New Scouting Family Unsure
My kiddo just started scouts and we've been to just a few meetings. Off the bat I'm concerned with how our den?(The smaller group) Specifically is run. We are in tigers so parents have to stay at the meetings which I thought would help but not at all. I'm not trying to be judgemental I'm concerned.
The leaders have absolutely zero control of the meetings. It was painful to be there. The kids were actively talking and yelling over the leaders as they spoke and the other parents did not correct their kids. It was bizarre. I understand they're young kids and are still learning and should have some room to be silly. But this was not that. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to trying to correct behaviors and bribing to participate. When my child inevitably joined in a time or two because well in his eyes the other kids are just being silly, I called their name they understood, oh this is a time to be quiet and listen. When another parent finally did step in to correct their child who was yelling and not participating they just kind of degraded them from across the room and it was so uncomfortable. And the child did noooottttt care lol.
I unfortunately don't see this den being successful for the kids or the leaders and I'm not sure what to do. I believe scouts has a lot to offer and I'd love for my child to get the chance to explore and learn with their peers. But at this time I don't see that happening in this den with the way it's functioning or lack thereof. I want all of these kids to have a decent chance of success at this.
Do I try to volunteer to help? I have a ton of experience in leadership but don't want to be the new person who joins and steps on toes. I have no experience in scouts but was in girl scouts and 4h among other things as a kid. So I'm familiar with programs like this for children. I'm also worried that if I do volunteer to help other parents will judge me for being "strict" when really I'd just be focusing on mutual respect. I really don't have the time to be a den leader on my own. Or do I look for another den for my child?
Any advice or suggestions would be helpful. I want to help out but know it may not be my exact place. TIA.