Any Beaver/Cub/ Scout leaders around?

[QueenofLouisiana]

I think I'm at the end of my ability to keep going with my section, I feel as though I am barely going through the motions to keep the group going- but feeling none of the joy or interest I've had in the past.

I'm just at the end of my patience with trying to run it all, pretty much on my own. Patching together meetings when others things don't happen (latest one: I forgot to contact the person due to visit next week- can Queen run the meeting). Dealing with parents who all want kids in, but can't help at all; juggling badges, lists, resources etc.

So.....have you got to this point and pulled it round? If so, please send hints and tips!
Have you got to this point and left? How did that go?

I joined at at crunch point some years ago when ds1 started in Beavers. It was communicated quite clearly that the section couldn't continue without new helpers and we ended up with myself plus four others.

I left when the joy had gone, when I'd moved up to scouts and not found it the same as Beavers, plus I had another increasing volunteer role. So I'd suggest you spell it out that the section/unit will close without new blood, share and handover responsibilities and if it's not improved then leave it you want to. Maybe set yourself a date to decide if that helps.

Three packs that I have been involved with as a parent have been in this situation. In 2 cases it was clearly spelled out to the families that if parents did not step forward and get more involved, the packs would close down. One did close down after another term, one got more parents involved and survived. The difference between the two, I think, was that the one that did not survive did not seem important to the Leader, whereas the other had a dynamic (if exhausted) Leader, who relates really well to the parents.

In the third case dh, who is also a Leader, agreed to support two packs for a year or so until the struggling Leader got themselves together and decided what they needed and what they wanted to do. Bringing in another Leader shared the burden and brought in fresh ideas and methods. The main Leader had less pressure on them and rediscovered their joy in the role. The changed atmosphere and different activities encouraged more parents to be involved, and dh was able to step back after about 4 terms.

Oh Queen, it can be tough. can't it.?

Could you raise this with your GSL, tell them how you feel? Maybe they could do a bit of juggling around with leaders from other sections and get you some help, just taking it in turns with another leader to organize each meeting can help.

Could you put out an appeal to parents for a regular helper? Point out the section may have to close if you do not get help. Or ask for a volunteer to help with admin etc, even if they don't actually attend meetings.

It can all be a bit soul destroying. Scouts is more popular than ever, but parents seem to be less interested in actually helping out. But sometimes they just need to be asked (told!) to help. Some parents can be surprisingly helpful if you just lay it all out on the line.

Thank you for all your ideas. I've emailed the GSL again asking about help- funnily no-one is forthcoming, but lots of parents want to know when their children can start.
The list 'helper' vanished as soon as the child was invested as volunteering allowed them to skip the waiting list...

I think I may have to give notice that I'll be ending in December. It's a volunteer role- I know that- but it gets right to the heart of you, doesn't it?

Thanks again, it was good to listen to people who've been there. I appreciate your thoughts.

Would it be worth asking for a parent volunteer rota system? So patents could commit to every other week for example?
Or sending out a letter laying it on the line and asking for people to step up with ideas of what to do each week or if they have skills they can bring to the meetings to teach the children?
How does it work with the other sections in your group? Or other groups in your area?

I can offer ideas as a parent with friends who are leaders and OH who helped out for several months. ( I volunteer loads else where).
I would write to all parents and state that you will have to step down and close the group unless you get parental support.
Otherwise its soul destroying.
I have had this realisation and started to resent one of the groups I was running. I had to tell people I couldn't carry on alone.
I walked away from our school PTA for similar reasons - 500+ parents who were all too busy to spare and hour. So I thought well so am I then!!
Could each e.g of 12 parents not all do 1 week every 12 weeks and offer to co-run one session / do one badge a year with them?
I'd set it out that thats how the group with run and ask parents to sign up for what date they are helping. Publish the rota. If they dont turn up, then no badge work is done etc.
In one of our local groups, if you jump the queue by offering to volunteer, if you then don't do it, you are asked to leave