Sometimes you just have to go with what someone else wrote...

There is a blog that I visit often called "Scoutmaster". Written by a Scoutmaster that seems to be a traditional Scouter that believes in the Scouting program as I do.
Anyway... enjoy his article... and pay his site a visit too.


Program - Canned or Fresh?
Canned programs for Scouts are attractive because they are easy. They are also poor excuses for a Scout activity. Canned experiences require little preparation, skill development or leadership. In our part of the world there are whitewater rafting trips, ski weekends, museum lock-ins and similar activities that only require Scouts show up and be led by the hand through an activity or presentation.
Scoutmasters should be adamant that activities are aimed at fulfilling the promises of Scouting and not simply entertainment. Activities that Scouts plan and present for themselves, as imperfect or halting as they may be, are always preferable to a canned program.
All of our Scouts want to 'have fun'. Canned programs can be 'fun' but are simply an end in themselves. Fun is not an aim of Scouting but Scouting is fun. Scouts get a real sense of satisfaction from creating their own program. Scouting demands that Scouts be more than participants - they must be the planners, the leaders the developers.
A Scout-made program surpasses any canned program. When the Scouts have invested themselves in building a challenging, ambitious activity they benefit from something they have done for themselves.

Happy Scouting!

Competition...its what we do

Boys have a competitive spirit. We are born with it. We compete in just about anything.
Look at your Scout Troop and see how they compete. You will find that they are in a constant state of competition.

Thinking back at Summer camp. After grace, its a mad dash to see who can be first in line for Dinner. They sign up for more merit badges than their buddy, try to swim farther or faster, shoot more bulls eyes and see who can stay up latest.

The competitive spirit is a part of being a boy. We compete at camporee, we compete in School, we compete at home, just watch a set of siblings go at it.
Without competition we get lazy and lack creativity.
Allowing the Scouts to compete is a good thing. It creates an environment of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. It teaches the Scouts valuable lessons about life as a grown up, where we continue to compete, for jobs, status, and fun.

I have heard some Scout leaders say that competition is bad, they we need to make sure every Scout is a winner. Well I disagree. I think that we create winners through competition. Those that compete and loose win in the end through the valuable lessons learned. They strive to do their best.. and that makes them a winner. Trophy or not.

Let them compete..push themselves.. and become winners through hard work and fun.

Happy Scouting!

It's the same all over...

Since I started the "podcast thing" I have received emails from around the country commenting on some of the topics, sharing ideas, and generally talking about their units.
What I have found is that it is the same all over.

The Scouts in our Troops still love the out doors..they love to camp, they love the taste of adventure, and love the association of hanging out with their buddies.

I think that this is the essence of Scouting..or at least from the Scouts point of view. I don't think they really care to much, or at least give it a lot of thought, about the game with a purpose. They are receptive to the purpose... but they really want to play the game.

I said in a previous post, that we need to get out of the way and let them do it. This weekend and the climb instructor course, I learned more about the Scouts we teach, coach, train, and mentor.
There were a group of Scouts that were helping us out, they became our test subjects on the climbing wall and they fed us well.
These were average Scouts, they were helpful and curious, they were playful and serious, they were respectful and in some ways weird like 13 year olds are. In short, they were the Scouts you find in every Troop in America.
The point is that they taught us, by teaching them, that these Scouts of ours want to be challenged. They want to push them selves beyond the X Box... they want to be apart of an adventure, not stuck in a meeting hall.
I had an interesting talk with one of the boys. He is a life Scout... 15 years old. He has one requirement left to earn his Eagle award and is in no rush to get there. As he told me.. I have till I'm 18.. as long as I get to keep coming on cool stuff like this.. I'll get it [Eagle Scout].
His attitude was great. He gets it, and will be an Eagle Scout one day.. but its not about that. Its about Adventure and learning, Skills and fun, Service to others and hanging out with his best friends. Friends he knows he can Trust, that are loyal, that are Friendly and kind, Courteous and Cheerful, helpful and brave, obedient, Clean in their thoughts, Thrifty and Reverent.

