Generations in scouting

Randy SmithASM ProgramN5-347-11-1

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Learning ObjectivesAs a result of this session, you will:

Understand generational differences as another aspect of diversity.

Consider how these differences impact each group.

Understand the “adult led, youth run” aspect of a unit.

Learn ways to work together across generations for a better future.

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Let’s Play a Game!

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Rules of Play You have the name of a well known

person placed on your back.

You must figure out who you are.

You may ask 1 person up to 20 questions to assist you.

Oh….and by the way……you have 5 minutes!

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What is a Generation?

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A group of people who were born in approximately the

same time frame who share common cultural icons and

attitudes.

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Scouting is over 100 years old now. Much is the same. But much has

changed. Just think of the last 30 years!

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Then (34 years ago)

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1977 Newspaper drives High attrition in Boy Scouts (mostly high

school) Parents stood behind Scoutmasters (and

teachers) on matters of discipline. “left handed smoke shifters” were a part of

every new Scouts experience! Sports programs co-existed with Scouting

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Now

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2010 High attrition rate in Cub Scout years. Tiger program Mandatory training of leaders Lack of knowledge by parents & new leaders

on BSA mission & values. Scouting often takes a “backseat” to sports

programs. The BSA has gone “Co-Ed”!

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The Greatest Generation

Born Between 1925 - 1945

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Events & Experiences World War II The Great Depression Attack on Pearl Harbor Roosevelt’s New Deal GI Bill Korean War The Transistor Radio Telephone

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Baby Boomer Generation

Born Between 1946 - 1964

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Events & Experiences Race Riots, Civil Rights, Kent State Watergate Woodstock Space Travel Assassinations (JFK, RFK, MLK…..) Scientific Advances Television

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Generation X

Born Between 1965 - 1981

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Events & Experiences The Internet Cell Phones & Video Gaming Working Moms MTV Desert Storm Challenger Disaster Fall of the Berlin Wall AIDS

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Millennials

Born Between 1982 - 2000

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Events & Experiences School Shootings Social Networking September 11th

Enron, World Com etc… Iraq & Afghanistan Oklahoma City Bombing Continual Feedback Peer / Social pressures !

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WWYD ??( What Would You Do)

Your unit is conducting a Youth Leadership Training. The older youth are running / staffing the program Adult leadership is multigenerational Youth leadership has 15 teens (millennials) Youth staff wants to run everything without adult help. You’re responsible for safety, budget and final result. It’s the last staff development and the youth staff is still a

little rough around the edges but wants to kick back & chill.

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WWYD ?? Who runs the show……you or the youth staff? How do you react when the youth makes a decision that

you don’t agree with? How can the expectations & characteristics of each of the

four generations factor into this conflict?

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2010 BSA Annual MeetingLet’s take a look at a discussion that took

place between our Chief Scout Executive, Bob Mazzuca (baby boomer) and National OA Chief, Brad Lichota (millennial).

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SummaryAs a result of this session, do you now:

View generational differences as another dimension of diversity?

Understand how these differences might impact each group?

Understand the “adult led, youth run” aspect of a unit?

Have a foundation for working together across generations for a better future?

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Thank you.