Complete Information
Total package adult training for a boy-run troop. Are your adult volunteers not sure about their role at meetings and campouts? Are you an SPL who can’t run a meeting without adult “intervention?”
About the Author
Robert Hilferding, our Sales Manager, wrote “Troop W.I.S.E. Training” to address one of the ever-present questions of Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. As can be seen by following the postings on the main scouting newsgroups, there are many adult scouters who are unsure of how to have a truly boy led troop.
As a veteran Scoutmaster who watched two sons achieve Eagle rank, Robert put together this training resources that outlines the specific steps needed to take a troop that is led by adult volunteers and transfer the leadership role to the boys. Hopefully, this will be a valuable tool to enable you to start getting more out of scouting by doing less of the work that is intended for the young men in your troop to gain experience from.
Excerpts
“The Troop W.I.S.E program is a method to put the power of decision making firmly in the hands of the Patrol Leaders Council. It acts to reinforce the Patrol Method within the Troop and helps to create the proper atmosphere to work within Baden-Powell’s vision of Scouting. It was created in response to a situation where a Troop had many involved adult volunteers who were all eager to help. Very quickly it became apparent that untrained adult volunteers would begin to impact on the decision-making and authority of the Scouts. Certainly all the adults and all the Scouts had nothing but the best intentions but they all forgot the basic interaction of children and adults in this situation. Adult are perceived to be in-charge because they are bigger and they are the accepted leaders in school, the community and the family In order for the Scouts to learn the lessons of scouting, the adults needed to learn how to teach those lessons. The following steps are what we developed to enable our Scouts to always do their best!” – Page 3
“Each Scouting activity will have a set of goals. One set of goals will be made by the Scouts acting through the Patrol Leaders Council. A completely different set of goals will exist for all the adults involved in that Scouting activity. One of the Most important concepts of the TROOP W.I.S.E. program is: NEVER LET THE GOALS OF THE SCOUTS BECOME THE GOALS OF THE ADULTS.” – Page 13
“This is the fun part. Are they going to get clues? compass directions? bizarre bits of poetry describing landmarks? cryptograms? A visit to the lead writer would be good here to fit the clues to the theme. You should balance the method to the age and experience level of the troop. Too easy and it becomes a foot race, too hard and someone will have to go looking for the “Lost Patrol” It’s a good idea to run the method(s) you pick out by a few different crew members.” – Page 6-2
“SKIT #2 Driving the Car … LEADER: Select a driver and six “Scouts” Set up seats like they are the interior of the car. Give each of the six one of the “behaviors” below by cutting this paper into strips. Tell them to follow the instructions as closely as possible and try to get into the character. Hold Pete the Patrol Leader off to the Side for the first time through the skit. Have the driver get into the car and pretend to drive. When it gets out of hand, stop the skit.” – Page 21
1. Introduction
The Troop W.I.S.E program is a method to put the power of decision making firmly in the hands of the Patrol Leaders Council. It acts to reinforce the Patrol Method within the Troop and helps to create the proper atmosphere to work within Baden-Powell’s vision of Scouting. It was created in response to a situation where a Troop had many involved adult volunteers who were all eager to help. Very quickly it became apparent that untrained adult volunteers would begin to impact on the decision-making and authority of the Scouts. Certainly all the adults and all the Scouts had nothing but the best intentions but they all forgot the basic interaction of children and adults in this situation. Adult are perceived to be in-charge because they are bigger and they are the accepted leaders in school, the community and the family In order for the Scouts to learn the lessons of scouting, the adults needed to learn how to teach those lessons. The following steps are what we developed to enable our Scouts to always do their best!
2. Troop W.I.S.E. Steps
1. The committee meets and approves these requirements: Adults must complete “Troop W.I.S.E.” training in order to provide transportation and local chaperoning. “Troop W.I.S.E.” and BSA leadership training are required before any adults may attend summer camp with the Scouts. The committee also requires BSA registration (at no cost to the parent) of ALL volunteers that drive, sleep over, chaperone, or interact directly with the troop. Further, the committee enacts a method to deal with violations of regulations by the adults.
