1. 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.

2. What is the # 1 Element for a Successful Troop?

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

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

9. 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.

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. Meetings The Most Important Element for an effective Program
Well Organized
Fun & Interesting
Up to 40 or 50 per year vs 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

14. 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

15. 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