From: E Fred Mussler (emuss3@ipass.net)
Date: Fri Jan 31 2003 - 20:46:13 CST
A good post, I was wondering if I should bring it up or who would bring it up. Thorns and Roses is a wonderful way to bond your crew together. Having used the technique over the years I cannot begin to tell you of the things I have learned or the great reception it gets from the guys, as they get used to it.
We use the technique with all our Philmont Crews and begin at the troop level. Actually, we use Roses, Thorns and Buds. The rules are simple. Everything is fair game, what is said in the circle, "stays in the circle" (As a sidelight I go to great lengths to make sure everyone understands that this is not a secret thing, they can tell their parents or any body for that matter), by staying in the circle I mean that people can air grievances about each other, and know that it will not be talked about or gossiped about outside of the immediate group.
This is a great technique for people to praise each other, or maybe more importantly, to air a problem. The rule is that no names are used, everyone, or at least the offending parties, should know what is going on, and there is no discussion from any one in the group until it is their turn.
As was explained, a Rose is something good, great, new, exciting that the person has newly experienced.
A Thorn is something that caused irritation, was not good, etc. Often this can be where personality problems can be aired. For instance, "Someone in the group has offensive BO, and I am ready to stop tenting with him, I wish he would bathe." {OK, hokey, but you get the point, actually this has happened-;))}
A Bud is an expectation of something to occur in the future, which one expects to be a rose.
You can also use the technique in a group to get to know each other, ask everyone to share their name, school, why they are here, what they hope to achieve. Ii is a means to establish communication.
I "require" everyone to participate, always exercising judgment. No one has ever refused, they may be reluctant, but we make them say "something" . After the first time people often jockey to be first.
As advisors we may or maynot participate, but usually do. Early in the process we may go first to set an example for the fellows to follow. As they become more experienced I use my prerogative to lay back and go last. To me this becomes my "Scoutmasters Moment" or I may offer words of advice to help with a "thorn". I cant' truly explain the process, but if you try it,or anything like it I can assure you that it will truly be one of the most uplifting experiences you can have with a group. Give it a Go!
Yours in Scouting
Hiking Czar
Fred Mussler, SM Troop 357
Raleigh NC
Philmont 90, 98, 00, 02
Eagle Class of 74
"One of the few on this list to actually have met John LeBlanc and his charming and delightful family, I am Blessed...."
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