These Scouts, we love them because of who they are. They are kids looking for adventure and fun.. and structure along the way. They want to led, they want to challenge, and they want to push themselves... Give them a program that does all of that and you will never have a retention problem, a membership drought, or a Troop lacking in fun.

Happy Scouting!

CLIMB ON!

Gotta share it!!!
I'm pumped.. Completed the Climb Instructor Course this weekend.. and ready to hit the rocks with the boys!

I learned so much this weekend, I must say that outside of Wood Badge.. this was the best course I have taken in the BSA.

Topping out and the BSA standards ensure that the Scouts have a Safe and incredible experience! Climb on Safely is a great program for every Troop.

If you are not taking advantage of the high adventure the BSA offers.. you are missing out.

HAPPY SCOUTING!!! and CLIMB ON!

Podcast Show #7 - New Parent Orientation

Our Troop has started a new program to introduce both the Troop and Boy Scouting to the parents of new Boy Scouts.
Show #7 is a discussion of New Parent/Scout leader orientation.
When Scouts transition from a Cub Scout Pack to a Boy Scout Troop, there are often unanswered questions and a sense of culture shock to the parent unfamiliar with the Boy Scouting Program. We explore these differences and try to set the new parent at ease by giving answers and instruction up front.


Listen or Download here
Standard Podcast [61:30m] mp3 format

Happy Scouting!

PTC media Forum

For those of you that check out onlines message boards or forums, it may be of some interest that you can now communicate with me via the PTC media Forum.
As I am being rolled into the PTC media group with my podcasts... you can send messages, leave comments or suggestions on the board.

Another great way of getting the story of Scouting out there and a fantastic way for you to reach me.

Happy Scouting!

The Senior Patrol Leader

The Scout led Troop starts with the Senior Patrol leader (SPL). He is the guy that runs the Troop. He is guided by the Scoutmaster and seeks input at the Patrol Leaders Council. He is an elected officer of the Troop and is charged with providing the Troop with Purpose and Direction.

The Boy Scouts of America identifies the Duties and Responsibilities of the SPL as:

1. Runs all the troop meetings, events, activities and the annual program planning conference.
2. Runs the patrol leader's council meeting.
3. Appoints other troop junior leader with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.
4. Assign duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.
5. Assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training.
6. Sets a good example.
7. Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.
8. Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
9. Shows Scout spirit.

I want to focus on duties number 1, and 2.
First the SPL runs the Troop meetings, events and activities. Adult leaders like to get their hands in this pie, but restraint is the watch word. The SPL needs to be the guy up front. It is thru this action that the SPL establishes his standing as the leader of the Troop. Now I know that I have been guilty of jumping in and "helping" the SPL, but more times than not, he will get through the meeting.
The Scoutmaster needs to train the SPL. Give him the tools to succeed. Show him how to establish a meeting plan using the Troop meeting plan worksheet. Give the SPL the Troop Program resources book. This is a great tool for the SPL to get him heading in the right direction and will keep the PLC meeting focused and efficient.
The Scoutmaster needs to show confidence in the SPL. Give the SPL clear instruction and guidance and then allow him the flexibility to accomplish the task as he sees fit. Let him learn from his mistakes. Review the process at the completion of a task or at the end of a camp out and have the SPL brief back his feelings on how he did, the unit did, and what he can do better next time.
The Patrol Leaders Council can make or break an SPL's tenure. If he runs effective PLC meetings, his time in office will be smooth and fun. The SPL needs to encourage the Patrol leaders to take ownership of the Troop. They establish the plan and then are charged with executing their plan. Success is up to them. They get their guidance from the SPL. Like I said, the SPL sets the purpose and direction of the Troop. He owns the plan and needs to do his best to get the PLC on board. Once the PLC owns the plan and has bought into the purpose and direction of the Troop, they will have a fun and successful year.
It all starts with the Senior Patrol Leader. A well trained and motivated SPL can be the difference between a Super Troop and an average Troop. A Scoutmaster that understands his role in working with the SPL sets the troop up for success.

Happy Scouting!

8 Elements to Consider when planning...

As we continue to develop our skills at leave no trace, we need to come back to planning.
Planning sets you up not only for an outstanding trip in the wilderness, but a trip that will exercise the principles of leave no trace.

