Its been over three years since I became an Assistant Scout Master in our troop. That entire time I have been effectively stalked to go to Wood Badge. Each time it came up, there was something always in the way; which didn’t entirely disappoint me. You see… Whether those who know me realize it or not, I’m quite shy by nature. When I actively greet new parents, its to try and lessen that burden on them. I don’t want them to ever feel like an outsider. My chosen career (human resources) has forced me to put on a mask of confidence because I have to be the outspoken one when I coach owners of businesses on how to manage their human capital. Still, inside, I’m shy.
Why is this important? Because I am absolutely freaking out, as a few leaders who are close to me have seen, about going to Wood Badge. Having never moved as a child, I went to 3 year old pre-K with a large number of kids I that I also graduated high school with. Starting college caused me great anxiety because I had never dealt with me being the new student. In the same vane, going to Wood Badge is causing me great anxiety. The idea of hanging out with 60 people who I don’t know stresses me out!
So, in reading the material again for Wood Badge, I just had an epiphany. Wood Badge is supposed to simulate a troop. So if I truly put myself into the role of a boy scout, my anxiety may not be too far off. How is my concern over whether I will fit in, make a fool of myself, that I will say the wrong thing, or that they won’t like me any different at all than what the 10.5 / 11 year old boy feels when he enters a boy scout troop?
I am going to take these feelings and use them to benefit scouting. I am going to learn what it is like to be a boy scout and ways I can, as a leader, work to make their transition easier.
You hit the nail on the head, be a scout, you will be in an environment that it will be safe to “fail”. But the most important thing to remember is that it will be the best thing you ever do in scouting, period. Don’t be so afraid that you loose sight of that. I really enjoyed Woodbadge, it really reinvigerated my love for scouting.
Enjoy!!!!!
You will feel very comfortable in your anxiety. A group of like-minded individuals with only one thing as their end goal. Be a better leader for the youth you lead. Once you get to Gilwell you will never want to leave… okay, I stretch it a bit. The 6 days will go quicker than you think. You WILL have a lot of fun. Most, if not all, also come through the process more dedicated than ever. Remember… it’s what you can do today that may have a major impact in the lives of the scouts tomorrow.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Larry Stehling
Scoutmaster – Gilwell Troop 1
Wood Badge SR-1069
Wow, this brings back memories. My wife and I attended Wood Badge this fall, so this is fresh in my mind. I’m the outgoing one of us and she, very much like you, is shy, nervous to do things on her own, and has a great fear of being in front of people she doesn’t know.
I’m going to be honest, the first weekend was really rough on her, but mainly for the fact that they were so busy and she wasn’t in control of the schedule. The other issue was that her patrol didn’t gel right away like mine did. She wanted to be over with me, having a fun time, goofing off, and being a Scout.
We had many, many, many discussions in the two week break about why we both had such different experiences. What we both learned was that she needed to change her outlook on why she was there. Yes, she had to help her patrol and build a team, but ultimately she was there for herself, to better herself as a Scouter. Wood Badge’s purpose is to do that. I think she lost focus on that as she focused on her fears. I also lost focus on the fact that I’m there to support other members of the team, not just my patrol, but members of the Troop at large, but especially my wife. I should have done more to encourage others that were struggling in aspects of the program I excelled at. I failed her on that account.
Week 2 brought many changes in attitude, expectations, and goals. She stepped out of her shell, not to satisfy others or to belong, but for herself. In turn, it did help the other members of her patrol succeed. She went in knowing what she wanted out of it and got it. I turned my attention from excelling myself to sharing and encouraging others. In the process I learned a lot about what it takes to really be a leader as the bonds I built with those I helped were so much better than the ones I built by just having fun.
We both built our Tickets around some of this. Two of hers have to deal with teaching and speaking in front of others, something she hates, but feels better knowing she’s shared her knowledge of Scouting with others.
I know, long winded comment, but fear not, you will do great, you will enjoy yourself and you’ll come home wondering why you put this off for so many years. When we came back from week 1 my wife almost didn’t go back and said she would never encourage others to attend. Now she’s pushing others to go and looks back on it fondly. Our Troop is actually going to pay for one adult to attend next year based our experience.
So go, have fun being a Scout, you won’t regret it.
YIS
Phil
Bobwhite Patrol
WE1-611-10
Hi there: My Troop Guide was in your same spot. He hated/scared to talk in public. This is after 7 years of being a Cubmaster and a whole host of scout related positions. He ended up going to toastmasters and facing his fears. Now he teaches at Pow-wow every year.
In my own experince, I was kind of shy about singing, playing my native american flute and being out there in front of the kids. (I am a Cubmaster.) What I learned is that putting yourself out there is for the kids. They like it when adults are goofy. I am not there for the parents or den leader or committee. I am there for the boys. Hence, I get to be someone else.
I think that your on the right track about going about it as a Boy Scout. If that helps you get you into a good space, that will work. Just know there are other nervous people there. DO YOUR BEST!
Adam R. Cox
Beaver
WE1-492-09
Thanks ya’ll. You’re different perspectives help! Thing is, I can speak in front of people. I got over that by requirement since I regularly conduct live trainings in my job. If you can train a company on sexual harassment and communication skills, you can talk in front of people about anything. It is actually more about the human engagement, if that makes sense.
See, I’ve done scoutmaster training, climbing instructor training, cope facilitator training, and powder horn – all these were fine. Why? Because our troop had other leaders there. I had my comfort zone around me.
Where this leaves me is where the boys are when I’m talking them into backing off a perfectly good 85 foot cliff. Outside my comfort zone. Its growth. Its good.
Well, if that’s all you’re worried about, Wood Badge will take care of that concern. I’m not going to go into detail as you’ll find out shortly after you get there, but human engagement won’t be a problem.
Just remember to open your mind to learning and have a great time. Man, I wish I was back at Gilwell now.
Phil