Shared e-mails

Got the following e-mail:
Kandersteg International Scout Centre - Booking Confirmation http://www.kisc.ch/

Dear Scouts and Guides,

The new KanderActive is now available:

• Click here for the cover page.
• Click here to download the information package.

What's new in KanderActive 2010:

• WebSearch codes - use these 5 digit numbers to easily find activities on our website.
• New Winter activities
• Improved layout and design
• Other new and improved activities

KanderActive 2010 also includes information on Catering, Accommodation options, office opening hours and all Programme Activities. If you wish to receive a copy of KanderActive in the post, please click here.

We would also like to make you aware that in the Old Chalet full bedding is now provided for all Guests. Sleeping bags are no longer allowed for any indoor accommodation, except the Tower. More information.

We hope that you have an opportunity to visit KISC in 2010 with your Scouts, family or friends.
If you have questions or if you would like to make a booking, please click here.

Yours in Scouting,

Tom Sweeney (IE)
Programme Director

Tony,

In an effort to move forward together I recommend we focus on how best to share the adult talent in supporting two venturing crews. Your cross examination of my words indicates emotions that will continue to blind all from seeing the most important facet - two crews will bring in/retain more youth under the Scouting umbrella than one alone. Assertion is based on unknown rationale. Perhaps rationale is that the youth have dictated consequences of not having a crew, but have not committed to performing with a crew.

The "post-Philmont" youth had ample time to participate in VC1501, or other local Crews, and for individual reasons they chose to remain out of Venturing altogether. There was no encouragement by adults to form a new crew - very few of us have time for this. Teens are emotionally driven in their decision making - no need for us to be so also. At this point, suppression of VC712 only serves to keep approx 8 older youth out of Scouting. The youth of VC712 were marketed with "bait and hook" approach; promises of a fun program with no work required. All youth who had attended Philmont were tenaciously targeted with persistent marketing.

I can assure you there will be no "ours is better than theirs" mentality. As a parent I do not encourage unhealthy competition such as this. At least one youth planning to transition to VC712 has described the new crew as "better".

I sincerely urge us all to move forward together. It appears Wednesday's meeting is heading towards a meeting of the Hatfields and McCoys - this will effect deep rifts if our e-mail exchanges are presented emotionally in person. I highly recommend we meet with the sole purpose of going forward for the benefit of all youth. I encourage dual membership, encourage dual participation on all outings, and most importantly - the forging of a path that brings two crews into one by the end of 2010.
Doubtful, since the adults of VC712 have demonstrated distrust and collusion. Voiced apologies do not include any indication of willingness to change the behavior that led to the disagreement, so there is a prevailing feeling of being a target of a "bait and hook". The stated desire to have dual outings is inconsistent with actions; there is no informing of plans. More importantly, Crew 1501 is based on the promise of youth-defined, youth-planned, and youth-led. The preparation for Philmont demonstrated the adults in VC712 cannot abide youth-planned actions except in vary simple instances.
V/r,
Bill

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There are several unanswered issues:

• Why are the youth willing to form a separate Crew instead of taking charge of the existing Crew? Seems clear the "new crew" approach is to avoid an undefined issue.
• What really transpired prior, during, and immediately Philmont? Requests for event schedule and e-mails are still awaiting a response. Like communications since the winter of 2008, no responses from the Philmont attendees.
• What are the expectations of VC712? VC712 is being formed because (according to the adults) the youth want nothing to do with VC1501. Since the adults forming VC712 kept other adults in the dark regarding the issues they were facing, they clearly do not want help, either. Thus, the expectations are likely that they wish to be undisturbed, but unimpeded in recruitment, fund raising, and access to resources.
• What are the expectations of MUMC or T1501? Until the forming of VC712 was public, no issues were raised.
• Who presumed who talked with whom? There were four incidents:

1. Phone call from Dave on a Sunday afternoon during dinner. Rambling statements about youth not wanting to attend meetings. No suggestion of cause of dissatisfaction.
2. Discussion for about 10 minutes with Cathy and John G. following committee meeting (inconvenient due to work commitment and promise to family to return promptly). Expression of youth dissatisfaction without explanation of cause. Suggestions made to encourage youth to attend Crew 1501 events.
3. Discussion for about 5 minutes with Dave prior to Roundtable (night after committee meeting). Dave made statement about "personality conflict" but would not provide details.
4. During Commissioner's meeting, John T. asks about e-mail dialogs between Philmont adults (including Scott S., Dave U., Cathy) regrading post-Philmont issues. Since I am not included, cannot offer opinion or insight.

• Discussion at meeting was primarily on adults justifying the new Crew. Attempts to determine root cause of the rift were stymied; requests for insight went unanswered. Implications are that both the adults and youth are dsyfunctional and in a toxic relationship. Youth are unprepared to lead and adults are either unable or unwilling to foster leadership.