In order to develop good habits of leave no trace you need to consider LNT throughout your planning process.

Here are 8 elements to consider when planning the trip.
(Note: the highlighted material is from "Teaching Leave no Trace" BSA publication 21-117)

1. Identify and record the goals and expectations of your trip.
This is important as you should have a set of goals for each trip. Even if the goal is just to go out and have fun. Setting goals will keep you focused while on the trek.

2. Identify the skills and abilities of the participants.
Knowing the skill level of those on the trip determines where you go, what you take, and how much training needs to happen before you go. It is important when planning to know the abilities of the group when it comes to leave no trace, and lays a solid foundation of the LNT principles.

3. Select destinations that match the goals, skills, and abilities of participants.
As stated above, the skills level and goals of the group will set the course of the trip.

4. Seek information about the area your group plans to visit from land managers, maps, and literature.
An important part of the planning process is knowing where you are going, how to get there, and what the restrictions are in the area. Getting maps and talking to land owners is important. As Scouts we want to ensure that we treat property with respect and use only land that we are authorized to be in. Know the rule of gates... if you see one that is open, leave it open, if it is closed, close it behind you...or do not enter.

5. Check the normal weather patterns and temperature ranges fro the area during the time of year your trek is planned. Get a projected weather forecast the night before departure. Adjust your plans if necessary, considering the knowledge, experience, and preparedness of the group.
Planning right up to the last minute is important as conditions may change or access may be limited due to sudden changes in weather. Do not let a little rain stop a trip, as much as weather changes can come, they can also go. What starts out as a rainy trip can turn into a sunny, beautiful trip. But also be careful for extreme weather. Head the warnings of weather forecasts. The Guide to Safe Scouting outlines precautions to consider about weather.
Also check out Scouting Safely and learn more about training for hazardous conditions and more.

6. Choose equipment and clothing for comfort, safety, and follow leave no trace principles. Include these outdoor essentials:
Extra Clothing
Extra trail food
Rain gear
Pocket knife
Matches and fire starters
Stove
Water bottles
Map and compass
First aid kit
Watch
Sun and insect protection
Small trowel for digging small cat hole
Small strainer for removing food particles from dish water
Gators for muddy or rocky trails

7. Axes and saws are not needed for collecting wood for a leave no trace fire.
Leave no trace fires burn only downed, dead materials laying on the ground. If you can't break it with your hand, you should not burn it.

8. Plan trip activities to match the goals of the group.
Back to number 1. Know the abilities and goals of the group. Plan your activities to meet the needs and goals of the group. If you are taking a group of newer, younger Scouts, set the goals to match their skill level.

And finally evaluate the trip. Learn from what you did well, what you need to improve on, and what you need to stop doing. A good idea is to keep a log. Write it all down, you won't regret it for future trips.

Happy Scouting!

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Well.... actually Baden Powell said it before.. I just keep saying it.
"Never do what a boy can do".

That simple little saying means the world to our Scouts. I know that it is hard for your average parent to understand, but your son is a very capable young man. You just gotta let him be one.

This was illustrated today during our Districts Scoutcapades event. 5 young men (two teams) from my Troop went toe to toe..or cast iron to cast iron with other Scouts in the District in the third annual Dutch oven cook off.
They planned the menu, gathered the materials, set up, started the coals, cooked the meal and presented to the judges their cast iron delight. All with out one adult so much as saying hello.
They are capable of just about anything that we let them do.

Oh and by the way.. they came in 3rd and 5th place in the contest. The place is not so much the big deal. The big deal was how they felt knowing that they did there best and we had enough confidence in them to let them do it. I could see the pride in their faces as they served up a great cobbler and some real nice pork roast...mmmm.

