To Hope For A Little Appreciation From Beavers Parents

[chowhound]

The one big thing in my life right now is leading my Colony of Beaver Scouts. I really throw myself into it as do the rest of the Leader team.

Now, even though it's Christmas, and many parents seem to compete as to who can buy the best Christmas present for their PAID teachers, we volunteers on the other hand expect nothing at all. And boy do we get it.

I don't want gifts, I don't even want cards (although both are very great fully received, especially if it's something the child has made themselves). However, a thank you and maybe some feedback on what they and their DC feel about what we have done over the year would be nice. Failing that a smile and a 'merry Christmas'?

You know what I got this year? Nothing. Not a single card, not a single thank you, not a single seasons greeting. Barely even an acknowledgement that I was there,

Maybe I should make it a new year resolution to pack it in. The other leader and our Section Assistant feel the same. Problem is that our group and District are on a skeleton crew and can't get any stand insurance and none of our parents will make the commitment to be a leader (and I admit it's a big commitment). So, there would be 15 6-7 year old son who would have no Beavers if we did that.

I just would like a little acknowledgement of the work I put in at this time of year.

AIBU?

There's a lot of pleasure and reward in giving.

The OP might feel unappreciated but the DCs are missing the fun of choosing, wrapping and giving a little pressie to Brown Owl or whoever.

They could even use their own savings to buy a little bar of soap or Xmas bauble!!

I couldn't afford a present but my daughter who is in guides cross stitched a little picture and wrote some nice things on a card from the three girls with a thank you too from me so I hope that was enough

Of course that's enough, that's beautiful, and I'm sure would be far more appreciated than any gift you could buy.

I've been an assistant cub leader for 5 years, and have received exactly three christmas cards in that time. But one card was handmade by a cub, and I nearly cried when he gave it to me . It means a lot to leaders to be appreciated.