Small and large groups in Scouting
With all its independence and autonomy, a small group is an unusual and rare phenomenon, because for a very short time it acts and lives only for itself. In most cases, it belongs to the union of groups and at the same time is itself an ally. Each small group is part of a larger group. Two or more small groups work in one place, more correctly, in one space – a yard, a district, a city, a region – together. This combined group (detachment) is, after the patrol, the basic unit of the Scout Organization. Of course, what makes sense for a small group is acceptable for a large one, but there are significant differences:
• if there is direct democracy in the primary small group, then in the future there is no such possibility;
• if at the level of a small group the structural elements are the leader, his deputy and members of the group, then at the level of the larger group, in addition to the named structures, there is also a council or committee and a working group.
The governing body of a large association is the general meeting, which must meet at least twice a year. A variety of issues are put on the agenda of such meetings, but there is a list of mandatory ones: the content and forms of small group activities, work plans, finances, program features (summer camps, actions, projects, etc.). Here, all elected leaders must report on their activities and the fulfillment of their duties. By direct voting, the meeting elects the head of the council (committee), secretary, chairman, members of commissions, delegates to other bodies and determines various assignments. Decisions are made by a qualified majority – 2/3 or 3/4 votes.
Big group committee
The large group committee is composed of the head of the group and elected representatives from each individual patrol, the size of the representation to be determined at the general meeting. At least two representatives are allowed, one of which is the most authoritative person in the small group; in addition, the number of delegates includes guys who are in specific positions (young artist, treasurer, etc.). The committee should be a kind of single leading principle: it organizes the activities of a large group in the period between meetings, takes care of its future, of the implementation of the decisions of the meetings. All this is done in working order, and should not be delayed. Such a committee is a model of a small group. This committee can briefly play another special role: it is itself a small group within a large group and it has its own life filled with discussions, discussions, theoretical reflections, common concerns and joint activities. The work of the committee of the large scout group is organized in such a way that all disagreements are always resolved. But at the same time, everyone is not a puppet, everyone can have their own opinion when solving a particular problem, which does not interfere with reaching an agreement (consensus).
Scoutmaster and adult committee
Can a scoutmaster lead a large group without the help of adults? No, not effectively.
Previously, the activities of the Committee of the larger group of Scouts as a model of a small group were discussed. Now we will consider the mechanism of interaction between a scoutmaster and an adult committee, or support committee. The Scoutmaster is a member of this adult-only committee that helps him lead the squad, run the finances, and work with his parents. Each committee member has a task:
• organizes adults to help scouts, collects money;
• selects candidates for leaders;
• helps the detachment in establishing contacts:
• Responsible for the implementation of a particular program.
No scoutmaster could do all this alone. The support committee may be large or small, experienced or inexperienced, but it is the duty of the Scoutmaster to always have direct contact with them. How is this work carried out?
First of all, it is necessary to clarify: the scoutmaster does not work in the committee, but only with him. At meetings, ideas, plans are discussed, decisions are made – and always jointly. Your common goal is to join forces. Remember that just like you, junior leaders also lead the program, and a committee of adults should help them with this. The full-fledged work of a scoutmaster is unthinkable without support, but it is best to make specific requests:
• raise funds;
• help with transport;
• establish contact with parents;
• organize a hike, etc.