2. Send a letter home to every registered scout’s PARENTS in advance of the next Scout Senior Patrol Leader election. Explain that the election coming up and urge them to discuss the election and the possibility of holding an office with their son. This letter will explain the reasons a scout would want an elected or appointed office, the benefits to the Scouts and the parents and the demands that will be placed on the boy and his parents for attendance and extra work. (Sample #1)
3. Send a letter home to the parents of the elected and appointed boy leaders after the election. This letter will outline the commitment level required of each scout by leadership level and the requirements on the parents to assist their son’s success. This letter should fill the boy and his parents with pride, while letting them know the scout has a job to do. (Sample #2)
4. Hold a PLC to discuss the nature of the chain of command, the Patrol method, and the changes necessary for the troop leaders to be the most successful. Discipline and the patrol method should be discussed at length with different methods suggested.
5. A letter is sent home to all Scouts outlining the changes and inviting all parents to a “Troop W.I.S.E.” training session. (Sample #3)
6. The PLC enacts a rule that for all travel and “outside the troop events” that the Patrol method is necessary and required. That means that Scouts travel, operate, compete, cook, eat, etc. BY PATROL! Also, any other rules (for example – uniforms) should be enacted.
7. The Troop W.I.S.E. Training is held and Troop W.I.S.E. cards are issued.
8. BSA Training is arranged for all long term camp leaders and parents.
3. Bullet Points of the Troop W.I.S.E. program
Implementation of the Troop W.I.S.E program should result in:
- • All activities are led by Scouts who were elected by Scouts.
- • Discipline is maintained by Scouts.
- • The adults follow safety rules, health rules, and BSA Policy and Procedure at all times.
- • The adults pay close attention to what is occurring and react only through the Scoutmaster if necessary, never acting directly with the Scouts.
- • The troop provides the tools to allow the adults to function in the adult role. (Here’s an example- -How many times does a driver complain about the way the Scouts behave on the drive. Do we have a patrol in the car or just a random group of Scouts? Does the driver know who the boy leader is for that group or does the parent think that they are responsible for the boys’ behavior? Have the boys been trained in proper car behavior? Does the troop have rules concerning travel?)
- • The adults understand the job of Role Model and are ready to serve as one.
- • The adults understand the behaviors present in groups of boys.
- • The adults understand the Chain of Command, the Patrol Method, the Aims of Scouting, and the Scout Oath and Law.
- • The Scouts understand and recognize the challenges and rewards of Leadership.
- • The goals of the Scouts are different from the Goals of the Adults
4. Motion Before the Troop Committee
Moved:
That our troop require all adults successfully complete training to participate in events where the Scouts are away from the immediate area such that transportation or chaperoning of the Scouts is required.
That such training be in two levels: A local training program, administered by the troop, which includes but is not limited to; BSA Youth Protection Guidelines, Guide to Safe Scouting, The Patrol method, the Chain of Command, acceptable behavior in adults and youth, and the burden of performing as a Role Model for the Scouts. This training will be required before any adult may drive or travel with the Scouts and act as a chaperone or adult leader. A second level of training, the BSA Scoutmaster Fundamentals is to be required before any adult may act as a chaperone to a long term camp out.
That adult leaders and chaperones be held to the training and that said driving and chaperoning may be revoked from any adult based on the following criteria:
Immediate revocation of driving and chaperone privileges if any youth Protection or Guide to Safe Scouting Rule is violated. This revocation can be applied by the Tour leader and is not subject to appeal. The adult, may apply to the committee as a whole to request attending another training course.
Four violations of any troop rule for adult behavior will result in the revocation of the training card and associated privileges. This revocation can be applied by the Tour leader and is not subject to appeal. The adult, may apply to the committee as a whole to request attending another training course.
That the PLC be directed to address and resolve matters of the chain of command, the patrol method, and discipline, such that the adults have an understanding of the troops expectation.
That the current and future members of the PLC and their parents be made aware of the responsibilities of leadership and the requirements placed upon the Scouts.
That the Scoutmaster be empowered to mail information to the parents of each scout, advising them of the changes due.
