playing basketball every time for scouts
 

A lot of wards fall into this category. and I understand why.

It's what the kids want to do. They are happiest when they are messing around, running in the gym, playing basketball.

Leaders spend time and $ preparing activities, and then the kids don't like them. Why fight it?

My kite building activity didn't go over so well. Several of the boys just up and left and went to the gym. Then other boys leaving "to try and find [person X]".

Dodgeball and basketball, baby. Back to basics.

Kites? You wanted them to build kites?

which was actually pretty challenging for them, because it involved measuring, sawing, drilling, slicing with razors, etc.

I doubt a pretty boy like you, who puts vaseline in his gloves, could do it.

I'm surprised a guy as like you, who is so light in his loafers, is so willing to fly a kite...aren't you worried you would fly away?

Your NJ childhood must have been even worse than I imagined.

I think I understand your childhood quite well now that I know you consider building a kite "challenging." In contrast mine was definitely more difficult.

challenging "for them". I'm dealing with boys that can't do a single pull-up.

I'm sure yours was difficult. Glad to know you have made it. One day you will have the opportunity to turn down a calling to work with YM. It will be a good experience I'm sure.

Luckily for me, and the young men who have avoided listening to my stories, no one seems to think I would be a good YM leader. Maybe it is my lack of enthusiasm for scouting or my lack of children in the target age. Maybe it is my obvious value in other areas. I don't know what it is but I've never been considered as a YM leader even though my wife has been in YW presidencies at both ward and stake levels and I've been in family wards for about 10 years.

My point is that there can be a disconnect between what leaders and kids value, as well as what leaders and kids feel are entertaining.

I totally agree with your point and your post. I just wanted to bust your chops about the kites.