I like to review portions of their rank advancement. It isn't a pass-fail requirement for a scoutmaster conference/board of review (and I go to GREAT pains to make sure the scouts understand this), but it is a chance to talk about what they've done and think about what's coming up next. Example: REVIEWING knots. For Tenderfoot and 2nd class, they usually have some minor troubles, sometimes major troubles. We talk over how to do the knot and about how skills atrophy over time if not used and to challenge them to continue to practice their skills they've learned ("Be Prepared"). Likewise, we challenge them to use their scout handbook as a reference if they don't remember how to do something. For first class and onward, the scouts are usually well-prepared and have practiced. The knots themselves are only a means to an end: to emphasize what they've done/accomplished, that they can continue to do it, and that, by doing so, they will be better prepared for the future. When I first started, I made the mistake of holding a scout from rank advancement after a board of review after reviewing knots (couldn't tie a square knot with pictures/directions). This was a mistake both for the scout's morale AND by the GTA guidelines. While I meant it as a learning experience and he passed his BOR the next week with flying colors, it was a step too far. From that point on, I vowed NEVER to fail someone due to knots and ALWAYS made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that it wasn't a requirement for passing a BOR; if it meant reviewing them one-on-one (obviously within YPT guidelines, folks!) for an hour, I'd be down with it.
Agreed. Sometimes I will ask a scout about the three steps to advancement, or the three R's of safety, and use the opportunity to have them open their Scout Handbook and review.
When we do roses and thorns, we ask that they have a solution for the thorns... gives them more control and problem solve rather than just complain. It turns the issue into a solution.
So far, anything that a scout want to change can be accomplished by the PLC, or just educating the Scout on why certain things are done (BSA policies, etc.)
My question for you is, How do you get more scouts, other than having our scouts recruit their friends? My troop is a small troop and if I had a wand I would double or triple its size.
Like you said, Scouts make the best recruiters. Building a relationship with the local Cub Scout Packs is vital as well. Other than that, program is key. There are a lot of other factors, and Covid isn't helping anything right now.
3-fer answer... Offer a leadership position of Den Chief to scouts after working with a local Cub Pack (helps with leadership, helps Den leaders, and helps recruiting.) Takes a couple years but I got our troop from ~18 to 50+ in 3 years. Although, we have a number of packs in the area and compete with other troops, so the volume is there for the recruiting. I also find that scout led gives them more engagement and desire to come back as they get older, and want to invite friends. When you do cool stuff (High Adventure) their friends will want to come. BTW, a bigger troop has other challenges!
What is a question you have for me? What would you change in your Unit?
Skill Awards. Great program back in the olden days.
Great magic wand question!!
I like to review portions of their rank advancement. It isn't a pass-fail requirement for a scoutmaster conference/board of review (and I go to GREAT pains to make sure the scouts understand this), but it is a chance to talk about what they've done and think about what's coming up next. Example: REVIEWING knots. For Tenderfoot and 2nd class, they usually have some minor troubles, sometimes major troubles. We talk over how to do the knot and about how skills atrophy over time if not used and to challenge them to continue to practice their skills they've learned ("Be Prepared"). Likewise, we challenge them to use their scout handbook as a reference if they don't remember how to do something. For first class and onward, the scouts are usually well-prepared and have practiced. The knots themselves are only a means to an end: to emphasize what they've done/accomplished, that they can continue to do it, and that, by doing so, they will be better prepared for the future.
When I first started, I made the mistake of holding a scout from rank advancement after a board of review after reviewing knots (couldn't tie a square knot with pictures/directions). This was a mistake both for the scout's morale AND by the GTA guidelines. While I meant it as a learning experience and he passed his BOR the next week with flying colors, it was a step too far. From that point on, I vowed NEVER to fail someone due to knots and ALWAYS made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that it wasn't a requirement for passing a BOR; if it meant reviewing them one-on-one (obviously within YPT guidelines, folks!) for an hour, I'd be down with it.
Agreed. Sometimes I will ask a scout about the three steps to advancement, or the three R's of safety, and use the opportunity to have them open their Scout Handbook and review.
When we do roses and thorns, we ask that they have a solution for the thorns... gives them more control and problem solve rather than just complain. It turns the issue into a solution.
Hi Allan. Is there ever a time a Scout wants to stop something that's taking place in the troop, but waving the magic wand won't have an effect?
So far, anything that a scout want to change can be accomplished by the PLC, or just educating the Scout on why certain things are done (BSA policies, etc.)
My question for you is, How do you get more scouts, other than having our scouts recruit their friends? My troop is a small troop and if I had a wand I would double or triple its size.
Like you said, Scouts make the best recruiters. Building a relationship with the local Cub Scout Packs is vital as well. Other than that, program is key. There are a lot of other factors, and Covid isn't helping anything right now.
3-fer answer... Offer a leadership position of Den Chief to scouts after working with a local Cub Pack (helps with leadership, helps Den leaders, and helps recruiting.) Takes a couple years but I got our troop from ~18 to 50+ in 3 years. Although, we have a number of packs in the area and compete with other troops, so the volume is there for the recruiting. I also find that scout led gives them more engagement and desire to come back as they get older, and want to invite friends. When you do cool stuff (High Adventure) their friends will want to come. BTW, a bigger troop has other challenges!
I Need help with my scout rank any ideas
Alvin 6❤