5. Sample Letter #1
Dear Parent,
Soon our troop will be holding elections for patrol and troop offices. Your son may wish to run for a leadership position or he may be appointed to fill a position of responsibility. It is the purpose of Boy Scouting to provide an exciting program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Holding and learning leadership is a primary part of this educational program. In fact, holding a leadership position is a requirement for the Star, Life and Eagle ranks.
Being a troop or patrol leader can be fun, exciting, and a real boost to a scout’s self esteem. Our adult leaders have received training to guide the Scouts in becoming as successful as possible in the leadership roles they will soon hold. It is our goal for the troop to be completely run by the Scouts themselves. The boys will decide what the meetings and camp outs will be, handle the discipline, run the activities, and, in general build character and train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship. A boy leader must be willing to make a commitment of time and effort to become successful. He may need to come early and leave late to meetings, he will have to have near perfect attendance as well as attending special leadership training and meetings. He will often have to prepare at home to be ready to lead his group on the next activity. He will need to have and wear a complete uniform. He will need your help.
Successful boy leaders have the support and guidance of his parents. The parents will provide transportation, encouragement, and the occasional “refocusing of purpose” that boys your son’s age require. He will need to use the phone, go to every event, keep good records, have a complete uniform, and do a myriad of other things expected of him. The successful leader in Scouts learns quickly to be successful in everything he attempts. All along the way, adults and older Scouts will help him to do his job better and better.
As a parent of a scout leader, there are some don’t:
- • Don’t use Scouts as a punishment. As a leader it is his job to attend.
- • Don’t do your son’s assignment- He calls, He writes, He does the work.
- • Don’t ignore him. Learn his assignments and make sure he is keeping up.
- • Don’t expect too much – He is learning life skills and it will take time.
- • Don’t expect too little – Your scout is old and mature enough to everything he is asked to do.
Please discuss this with your son. He will need your full support to become a troop or patrol leader. If you have any questions or concerns, call me before the election and we will discuss the best options for your scout’s success!
Scoutmaster
6. Sample Letter #2
Dear Parent of a new Troop leader,
Congratulations! Your son now holds a leadership position in our troop. You should be very proud of him for stepping forward to help his fellow Scouts have an exciting and challenging term. All the adult leaders, the troop committee, and the Boy Scouts of America have a vested interest in the success of your son.
The next step for your son will be leadership training. This is a full day activity and will get him off to the best possible start. Please be sure that he attends this very important event. It is scheduled for ___________________ at __________AM
Your son will be expected to attend every troop meeting and every event. As he learns leadership, this is the time and place where he will “show his stuff”. Every leadership job in the troop is important and every scout needs practice at his job.
Your son has a place in the troop’s chain of command. Simply put, all Scouts report to a particular boy leader. For example, the Patrol Leaders report to the Senior Patrol Leader(SPL). The Troop scribe, Librarian, Quartermaster, Guide, Instructor, and the other support leadership positions report to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(ASPL). The Assistant Patrol Leaders report to their Patrol Leader . The ASPL reports to the SPL Junior Assistant Scoutmasters report to the Scoutmaster. The SPL is guided by the Scoutmaster.
Our troop and patrol leaders often need to make phone calls. Please give him time to make the necessary calls.
Many of our more successful Patrol Leaders have planned extra patrol activities. Should your son’s patrol have a meeting or event, please assist him in attending. If your son is the Patrol Leader or assistant Patrol Leader, he may need a place at your house to hold the meeting and some guidance. He will be able to handle everything–especially if you help him to anticipate any needs he may have. If you have a question about this please call for suggestions.
We are very proud to welcome your son into our leadership group. He will learn many new things and have fun while doing it! He may (or may not) ask for your help. The best advise is to NEVER do anything your son can do but ALWAYS support him in getting it done!
If you have any questions about what his duties are, or wish further help or suggestions, please give me a call.
Scoutmaster
7. Outline for PLC Meeting Agenda for Troop W.I.S.E. program
A. Chain of Command
- 1. Show chart from Scoutmaster Handbook
- 2. Describe how the chain of command works up and down.
