Youth Leader Roles on ScoutmasterCG Archive

A New Scoutmaster - Chapter Three

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This is the third of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I’ve based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in reply.

CHAPTER THREE “Mountain climbing!?” our membership chairman was surprised, “Is that safe?” “Sounds expensive,” added the treasurer. “Our Scouts call it ‘mountain climbing’, what we’ll be doing is called ‘bouldering’,” I replied, “There’s a great spot at Kitterich state park and I’ve asked one of the counselors who instructs climbing merit badge to help us out.” “So the boys will earn climbing merit badge?” another committee member asked. “They will all get a good idea of what it takes,” I replied, “and the Scouts who are interested in earning the badge can make arrangements with the counselor.” “Shouldn’t we choose a badge for this month that they can complete?’ asked our treasurer. “I think it’s important that this idea came from the Scouts,” I gave John, our committee chair, a knowing glance, “Besides, I don’t plan on having merit badge instruction or work at our meetings quite like we have in the past.” “Well, what will the Scouts do instead?” the treasurer asked. “Sounds like mountain climbing or boulders, or whatever, is a waste of time,” said our membership chair, “If they don’t earn a badge what’s the point?” “The point is getting them doing what Scouts do,” I replied, “because when they do those things advancement and learning come naturally.”

The Patrol Leaders Council - John Thurman

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

John Thurman was a prolific writer and Camp Chief of Gilwell Park from 1943 to 1969.

I have taken some of his thoughts on the patrol leaders council (called the Court of Honor in the UK at the time) and updated them with modern terminology suited to Scouting in the U.S.A.

I plan on sharing it with my senior patrol leader this week; The Patrol Leader’s Council The moment you took over your patrol you became not just one leader, but two. You became the leader of your patrol. But, at the same time, you became a leader in your troop, with the duty of sharing in the task of running the troop. With your patrol leader’s badge goes the privilege of being a member of the patrol leader’s council. In this patrol leader’s council, you meet with the other patrol leaders, at regular intervals, to plan the activities of the troop and to discuss and solve troop problems. At the patrol leader’s council you have the chance to express the aims and hopes of your patrol, to explain what it is doing and what it expects to do. Here also, you receive the guidance and help you need to conduct your patrol affairs and train your boys. In the patrol leader’s council you pick up inspirations for making your gang into the best possible patrol. Here you’ll discover that by running a good patrol that takes an active and loyal part in Troop life, you are helping to make your whole troop good. Who Attends? All the patrol leaders and the Troop senior patrol leader are there. The Scoutmaster may be present as an advisor and guide.

Patrol Teamwork Part 6 - The Patrol Fingerprint

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Look at your hands right now! Even if you haven’t earned Fingerprinting Merit Badge you know everyone on the face of the earth, even identical twins, have a unique fingerprint unlike anyone else’s. Now think about your Patrol.

Every Patrol has its own unique “fingerprint”.

Every Patrol has their own way of doing things, their own name, their own flag, and their own unique, individual Scouts. What you do, as Patrol leader, to make the most of these things defines what kind of ‘fingerprint’ your patrol has.

The Most Important Vote in Scouting

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Is it the Senior Patrol Leader Election, the Order of the Arrow election or the Eagle Board of review? All important to be sure but none more important than the sound of footsteps.

Scouts vote with their feet.

Scouts will stampede towards a terrific program presented by an active Troop with strong youth leadership.

Likewise they will shuffle away in defeat if a Troop does not provide what they are looking for. An alert Scoutmaster listens for either sound.

The Art of The Unexpected

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

My new senior patrol leader and I were talking at a bridge crossing ceremony. He is about two or three meetings into his term a the leader of his troop of 45 Scouts. Like all of his predecessors he’s been caught in the headlights of the unexpected. He seemed to be totally stunned by the opening of his first troop meeting, something he has been through many times, and stood paralyzed for a few long seconds until a fellow Scout quietly suggested that he may want to lead the pledge of allegiance. His March camping trip plans dissolved when only five or six Scouts signed up to attend.

A New Scoutmaster - Chapter Eleven

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

This is the eleventh of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I’ve based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in reply.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“I think I am going to sleep pretty well tonight,” George said through a yawn, “apparently I am not a natural-born climber.” “Men of a certain age and aver-du-pois like us are creatures of the earth, not the air,” I added, “I believe we all will sleep pretty well.” “What he said,” Wayne chimed in, as he caught George’s yawn.

B.P.'s Blog - Importance of the Patrol Leader

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Here’s a selection from his writings.

ONCE when I was at sea in a fishing yacht owned by my brothers, we ran on the rocks.

I thought that all was up with us, and was anxiously watching my eldest brother, our skipper, for a sign to get into a life-belt and take to the boat; but when at length he looked at me it was to glare and shout angrily, “Look out for that boat-hook, which is slipping away under your very nose.” When I found that he was thinking of such details as this I began to recognise that the danger was not overwhelming, and that by attention to minor steps we might pull through successfully and without loss; which we eventually did. So it is with the Boy Scout Movement.

What a Patrol Leader Does When Things Go Wrong.

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

What can go wrong: 1. No one shows up to a Patrol Meeting or planned event. As a Patrol Leader one goal I set for myself was regular, separate Patrol Meetings. It was pretty challenging at first.

