Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
Junior Leader Training
Closing Reflection
August 28, 2004
This past weekend, we held our Troop Junior Leader Training (JLT). We hold JLT every six months, following troop elections. Six months ago, we had 15 scouts in attendance at our JLT, the largest group we have had at a JLT yet. Last weekend, however we surpassed that water mark, with 18 scouts in attendance at JLT. It was a very productive training course. WE got a lot accomplished and we had a lot of fun. I would like to share with you my closing reflection from this course.
At the beginning of this training seminar, I stated that "You are the newly elected leaders of Troop 325. Scouting is supposed to be "boy run". How our troop does, how it performs, whether or not the Scouts in the troop have a good time, stay with the program, and achieve Eagle is in large part up to you." We've talked about leadership, what it is, what your duties are, how you lead; now you have to put it to use. It's not always easy, but relax. Think about it, but don't worry about it. Set a good example, empower your patrol members, delegate real responsibilities, not just tasks. But don't be bossy. And don't get upset if it doesn't go the way you would like. It seldom well go exactly as you would like. But you make a difference; you influence your patrol members, and if you keep working at it, you will get better at it. No one is born a leader. You learn through classes and practice. The more you work at it, the better you will get. It is a lifetime process. Be Prepared and Do Your Best. You are already better prepared than 90% of the adult population. Over 90% of the adult population will never take a leadership-training seminar. Over 90% of the adult population will never lead anyone their entire life.
Thank you, and God be with you.