- 3. Discuss how to handle questions ( If you are asked a question by a member of your patrol — You go up the chain to get the answer not send him)
- 4. Discuss how to handle an “out of chain” order. ( Thank you for your comments, Joe’s Dad–My patrol leader has instructed me to wash these dishes this way. May I suggest that you speak with our scoutmaster.)
- 5. Why no one person can be responsible for every person ( the best management is in small groups of 6-8 hence the patrol size)
B. The Patrol Method
- 1. Baden-Powell said” The patrol method is not just a way to run a troop — It is the ONLY way!”
- 2. What is the patrol method?
- a. The patrol does everything on its own. It travels together, camps together, meets together, succeeds together and works together.
- b. The Patrol Leader helps each scout succeed by using shared leadership.
- c. A Patrol is proud of its name and symbol.
- d. Each member of the Patrol helps the other members.
C. What changes need to be made.
- 1. Travel, tenting, eating, events, are BY PATROL. Not by convenience, age, rank, hair color, or any other reason Needs a Motion.
- 2. The Patrol Leaders are given authority and responsibility. If the SPL has a problem – he goes ONLY to the patrol leader to enforce the chain of command.
- 3. The Patrol leaders are given the responsibility to know the members of their patrol and listen to the needs of the patrol.
D. The 7 steps to Discipline1 are discussed. Each Patrol Leader agrees to explain it to each scout in his patrol. The Scoutmaster agrees to send a letter home to the parents with the seven steps outlined AFTER the patrol has been notified by the PL. Needs a Motion
E. Uniform Policy.
F. Other Topics.
G. Questions and comments.
8. Sample Letter #3
Dear Scouts and Parents,
Some very exciting changes are in store for our troop. Both our Troop committee and the Patrol Leaders Council have met and made great improvements to our troop. Below is a brief outline of some of the changes.
- 1. Our troop will function completely as a boy run-patrol method troop. Your son will get to do more fun things and have a say in what the troop does and where it goes.
- 2. All our adult volunteers, leaders, drivers, and helpers will be registered with the BSA at no charge.
- 3. Our PLC has decided on new guide lines for travel, informing, camping, and activities.
- 4. All our adults will be “Troop W.I.S.E.” trained to better assist the troop in the Aims of the scouting program.
- 5. The current boy troop leaders have been empowered and challenged with making this year the best year Troop has ever had.
We are all enthusiastic about this great opportunity. We would like to have at least one member of each scout family attend “Troop W.I.S.E.” Training and be registered to help the troop grow. Won’t you please call me today and sign up for this remarkable opportunity to make your son’s scouting an even better experience?
Scoutmaster
9. Troop W.I.S.E. Training Course
A Guide for the Leader
1. Introductions of all attendees Introduce yourself and all the attendees. You may use an ice breaker game if the people do not know each other very well.
2. Goal of this course. It is the goal of this course to introduce all our participating adults to the ways of Troop scouting. We will cover the BSA official policies, Youth protection, what the troop leaders expect from the adults and what is to be expected from the Scouts in your charge. This course should take two evenings of your time and, upon successful completion, will entitle you to carry a “Troop- W.I.S.E.” card. The Troop-W.I.S.E card shows that you understand the concept that We Invest of ourselves to enable our Scouts to Excel!
3. Youth Protection Film and program At this time we will participate in the BSA program about Youth Protection.
4. Overview of Scouting in Our Troop
A. The Patrol Method Baden Powell said:
“MANY Scoutmasters and others did not, at first, recognize the extraordinary value which they could get out of the Patrol system . The Patrol system, after all, is merely putting your boys into permanent gangs under the leadership of one of their own number, which is their natural organization whether bent on mischief or for amusement. But to get first-class results from this system you have to give the leader a real freehanded responsibility. (if you only give partial responsibility you will only get partial results.) By thus using your Leaders as officers you save yourself an infinite amount of the troublesome detail work. At the same time, the main object is not so much saving the Scoutmaster trouble as to give responsibility to the boy, since this is the very best of all means for developing character. It is generally the boy with the most character who rises to be the leader of a mischief gang. If you apply this natural scheme to your own needs it brings the best results. It is the business of the Scoutmaster to give the aim, and the several Patrols in a Troop vie with each other in attaining it, and thus the standard of keenness and work is raised all round.” May, 1914.
