we had two deep leadership.  I didn't really enjoy it a whole lot back in those days.  I didn't really feel like there was a lot of organization or control over the program.  I probably should have asserted myself a bit more and shouldn't have worried about hurting someone's feelings or stepping on someone's toes.  We stopped meeting with the other ward a few months back and that has made a huge difference.  I am working with Kaden Leko and he has been fantastic.  I really felt like we needed to put more responsibility on the boys themselves and have them learn leadership and develop those skills.  We have consistent turn out by the boys now instead of sporadic attendance.  It is a wonderful thing.  On Sunday I sat in two board of reviews as we had boys earning ranks.  Today we had two more scout master conferences and will recommend both boys for board of reviews and rank advancement.  It is good to see boys progressing.  It is good to have consistency.  Jack will be 11 in April. I thought what a shame it would be if I got released from this calling before he comes in.  Hopefully we will be able to work together in a few months. Anyhow, the 11 year olds still have a lot of energy, I mean a lot.  It can be a challenge to keep them focused and it really feels good to see them progressing.