And so it goes with everything in Scouting. Let them do it. Parents...Leaders... Get out of the way for a minute and let your Scout set the limit...pass the limit... find a new limit... and challenge himself to great things.
Your son is a perfectly capable young man that wants to prove to you that he can do it. He is used to having everything handed to him and is not used to earning his way. He needs to be challenged and allowed to conquer those challenges without mom and dad hovering with a first aid kit and kid gloves. It does not hurt him to get a little dirty..or tired..or cold..or hungry... he learns from those conditions. He wont starve on a camp out..get the flu.. or learn to shoot craps on a Scouting outing. He will learn to be a part of a team, develop life long skills, and habits for life with value.
Our kids have enough obstacles in their lives, we don't need to be one of them. Rest assured the Adult leaders of the troop have nothing but the best intentions for your Scout. We want them to develop Character and Citizenship, and to be physically fit. We want them to leave Scouting with a set of skills that they can pass on to their sons, Scouts, or friends.

Your Scout is capable.. are you going to let him show you?

I want to say it in public... I am proud of James, Jakob, Josh F, Lucas, and Josh S. I am so very proud of you guys for showing me, and the rest of the Thunderbird district, that you are capable!

Happy Scouting!

Back on track

It seems as though the blog has taken a bit of a back seat to the podcast lately... The podcasts are fun to do and I think offer a different perspective to the Scouting program. That and there is a need for Boy Scout focused podcasts out there.

Any way- I am still committed to the blog and will be getting back on track... On my honor!

So to get back, let me tell you a bit about the podcasts, and why and how I got into it.
I started listening to the podcasts from ptcmedia.net. And no it has nothing to do with Philmont Training center. PTC Media was founded by a couple Cub Scout leaders, Bob and Chris. They too saw a need for another media source for helping deliver the promise of Scouting.
So they started a couple podcasts.. one called Akela's Adventure and the other called An Hour a Week. Later the media net expanded to another show called the Leaders Campfire.

As the network grew, they expanded once again incorporating the Melrose Scouting productions, videos from a Scout Troop in Minnesota. Steve is the producer, camera man and Scoutmaster of the Troop. He later became a "Permanent" guest host on the leaders campfire.

As I became interested in podcasting, they put out a plea for help on their network, show ideas, guest hosts, and behind the scenes activity. I sent in a reply and offered up my limited talents.
My introduction to podcasting was a series of downloads and the purchase of a mic.. I am now on the third mic due to quality issues.
I got Tom to help me out with a show and we were off. We are now about to publish Show 6.

I have stayed true to the focus of the blog through the podcast, to teach, coach, train, and mentor..... oh and have fun.

Through this adventure I have met some great folks, got some good ideas, and learned a bunch. First and foremost is that there are a great group of Scout leaders all over this country that take the time to produce, publish, download, and listen to ideas about Scouting.
I learned that there is a deep love and appreciation for Scouting in America.. and over the globe.

The podcasts are an extension of round tables, meetings, meetings after the meetings, and in general the brotherhood of Scouting!

Another way for me to get my Scouting geek on!

Happy Scouting!

podcast on Feedburner

For those of you that do not want to download itunes... here is another option to listen to the podcasts and subscribe to the feed.

CLICK HERE

Happy Scouting!

Podcasts on iTunes

The Scoutmaster minute podcasts are now available on iTunes.

Open up your iTunes and check in the kids&family area.. you can also search for us using our name "the scoutmaster minute".

Hope that helps get the podcasts easier.

Happy Scouting!

Enabling

Scout leaders can enable success or they can enable failure. Now I will leave it up to you to decide weather or not you are enabling which, but remember to use the Scouting program as outlined by the BSA to guide you.

We enable success when we allow the Troop to be Boy led. When we have an active and productive Patrol leaders Council that plans and executes the Troop program.
We enable failure when the Adult leaders do it for them. When the plan is a product of the Adult leadership and not that of the Scouts. When the plan is led by an adult we fail to develop leadership in our Scouts.

We enable success when we allow the Scouts to make mistakes, none that will get them hurt, but mistakes in leading. Mistakes in completing a task. We enable the success when the Boy leader has an opportunity to sit down and discuss his situation and learn what he could have done better.
We enable failure when we do it for them. When we take them by the hand and show them exactly what we want done. When we stifle creativity in the boy, not allowing him to go out on a limb. We enable failure when there is no conversation at the end of an event to discuss those things to improve on or continue to do well.