Does anyone have any questions? Are there any other ways for our troop to work? Hold a brief discussion about alternative methods.
His words are still true today. Our troop desires completely to give each boy leader freehanded responsibility. In order to do this we, as adults, MUST ALWAYS LEAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY WITH EVERY SCOUT. We must not do the work of a Scout or make a decision for a Scout. We always work to reinforce the Patrol Method. This is the hardest challenge for us as parents.
B. The Chain of Command – Do SKIT Number 1.
C. The Scout Oath and Law.
It is our mission, as well as the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Law in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime. We instill these values by ALWAYS setting the example in our behavior.
D. The Aims of the Boy Scouting Program (Pass out HAND OUT A)
Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as the what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook. A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, to the government that presides over that society. A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).
The methods below are designed to accomplish these aims. Advancement- Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement process.(Everyone should read the italic parts together and aloud) We encourage this by rewarding the Scouts for their achievements and encouraging them to move forward.
Adult Association- Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. We encourage this by our attendance and our example.
Personal Growth- As Scouts plan their activity, and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others. We encourage this by demonstrating our own willingness to grow.
Ideals- The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. We encourage this by maintaining these ideals in our behavior at all times.
Patrols- The “Patrol Method” gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. We encourage this by always supporting the patrol method.
Outdoors- Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. We encourage this through our participation and attendance.
Leadership Development- Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. We encourage this by utilizing the chain of command.
Uniform- The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. We encourage this through proper informing (or civilian clothes)
E. The Goals of the Scouts are different than the Goals of the Adults (You read the explanation and then read the Scout Goal…let the class guess at the adult goal) Each Scouting activity will have a set of goals. One set of goals will be made by the Scouts acting through the Patrol Leaders Council. A completely different set of goals will exist for all the adults involved in that Scouting activity. One of the Most important concepts of the TROOP W.I.S.E. program is: NEVER LET THE GOALS OF THE SCOUTS BECOME THE GOALS OF THE ADULTS.
What does this mean? A campout is a campout–everyone should be trying to get to the same end. But in all actuality, the Aims and goals of scouting have little or nothing to do with a destination or an event. It is our goal as adults to look past “ arriving on time to lunch” and into leadership and character development, making moral and ethical decisions, and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Here are some examples:
SCOUT GOAL
- 1. Get in the car and drive to camp
- 2. Get the tents up fast
- 3. Get home on time
- 4. Win the Camporee Award
ADULT GOAL
- 1. Re-enforce the chain of command
- 2. Provide proper Role-Model
- 3. Allow Scout leadership skills to develop.
- 4. Encourage Participating Citizenship.
When the Adults want to win the Camporee award or get home on time and in ANY way act or direct a Scout to that purpose, they will assume the leadership role for the scouts. It is always good to encourage, but the adults must keep the “big picture” always in mind. Anything that occurs will be positive–even being late for lunch!
F. The six most important words in Scouting (Write these words on the Board in a vertical list – Can, Anything,,Do, Never, Scout, A, ) Ask each participant to arrange them into a sentence or phrase.
There are at least two solutions to this word puzzle. Both answers are related to each other and will reflect the success or failure of our training tonight. The Most important thing we can do as adults with our troop is:
NEVER DO ANYTHING A SCOUT CAN(Write this on the Board)
IF WE FAIL TO DO THIS WE WILL END UP WITH A TROOP WHERE:
A SCOUT CAN NEVER DO ANYTHING (Write this on the Board)
5. Guide to Safe Scouting, an Overview (You can read this, take turns reading it, or just copy it and hand it out. I prefer reading and asking for questions after each point)
The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as steppingstones toward safe and enjoyable adventures. The items below are of special importance but do not represent all of the Guide to Safe Scouting.
A. Two Deep Leadership
Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. Our troop requires all adults to be Troop-W.I.S.E. trained.
