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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

....to have a few concerns about my Beaver Leader?

68 replies

LovelyMeredith · 08/04/2013 20:48

[N.B. I would ask this on the Scouts forum, but can't get any anonymity]

Basically, I started as an Assistant Beaver Leader for my colony in October, and I have a few issues about the lack of effort from my Beaver Leader.

I totally understand that everything she does is on a voluntary basis, and that the amount of paperwork can be A LOT of dedication in itself. I don't mean to go and slag her off, I feel sometimes that the lack of effort she sometimes puts in particularly with coming up with activities does a bit of a disservice to the kids. The activities she comes up with are pretty much the bare minimum, and I've heard the Beavers say a couple of times "We've done this before" and get fed up.

I also sometimes feel she places more value in the "occasional" helpers than she does in me and the fellow Assistant Leader. Her daughter and a few of her friends are occasional helpers, and I feel like they are given more say in the running of the colony than we are just because she's her daughter.

I know from what I have heard that a previous Assistant Leader took issue with the way she ran the colony and left so I know it isn't just me. I'm a tad bit fed up because quite frankly I wonder what on earth I am doing there sometimes, and I don't feel like I'm getting enough support.

Am I justified in feeling like this? I would love to hear from anyone who have been involved in roles like this before.

OP posts:
cocolepew · 08/04/2013 20:49

EPIC thread title

amiwhatorhow · 08/04/2013 20:49

sorry op Blush

cocolepew · 08/04/2013 20:50

Sorry that wasn't very helpful [bush]

HollyBerryBush · 08/04/2013 20:50

Not laughing, so not laughing

Original poster
LovelyMeredith · 08/04/2013 20:50

amiwhatorhow - thank goodness I have a sense of humour, just realised how that sounded!

OP posts:
cocolepew · 08/04/2013 20:50

Jeez lousie Blush

Sorry.

TwoPoundCakePuncher · 08/04/2013 20:50

Why dont you make some suggestions for games?

There is a games book in the beavers handbook sets with a load of good game ideas, or google, as the official assistant leader i think you could make more suggestions.

cocolepew · 08/04/2013 20:51

I'm in pieces.

amiwhatorhow · 08/04/2013 20:51

cocole - me too, can't stop laughing Grin

ckwkatie · 08/04/2013 20:52

I'd have a word with your Beaver, OP.

Kyrptonite · 08/04/2013 20:52

Crying with laughter at thread title.

defineme · 08/04/2013 20:53

Ask to take responsibility for planning/leading part of each week's meeting?

TwoPoundCakePuncher · 08/04/2013 20:53

Oh god, i now realise im the only one who has given a serious answer... Having to field Beaver jokes from DH constantly means i am immune!

Binkyridesagain · 08/04/2013 20:54

I shall attempt to hide my smirk and give a proper answer.

Do you have planning meetings where all sections leaders/helpers have a chance to put forward ideas?

Now I'll Smirk. Grin

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 08/04/2013 20:54

Do you have termly planning meetings where you all sit down and decide what to do for the upcoming term? You could suggest that all three of the leaders come up with a schedule and perhaps take charge of a couple of activities each?
It does sound like she can't commit fully to the job and perhaps she should think about standing down from being the leader?

MrsHerculePoirot · 08/04/2013 20:56

It is frustrating. I was a beaver leader for a fair few years and found it hard work to get everything done, but I had NO support.

Previously as a helper when I was younger we used to have a planning meeting once a half term/term. We had a 'theme' for the half term and worked out rough activities and then were each allocated planning eg me as the other young leader more often than not were allocated/volunteered to prepare the games themed on that week. It was all typed up and very clear who was doing what.

Each week had a similar timetable eg as they came
In they coloured in or drew something or listed things to do with the theme. Then there was time in lodges and intro from leader/register etc perhaps a story or explanation about the evening. Usually some kind of activity - crafty or drama and then a big game. I think we might have have had a drink then back to lodges for notices/song etc...

Original poster
LovelyMeredith · 08/04/2013 20:56

Binkyridesagain - We do have meetings but any suggestions I give tend to be ignored disregard for her own suggestions. Hence why I wonder what the point of being there.

OP posts:
DinoSnores · 08/04/2013 20:58

I'm a Guider so I don't know the Scout set up but do you have an equivalent of a District Commissioner to discuss this with?

Original poster
LovelyMeredith · 08/04/2013 20:58

GentlyGentlyOhDear - She had previously talked about standing down and having one of us take over, but that seems to have gone out the window. With the lack of support I've received, I doubt I'd be able to manage running it and would feel in the deep end.

OP posts:
Binkyridesagain · 08/04/2013 21:00

Have you tried suggesting that you run an evening? I've been a scout and cub leader and have been were you are but was overruled by the GSL, who wanted a youth club not a scout group, I walked. So not much help.

TwoPoundCakePuncher · 08/04/2013 21:04

GSL would be my first port of call

Binkyridesagain · 08/04/2013 21:05

IS your GSL involved in any of your planning meetings and has he seen an evening run?

Original poster
LovelyMeredith · 08/04/2013 21:05

Binkyridesagain - That was suggested, I was supposed to be running one evening but that seemed to have gotten forgotten about. She's also the GSL which doesn't help either.

DinoSnores - I did toy with have a chat with the District Commissioner, but I don't particularly want to cause an argument between me and her either.

OP posts:
Almostfifty · 08/04/2013 21:07

Could you have a word with your GSL?

Binkyridesagain · 08/04/2013 21:08

I'm not sure how beavers is run with the heirachy but do you have a beaver district leader that you could talk to?

Is there another colony you can move to that would appreciate your input?