Maximizing Youth Leadership #39 Program and Training Conference 2009 How to help the Patrol Leaders Council be effective and capitalize on the leadership potential in your Scout-led Troop. Tips for parents, Committee members and Scoutmasters. Recognize and define what“Scout-Run Troop” really is. Nuts & Bolts of how to help your boys run their troop successfully, every week, every month, all year long.

What is the # 1 Element for a Successful Troop?

What is the # 1 Element for a Successful Troop? Training

What is the # 1 Element for a Successful Troop? Training – Provides the means for; Planning Safety Knowledge & Skills FUN

Patrol Leaders Council Example of Troop Organization Source: Scoutmaster Handbook Scoutmaster Assistant Junior Senior Patrol Leader Senior Patrol Leader OA Troop Representative Den Chief Venture Patrol New-Scout Troop Guide Instructor Quartermaster Scribe Librarian Historian Chaplain’s Aid Patrol Leaders Council

Impediments to Maximizing Example Troop Organization Source: Scoutmaster Handbook With apologies from Instructor: Scoutmaster Assistant Junior Senior Patrol Leader Senior Patrol Leader OA Troop Representative Den Chief Venture Patrol New-Scout Troop Guide Instructor Quartermaster Scribe Librarian Historian Chaplain’s Aid Patrol Leaders Council Impediments to Maximizing Youth Leadership

How the Troop Functions Scout View: = Direct contact = Periodic contact/when necessary How the Troop Functions Adult Committee PLC SPL ASPL’s SM corps SPL ? PL PL PL PL PL PL Scouts Kind of like: PLC = Legislative branch (house of reps) Adult Committee = Judiciary Branch SPL = Executive Branch Coincidence?

What does it mean; BOY-RUN TROOP ADULT-RUN TROOP Lets talk Lets vote

Boy-Run Troops Like a Sports Team, Know the Roles Players Play Coaches Coach Scouts needs the tools, the skills, and the opportunity to succeed Scoutmasters and Staff need to provide the tools, teach the Skills, and arrange for the opportunity for a troop to succeed Adolescents and Young Adults Usually Don’t Possess the Skills or Knowledge to Run Such a Complex Organization.

Adult-Run Troops Cub Scout Packs are Adult-Run Units Did You Dress Your Elementary School Student? Can You Dress Your Jr. High or Sr. High School Student? Adolescents and Young Adults Rebel if they Feel They Have Little or no Control Over Their Situation Scout Buy-In is Essential for Troop Success They have to believe it is their Troop It isn’t Their Troop if Parents Plan and Do it All

How the Troop Functions Patrols Troop Instructors & Troop Guides Assistant Scoutmasters “Patrol Advisors”? Scoutmaster Committee

How the Troop Functions Division of Responsibilities Youth Leaders Carry out weekly, monthly meetings, outings, events Make decisions on what, where, when & how Conduct the PLC Planning sessions and implement them Scoutmaster and ASM’s Responsible for the “Quality and Viability” of the program Assist the PLC in their planning and carrying it out ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM Adult Advisors, Patrol Advisors Committee/Parents Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC) Duties of the PLC Annual Planning Periodic Planning/Re-Planning

Meetings The Most Important Element for an effective Program Well Organized Fun & Interesting Up to 40 or 50 per year vs. 10 - 12 Outings Great Meetings = Good Participation Everywhere Else Scouts Must Leave Feeling Good About Attending Skills Lessons Should Always be Participatory Adult Leaders Should and Need to be “behind the scenes directors” Assuring Quality and Organization Scouts eventually become more self-sufficient

Outings Good Outings grow from Good Troop Structure Great Annual Planning Sessions Effective PLC Planning Sessions Great Meetings Good Participation Good Mix of Easy and Challenging events Keeps All Ages Interested Draws New Recruits Creates More Parental Involvement

Tools of the Trade Annual Planner PLC Planner Outing Ballot PLC Planner Meeting Minute Minder Outing Planning Documents Outing Flow Chart (OFC) Outing Roster Checklist Duty Roster Menu & Meal Planner Outing Coordinator Checklist