We enable success when we let the Scout work things out. Not jumping right in when Scouts are at each others throat (unless it is getting out of hand). Letting the Scouts sort out problems is part of citizenship and character. Leadership comes out in times of crisis. Allow it to happen, in the controlled environment of the Patrol.
We enable failure when we baby sit the Scouts. They are ready to move on to bigger and better things... we need to let them, without micromanaging or hovering. Let them have success in guided discoveries.

Scout leaders have much to do with enabling success or failure. Baden Powell once told a group of Scoutmasters, "Never do what a Boy can do". This statement has never been more true.

Enable success in your Scouts and in your Troop.

Happy Scouting!

Show 4

Show of the Scoutmaster minute Podcast is available for dowload or listen.

Check it out here

Show 4 is a discussion about Bullying. A real important topic facing the Boy Scouts of America today.

Happy Scouting!

Well..... what do you expect?

The expectations of leaders differ. Depending on the situation, the skill level, the maturity, and the will of the leader.

We had a great camp out this weekend. Many of the new Scouts spent their first camp out with the Troop and as Boy Scouts up on Scouters Mountain. It was rainy and chilly, but nothing too unusual for an Oregon April.
The intent of the weekend was to develop our camp craft skills. Teaching the new Scouts skills such as cooking with backpacking stoves, knots, Knife, Ax, and Bow saw safety, first aid, and some introduction to map and compass. Needless to say it was a full weekend.

Along with skills instruction, the Scouts tested their skills as they set camp, lived as patrols, and ultimately broke camp on Sunday.

So what does this have to do with expectations? Everything. You see, we expect a lot from Scouts that know and have demonstrated skills, we expect them to help the young guys, we expect them to be skilled in Scouting's basics and are able to perform those tasks without pain and agony. And the good news is the older guys did just that.
We expect from the new guys nothing more than a willingness to learn and a positive, cheerful attitude... and by and large we got that too.
So why write about it? Leadership.

We Know that the leader leads by providing, Purpose, Direction, and Motivation, the leader must understand that different skills levels deserve different levels of expectation. This expectation can drive motivation and purpose. Older Scouts do not need (or should not need) a lot of direction when setting up or taking down camp. We can expect of them, because of their experience and skill levels that they know how to do this properly. While the younger Scouts may need more Direction and explanation of Purpose. For example why we get our gear covered up, tents put up first, sleeping bags and pads ready, then start an activity.
The same at night. We can expect that older Scouts will ensure all their gear is packed and stored properly before they go to bed. On the other hand, the leader will have to physically check each of the new Scouts and explain the them the importance of storing gear for the night.

Expectations drive the amount of time leaders dedicate to the led. If given an hour to pack up camp and hike to the cars, the leader will dedicate 70% of his time with the new Scout while he can safely expect the older Scouts to motivate themselves, do the right thing, and assist where they can.

The final thought on expectations. As a leader you must INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT.
If those that have developed skills fail to accomplish tasks that are well within their level, retraining or reevaluation of their expectation is necessary. At a minimum a discussion and refocus of their motivation may be in order. The leader must determine this based on what he sees in the led. A new Scout may exceed expectations allowing the leader to move his attention elsewhere.

Expectations are different in every leader and from every follower. Leaders that recognize and evaluate the expectations of themselves and those he leads will find it easier to provide mush needed Purpose, Direction, and Motivation.

Happy Scouting!

Methods achieve goals

Where I work we are held to a set of standard procedures for getting our job done. They are called our Methods. Any violation of the methods will surely get you in hot water with the boss. The methods are clear instructions for getting the job done in the most efficient and safe manner.

The Boy Scouts have methods for achieving its goals of developing in our young men Citizenship, Character, and Physical fitness.
Those methods are:

Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives.

Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

Advancement. Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Associations With Adults. Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.

Personal Growth. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.

Using the 8 methods of the Boy Scout Program will insure that your unit is operating as an effective Troop. The methods are clear and can be found in all facets of the program.
The goal of the Boy Scouts is not to manufacture Eagle Scouts, it is to develop young people into Citizens with good Character and physical fitness. Earning the rank of Eagle is an accomplishment that validates in the youth and those around him that the program worked in his development.

Happy Scouting!