SCOUTS-L
----------
DENMARK

Date:         Tue, 22 Apr 1997 16:03:00 +0200
 From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Niels_Koefoed___________DR=2DK=D8B?= <NIK@DR.DK>
Subject:      Scout Democracy in Committee(s)
 
To everyone on the List.

Some years ago at an International meeting for representatives for the
different Scout Associations it was decided that YOUTH should learn and
know more about the democracy in and the work of the committee.

In Denmark we last week-end had a National Training for Youth
Representatives - which title we would like to change to Youth Member of
the Committee. Being a youth 15 to 23 and not a leader this youth will
share the responsibility like the adults.

The purpose of the training was to show the youth that they are not just
a 'hostage' but actually are allowed to speak their opinion.

I introduced all the technical aspects of finances - budgets -
accounting, the work of the treasurer and introduced some ideas that
they could help their treasurers in the daily work.

In Denmark we have groups - consisting of cubs/scouts/explorers -
different units in ONE Group. When the budget is acknowledged - each
responsible leader will be responsible for his/her units budget. This
means they can sign for expenses and the treasurer will pay - without
asking too many questions.

The treasurer will report at every committe meeting about the number of
members, to assure that changes from the budget does not come as a
surprise.

Of course the budget must be based upon the number of members, kinds of
activities requested, standard expenses (houses etc.).

The youth also were told about the democratic structure of the Danish
Scout Association - how you can be elected from group level to division
and then to the association itself.

During different sessions discussion were kept about how they had been
elected and what their work would be.

We started Friday evening and ended Sunday afternoon. Saturday we held a
very fun space-like dinnerparty (NON ALCOHOLIC) first dish already on
our plates (pill-like candy to illustrate the futuristic situation,
second dish full roast pig lots of salad and lots of soft drinks. Ice
creme for dessert.

Later disco (we are co-ed association) with NON ALCOHOLIC  B A R - soft
drinks with many different kinds of 'ice cubes' - frozen grapes (red and
green) to be put into the juice where Grenadine could be added etc.
Party ended 11.30 pm. Great fun.

Some of the Youth said at the evaluation - We know it's always fun to
come to trainings arranged by the national. We did not know much about
what was expected from us when we were elected - what can we do? what
can we say? NOW WE KNOW!

They now all know that they have the same rights as the adults to speak
and have an opinion about their scouting life - and together with the
adults of the committee have the responsibility of the scout work in the
group.

Any comments ?

How is it in BSA ?

YIS

Niels Koefoed from Denmark
former asst.Director to Lenhok'sin High Adventure NCAC Goshen, VA in
1979 as an
exchange scouter