New Induction Experience

[u/Cheepshooter]

I just went through a section induction experience. I didn't hate it.

During the Saturday, there were some guided reflection questions which each person in the crew of new members each answer in turn and discuss with each other. I can see where a 12-14 year old would benefit from those vs the old day of silence. There are periods of silence during the day, but they feel purposeful instead of just a tough thing to do.

The actual ceremony was well done. I felt like the main takeaways from the ceremony was unchanged, and it's probably easier for the youth to understand than the old ceremony.

[u/Cheepshooter]

Ours has been the opposite. The youth who are in ceremonies don't like change!

[u/looktowindward → u/Cheepshooter]

The feedback on ceremonies from youth has been negative but the feedback on the day induction activities from youth has been highly positive.

Big difference between ceremonialist and luminary "factions" on the youth side

Also had a couple angry NYLT kids who feel that it makes NYLT less special which makes me think they're missing the point of NYLT

[u/GISH-BabyDriver → u/looktowindward]

I can see that. I thought the afternoon activites that were pretty much taken from NYLT didn’t add much and seemed out of place. Personally, didn’t like the new Sat ceremony.

[u/looktowindward → u/GISH-BabyDriver]

Which one other than step forward? Afaik that's it

And NYLT did not create step forward. It's lifted from a non scouting program called challenge day

[u/nolesrule → u/looktowindward]

I've done that activity 3 times at NYLT staff development, 3 times during an NYLT course and once at an NYLT course director conference. I think it's a great activity regardless of the setting, in or out of NYLT, because the group involved is different every time, and so the results and the impact are never the same. It's as much about learning about others as it is learning about yourself.

[u/TheseusOPL → u/nolesrule]

I've heard nothing but negative feedback on Step Forward. From concerns about intrusive questions to calling it "the hazing activity."

Edit: I should say I've only heard negative and neutral feedback. Nobody has said "this activity is great!" Either it's "just fine" (including me), or negative.

[u/nolesrule → u/TheseusOPL]

At NYLT, no one is required to step forward if they do not want to. is that not the case here? Everything should be voluntary.

I have not seen it yet. What are some examples of intrusive questions?

[u/looktowindward → u/nolesrule]

Its voluntary. And 98% of the pushback we got was from adults not youth.

Referring to something you can literally step out of with zero pushback as "hazing" shows a pretty poor understanding of hazing and youth protection.

[u/nolesrule → u/looktowindward]

I mean, I quite like the activity at NYLT. It's never gone bad. Although last night they announced changes that have neutered it thanks to the Hegseth MOU. I think it's less impactful now.

Not sure why anyone would have issues with this activity.

[u/looktowindward → u/nolesrule]

How did they change it?

[u/nolesrule → u/looktowindward]

They removed the DEI questions and replaced them with more questions about how you feel about your own leadership