Rule # 4 for surviving Ethan: Become a camp counselor

Ethan’s career, at its foundation, is program.  Unlike the majority of Scout executives who built records on membership growth, or raising money, Ethan made his name in program related functions.  In a very real sense, he continues to view himself as a camp director.

How do you use this knowledge to survive Ethan?  The closer you are involved in council level programs the higher Ethan will evaluate your worth to the organization.  He still believes that professionals should always be the directors of summer camp programs – not an especially bad idea; but this worked when United Way funded the majority of a council’s budget, not so much anymore. When you’re out getting your hair colored, drinking your diet soda you need to start seeing yourself as a summer camp counselor.  Not only does Ethan need you to appear youthful, he needs you to think like a teenager.  Be eager to take on new tasks (while increasing your numbers for money, units, and membership).  Be willing to work for less than you are worth because it’s all about Ethan…we mean the boys!  Be adaptable to change, much like a teenager, don’t think about next month or next year (or your mortgage payment, family, life outside of Scouting).  Ethan will take care of that for you, don’t worry – be happy.

Once you have lost a few pounds, your hair is now an unnatural looking brown and you have signed up to be the next camp director, just remember this:  there have been few Baltimore staff members who survived Ethan by attempting to beat him at his own game, so be committed to being thought of as a camp counselor for next four plus years.