Ramblings of a new Webelos 2 Den Leader Part 2

My W2s are in their last year of Cub Scouts, working toward their April crossover to Boy Scouts. They’re working (somewhat diligently) on their Arrow of Light award while trying to balance sports, religious commitments and of course school. They’re also getting to that age where they’re starting to reevaluate whether they really want to be in Scouts. I want to support them in whatever decision they make – these boys have become my boys – but I really hate to see them steer toward leaving. At the same time I don’t want them to feel as though they’re being forced to stay. Let’s face it: no one wants to be somewhere they’re being forced to be.

Another thing I’ve noticed lately is the mood and attitude change in these guys. Sometimes they’re the sweet, innocent boys I started working with last year and other times they morph into rude, disrespectful little creatures I barely recognize anymore. I understand part of my “job” as a Scout leader is to nurture my guys and I’m perfectly okay with that part – one of them is my own son – but I’m just a little put off by it at times. Is this the beginning stages of puberty? Are the boys more in need of a male presence? I’m a pretty strong personality but I’m definitely not a man so maybe I’m lacking something the boys need.

What do you think?

In Scouting,
Jen