Types Of Boys

Every boy is unique. In our work in Scouting, it's important to remember that above pretty much everything else. There are, however, certain identifiable types of boys each of us has encountered throughout our life. Society may change and evolve, but boys will always be boys. To be an effective leader, whether you are a Scoutmaster or a Patrol Leader, it is important to not only understand these generalized types of boys, but to understand the individual boys in your charge.

While the types listed below may be helpful to you in reaching and motivating some of the boys, most real life boys will fall between these types, having characteristics of several different types. Your job, as a Scout leader, is to get to know your boys, find out what makes them tick, and then find a way to focus their energy on the patrol and troop. It's not always an easy job, but you aren't alone in your work.

The Natural Born Leader

This type of boy naturally knows how to lead a group. Often, he'll be the natural choice of the Patrol as Patrol Leader. He has the raw talent, but sometimes lacks the experience and practice. For that reason, the Natural Born Leader isn't always seen as such. For the members of the patrol, he'll just be the guy they know will do a good job. His natural talents, though, need to be honed through training and practice.

The Smooth Running Boy

This type of boy takes things pretty much as they come. He's agreeable and easily led. He may or may not have initiative or ambition. He's equally at home in the sunshine, and the rain and nothing seems to get him down. In most things, he won't put forth a great deal of effort, but he won't shirk his responsibilities either.

The Passive Boy

This type of boy has no initiative at all. He has to be told to do everything. He will follow where his is led, but has to be led everywhere. Unlike the Smooth Running Boy, the Passive Boy won't put forth any effort without a little prodding. Unlike the Lazy Boy, he doesn't look for ways to get out of doing things.

The Clever Boy

His natural talent is to analyze everything. He's adept at discovering mistakes and weaknesses. He has the added talent of knowing how things work or should be done. He's a good choice for Assistant Patrol Leader because you definitely want him on your side. Left to his own devices, he'll point out the faults and mistakes the Patrol Leader makes, and will often comment "I would have done it better." For that reason, you want him right by your side, keeping you on your toes, and not sowing discontent within the patrol.

The Lazy Boy

Like the passive boy, the lazy boy has no initiative. Unlike the passive boy, who will complete tasks and work hard if asked to do so, the lazy boy simply prefers not to do anything. He lacks the energy and motivation of even the passive boy. He'll tend to complain about anything that requires energy, or takes him away from his preferred activity (whatever that is). You'll have to keep an eye on him because he's prone to taking short-cuts and doesn't put much thought into the short-cut he takes.

The Troublemaker

This type of boy naturally attracts trouble like a magnet. At times, he doesn't even have to work at it. Sometimes, however, he works very hard at it. He can really take the life out of any activity or meeting, and will certainly test your ability to control the group. It doesn't matter why the Troublemaker attracts (or makes) trouble. The easiest way to handle him is to keep him busy.

The Grouchy Boy

Nothing satisfies this type of boy. He can never find anything good about anything; the weather, the food, the activity. He can find ten reasons not to do something for every reason to do it. He's like a wet blanket on campouts and hikes, dragging everyone's spirits down.

The Wise-Guy

Like the Clever Boy, the Wise-Guy is particularly adept at discovering mistakes and weaknesses. Unlike the Clever Boy, who tends to figure out how to fix it before speaking up, the Wise-Guy leaps before he looks. He can be a real asset if you can get him to stop and think before he does or says anything.

The Bully

Part Wise-Guy, part Troublemaker, part Grouch, the Bully delights in dominating everything. He brags about his abilities, and uses intimidation to get his way. Any boy is capable of challenging the Patrol Leader's authority from time to time, but the Bully will seize every opportunity to do so, and he'll do whatever it takes to be the boss. The good thing is that most Bullies don't like it when people stand up to them, so the best way to handle a Bully is to not let him win.