There were times I couldn’t reach some of my Scouts on the phone or they didn’t have a way to get to the meeting, or I couldn’t find a time and date where everyone wasn’t busy. It was really discouraging if I planned a meeting and everyone said they would make it but only one Scout showed up. Has this happened to you? Are you afraid of it happening? Good communication, planning, plenty of reminders, and sharing what you’re going to be doing like the awesome new games you’ve planned helps get things moving in the right direction. If you do a good job of these things Scouts are less likely to forget the meeting and, if you build their expectations they won’t want to miss it! If only one or two Scouts show up, don’t be discouraged.

Wannabe or Real Leader?

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

You know the difference between a wannabe (want-to-be, get it?) leader and a real leader? Just watch them in action, it’s easy to tell! A wannabe loves giving orders, being in the spotlight, takes all the praise, has all the privileges, and makes everyone else do the tough work. A real leader expects a lot from his team but expects twice as much from himself. A real leader gives his Scouts all the praise, privileges and rewards. A wannabe only gives orders and only cares about results. A wannabe isn’t a leader, leaders are out in front making things happen. A wannabe is a pusher, shoving everyone else along rather than leading them. A wannabe kills Patrol Spirit. A real leader cares about people and does everything in his power to be supportive and encouraging.

Patrol Teamwork Part 5 - Patrol Burglar?

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

How can you capitalize on patrol teamwork? In“The Hobbit” the company of Dwarves decides that they need a ‘burglar’. The burglar would be the company’s eyes and ears: scouting out locations along the way. A t the recommendation of the wizard Gandalf the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins was chosen to be the burglar. Just as the Dwarves depended on Bilbo to scout ahead of the company, a Patrol needs someone to go ahead of the Patrol, scout locations, research good places for hikes, camps, and different Patrol Activities. In the Scout Patrol, this position is traditionally called the Hikemaster.

The Patrol Leader's Real Power and Authority

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A new patrol leader may think, at first, their position is one of great power and authority.

Truth be told patrol leaders do have great power and authority but it’s not aimed at bossing people around or commanding their respect. The patrol leader’s real power is the example they set for their fellow Scouts. A patrol will follow this example – whether it is good or bad. If they are prepared their patrol will be prepared. If they are helpful and kind their patrol will be helpful and kind. If they are positive and encouraging their patrol will be positive and encouraging. If they are selfish and mean their patrol will be selfish and mean. If they are indifferent and disinterested their patrol will be indifferent and disinterested. Any good leader strives to do what they can to help others succeed. They do this through the power and authority of their example. A patrol leader who understands this power will help his patrol succeed in anything they choose to do. You can get this infographic along with OVER 50 other infographics and helpful PDF documents here If you’d like to print this infographic download the PDF file below BEFORE YOU CLICK THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON Consider joining all the other great folks who have become Backers!

The Patrol Leader's Council and Planning

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

When we think about a patrol leader’s council we form a picture of Scouts sitting around a table talking and making plans but what’s really going on? The Senior patrol leader is in charge, the patrol leaders are assembled , the scribe is ready, the Scoutmaster is on hand to advise… what happens next? More importantly what’s happened before they all get to the table? Here’s how you can show your senior patrol leader the planning part of his job – four steps and fifteen minutes of advising: To make things happen for the troop you need to build four components – structure, content, planning and preparation.

A Universal Job Description for Scout Youth Leaders.

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Is there really a job description for Scout youth leaders?

Every First Class Scout is a leader by definition.

Three requirements for advancement are common to every rank after First Class: 1.Merit Badges 2.Service to the community 3.Leadership: ‘Serve actively in a position of responsibility’ It is every First Class Scout’s job to lead, train, and inspire Scouts to achieve First Class rank. It’s his job whether he is SPL, PL or “just” Historian. No difference. Even if a First Class Scout does not have a specific “position of responsibility” he may be the Troop’s ‘go to guy’ for a specific set of skills.

Troop Leadership Elections

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

What’s the best way to hold Troop leadership elections? It’s pretty simple. Here’s all of the references I found in the Scoutmaster’s handbook: Each troop sets its own requirements and schedule of elections, though senior patrol leaders are usually chosen at six- to 12-month intervals and can be reelected.

Scoutmaster’s Handbook p. 13 The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as their patrol leader. The troop determines the requirements, if any, for patrol leaders, such as rank and age. Most troops select patrol leaders and other boy leaders twice a year, though a troop might want to hold elections more frequently in order to allow more boys the chance to lead, particularly in the new- Scout patrols.

The Troop Annual Plan

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I have a calendar that running in my head, geared to the school year calendar that I can’t seem to get rid of.

Decades of programming for young people will do that to you. Last night I was watching our Scouts, talking to our Scoutmaster and I heard myself say, “oh, and by the way. Is the senior patrol leader ready to present the annual calendar to the troop committee at their meeting the first week in August? Has the patrol leaders council planned the August Court of Honor for all of the awards the guys earned this summer? Has the patrol leaders council planned how and when they are going to have elections for senior patrol leader and patrol leader ? Do the guys have a patrol leaders council meeting set up to plan the August program and campout?…” Anyway, after this torrent of questions had escaped from my mouth I turned and looked at our Scoutmaster and he was just staring at me. Oops!

Reflections while Camping

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Methods Our typical (if somewhat sporadic) practice while camping is to have a ‘ vespers ‘ on Saturday evening after dinner.

At your next camping trip give each patrol a quotation (I have supplied some below – give all the patrols the same quotation) Patrols meet for a given time, perhaps fifteen minutes or so, and then bring them all together to share their thoughts.

The senior patrol leader leads the next 20-30 minutes of group discussion. He can recognize adults who wish to speak but will ask for some contribution to the discussion from each patrol.