Cadette scout leader is not sure what to do: My daughter is not going to continue with GS. She had to make some hard choices regarding her schedule. I still have 5 other girls in the troop who have been together since Daisies. So far, they all want to continue. We are in a small town and it is the only Cadette troop. I am torn about continuing as the leader. My time is getting harder to manage now that I have 3 teenagers at home but I truly love these girls and don’t want to abandon them. The other moms are helpful but not willing to take over. My husband doesn’t think it is right for our family for me to be volunteering right now. What would you do?
Advice from our Facebook troop leaders:
Kathy’s experience: I faced this as well when my daughter was starting Cadettes – she wasn’t sure she would continue and I told her that was fine but that I was still doing to be there for the others. I was so glad I did; she changed her mind and while she missed an occasional meeting due to her schedule, she joined us whenever she could. Many of the other girls had the same issues and eventually we switched to a reduced schedule (no more weekly meetings). She was so grateful; she stayed in scouts until she graduated from high school, is now a lifetime scout and spent the last two summers working at our local GS camp. As for the rest of the girls, most of them stuck around too! They have all graduated and moved on to college but we still get together twice a year to catch up. I’m so glad I stayed in for “my girls” and I have now decided that a new generation still needs me – I have a new Brownie troop and while it feels different without my daughter, I’m happy to be sharing the experience – I even have my older girls stop back occasionally to help out. Good luck whatever you decide.
Elizabeth writes in: As hard as it is, your family has to come first. Juggling your 3 kids activities is more than enough without having to run a troop your daughter isn’t in. I would volunteer to help for a month while the new leader transitions and then hand over the reins. (Much easier said than done though). Good luck.
Wendy’s idea: What about meeting once a month–say on a Friday. Feed.the girls pizza and let them gab for a while before you start. Minimize the activities you do outside of the meetings–let them choose(for us it was camping and service). I did this and my girls all stayed 2 more years since it wasn’t a big drain on their time and they could also socialize. This way is wouldn’t be a huge drain on your family time and your daughter may even decide to continue after all. Best of luck–I know this is a tough decision!
Rebecca: Ultimately up to you, but many cadette troops have alternate schedules and the time commitment can be less or more. If you love scouts and the girls then offer what you’re comfortable with (one activity/ meeting a month or just special events, etc) and say any more would need another parent to step up. But you would have to be passionate about it, otherwise if just guilt feelings then family advice is correct give the girls info on juliette option and notify council.
Elizabeth’s input: Explain that you don’t have time to continue.being the leader and your not going to be the leader and unless someone else will take over the troop, then unfortunately the troop will have to disband and the girls will have to continue independently. if you can, offer to help the mother who volunteers to adjust the first month or so.
Regina’s advice: I do not see you asking yourself the most important question. Do you want to continue because you enjoy this activity? If you want to continue because it makes you feel fulfilled, maybe that happiness will be a better gift to your family than depriving yourself.
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