Dear Adam,
I am the oldest boy in my troop and have been SPL two times in a row and I do not see anybody else stepping up and being SPL. The troop is just starting to act like a troop should, what should I do? Is there any way I can help them to be a leader?
Sincerely, Worried Leader
Dear Worried,
You get it. You understand what it means to be a leader and what it takes to instill those values in the minds of your counterparts. You seem to be the epitome of a leader: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” (Arnold Glasow).
Obviously, you have a conundrum here; a real Catch-22. If you stay as the SPL for a third time the younger members of the troop get the benefit of a well run troop, while on the other hand, the older boys in the troop never get to enhance their own leadership ability and the troop would remain in this same situation the next time elections are held. If you decide to step down as the SPL, the reverse is true, and the older boys get to grow into young adults and gain much needed leadership experience while some of the younger boys may not have an ideal troop program in which to participate.
My suggestion/opinion is attending NYLT, so you can further develop your knowledge and skills on how to run an effective troop. “National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.” Ultimately, every situation is different, and if you notice another youth who is capable doing the role, allow them to step up and take the challenge. Still stay active in another role, and you can allow for the youth to use you to gain valuable experience. Perhaps a Troop Guide or even Junior Assistant Scoutmaster? You would be surprised what other youth can do when you allow them to take the reigns.
The choice in this Catch-22 is yours young Skywalker. The lady, or the tiger?
Sincerely,
Adam
