I need to vent about Girl Scouts

[Fudgie]

As neighborhood chair for 9 years running, I have seen it all. From someone dumping their kid off and going 2 1/2 hours away (friday night bar party) and FORGETTING to send someone to pick up their DD, to people just sending their kids so they can party the night away. THEN they come and pick up their children 14 sheets in the wind. OMG! I cannot stand that.

What I keep trying to remind myself is I am doing this for the GIRLS not the inconsiderate parents that you have to hunt down to get the money for the cookies and candy that their little darling sold. The GIRLS need this organization and there are many opportunities available to them. What I ended up doing to get the parents involved was to say, I have 5 spots available in my vehicle, the first 2 (my daughters and me took up 3 of the spots) that sign up can ride with me, the others need to get a RESPONSIBLE parent to drive them. Is any parent available to commit to driving, if so how many spots do you have and now we have that many open and so on. If no ride, no go! SORRY! made a few mad but I figure I put my time and effort into giving these girls a fun place to be and if they want their daughters to have fun they need to step it up!

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
My Pastor and his wife forgot their son at our house until they all got home and they counted.

I told them never mind I'm keeping the kid til morning, go to sleep!

 

[arabookworm]

my mom started a girl scout troop with a couple of her friends two years ago. each and every mother is involved in some way, and most of the fathers participate from time to time.

if you are having trouble with parents, start a troop with your friends for your daughters, with the agreement that everyone will help out. it works out better if they know from the start it isn't going to be free babysitting.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

After 16yrs. of volunteering, being in charge of troops, coaching and helping with sports, hauling kids to and from games and practice, feeding kids -who's parents don't bother to send money or food/snacks for their children--I can say I know how you feel.. BUT you have to remember you are doing this for the kids NOT the parents. My husband once told a parent, "unless you are writting a check for my salary--I DO NOT have to listen to your mouth. I am not here to satisfy the parents --only to teach the kids skills, help them understand that giving is the most important thing and keep them as safe as possible while they are in my care! Good day!"

The bad thing with most of these parents---They are the ones who don't want to do anything to help....

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
You got a couple years on me, only going on 10 here, but I too keep telling myself its for the kids, I have on more than one occasion told a parent, they could cut my pay, or take my job at twice the pay if they didn't like the way I was doing things, parents never want to do it, but they can always claim to know how to do it better, give them a chance. I was umpireing last year (when the scheduled ump didn't show) had a parent(from daughters team no less) questioning my judgement. I took off the mask and TOLD her if she had a problem with it she could waddle on down and make the calls herself. Not another word from either bench about calls not being perfect. Did have a couple say it was about time someone said something to that woman. Dont let other parents ruin your time with the kids, trust me if you offer to let them take over and do a better job, they almost always back into thier corner and are quiet.

Remember it will be your satisfaction when a KID thanks you for helping him get his Eagle Scout, because his parents didnt have the time to help him. Got my first Mentor Pin last year. (best pay for volunteering I have recieved in a while)

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I worked as a volunteer firemen for about 14 years. The last year I was the assistant leader for a Fire Explorers (co-ed 14 to 21 year old scouts) program. County politics got in the way. I had to make a stand that I new full well would get me fired when the chef started breaking department rules. I miss it but still hear from at least one of those kids(adults now) every day.

 

[conroy]

Quote:
You got a couple years on me, only going on 10 here, but I too keep telling myself its for the kids, I have on more than one occasion told a parent, they could cut my pay, or take my job at twice the pay if they didn't like the way I was doing things, parents never want to do it, but they can always claim to know how to do it better, give them a chance. I was umpireing last year (when the scheduled ump didn't show) had a parent(from daughters team no less) questioning my judgement. I took off the mask and TOLD her if she had a problem with it she could waddle on down and make the calls herself. Not another word from either bench about calls not being perfect. Did have a couple say it was about time someone said something to that woman. Dont let other parents ruin your time with the kids, trust me if you offer to let them take over and do a better job, they almost always back into thier corner and are quiet.

Remember it will be your satisfaction when a KID thanks you for helping him get his Eagle Scout, because his parents didnt have the time to help him. Got my first Mentor Pin last year. (best pay for volunteering I have recieved in a while)

Ok you both have a couple years on me.. been doing it 8 years... One of my other leaders is a sweet pushover kinda girl.. Unfortunatley, some of the bully moms took the opportunity to bully her when I wasn't around...interestingly enough the children of those women weren't nice or respectful either... TBH I feel a bit burned out and feel like quitting but my daughter is stilll into it and the bully moms have all left... so far this year hasn't been too bad... but people really make you feel like not doing it anymore.. and when some of the kids aren't ice you start to think - WOW I'm doing this for that kid-ugh but like I said still doing it.....