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Originally Posted by MikeWaters
Tying knots for the sake of tying knots can be boring. But when it has a practical component, it becomes more relevant. IMO.
The last video game night was very controversial, and led to complaints to the Bishopric (I was not in YM at that time, but heard about it as Exec. Sec). While maybe that could a be YM's activity, I don't see that as a scouting activity.
But your point of fun and bonding, of course, is correct.
I'd be very popular if we just played basketball every meeting. But that's not going to happen.
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You're in a tough situation. It reminds me of when we lived in Toronto (we are now out in the burbs). Our building was located directly across the street from one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in that part of the city (namely a massive low cost gov. housing building).
We had the very same problem you have experienced with break-ins in to play ball in the gym etc., especially in the summers. Ultimately the situation required the Bishop ;-) to take a hard line against the neighborhood boys. A zero tolerance policy was put into place that even included a call to police to patrol our parking lot frequently.
This policy was only effective because a considerable amount of kindness and friendliness had already been extended ... the invite the neighborhood boys to participate in the hopes they would join in type of kindness and friendliness! After a while, and the more your kindness is taken advantage of, tough love becomes the only answer … especially after you have already gone to great lengths to be friendly and kind.
One question -is the bishopric regularly attending Young Men’s, including scouts? They are supposed to attend regularly, and act as your assistant … that will light a fire under them to call someone in a hurry :-p