B. Camping Requirements
- 1. Male and female leaders require separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available.
- 2. Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility.
- 3. When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian.
1. The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.
2. Adult leaders should support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants.
3. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke- free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. Our troop further bans smoking in vehicles when transporting Scouts.
D. Fires
1. The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited.
2. Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside a cabin; always do this outdoors. Do not operate a stove, lantern, or charcoal grill in an unventilated structure. Never fuel (example: all liquid fuels, charcoal, etc.), ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a tent.
3. Only flashlights and electric lanterns are permitted in tents. No flames in tents is a rule that must be enforced.
4. Never use liquid-fuel stoves, heaters, lanterns, lighted candles, matches, and other flame sources in or near tents.
5. The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the securing, use, and display of fireworks in conjunction with programs and activities.
E. Prohibited Activities
- 1. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are banned from program use. ATVs are defined as motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrain.
- 2. Boxing, karate, and related martial arts – except judo, aikido, and Tai Chi – are not authorized activities.
- 3. Chain saws and mechanical log splitters may be authorized for use only by trained individuals over the age of 18, using proper protective gear in accordance with local laws.
- 4. Exploration of abandoned mines is an unauthorized activity.
- 5. Varsity football teams and interscholastic or club football competition and activities are unauthorized activities.
- 6. Flying in hang gliders, ultra lights, experimental class aircraft, or hot-air balloons (whether or not they are tethered); parachuting; and flying in aircraft as part of a search and rescue mission are unauthorized activities.
- 7. Motorized go-carts and motorbike activities are unauthorized for Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. All motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition derbies, and related events, are not authorized activities for any program level.
- 8. Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events and council or district sponsorship of rodeos are not authorized.
- 9. The activity commonly referred to as “War Game” – in which individuals shoot paint or dye at one another – is an unauthorized activity.
- 10. Hunting is not an authorized Cub Scout or Boy Scout activity, although hunting safety is part of the program curriculum.
- 11. Motorized personal water craft, such as jet-skis, are not authorized for use in Scouting aquatics, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program areas.
- 12. Except for (1) law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms should not be in the possession of any person engaged in camping, hiking, backpacking, or any other Scouting activity except for those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor.
- 13. Parasailing, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, or other device towed by a motorboat or by any other means, is unauthorized.
- 14. All activities related to bungee cord jumping (sometimes called shock cord jumping) are unauthorized.
- 15. Carbon Tetrachloride must never be used in any way in the Scouting program.
F. Transportation
- 1. Seat belts are required for all occupants.
- 2. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons, including the driver, the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- 3. An adult leader (at least 21 years of age) must be in charge.
- 4. The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age.
- 5. Passenger cars or station wagons may be used for transporting passengers, but passengers should not ride on the rear deck of station wagons.
- 6. Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab.
- 7. All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight.
- 8. All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended that coverage limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of $100,000/$500,000/$100,000.
- 9. Do not exceed the speed limit.
- 10. Do not travel in convoy.
- 11. Driving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours and must be interrupted by frequent rest, food, and recreation stops. If there is only one driver, the driving time should be reduced and stops should be made more frequently.
G. Hazing
All forms of hazing, initiations, ridicule, or inappropriate teasing are prohibited and should not be allowed.
6. Driving Techniques
Do SKIT 2 Before you discuss the following rules!
A. Always Establish the rules BEFORE you get into the car
B. Always put the Patrol Leader in the front seat.
C. Never discipline the Scouts directly, ask the PL for a specific objective.
D. Always provide opportunities for the Scouts to participate. E. Never put any one in danger.
F. Always follow through on your promises.
DO SKIT 2 AGAIN So the lesson sinks in.
7. What to do at an outing.
Do Skit #3
- A. Understand the Chain of command.
- B. Follow the particular directions of the Scoutmaster.
- C. Work behind the scenes to advance the troop.
- D. Enjoy yourself.
8. Guiding the Scout
A. Maintain Eye Contact
B. Wait until you are asked then say as little as possible. effective than a yell! Page 19
C. When a SPL or PL does not see the problem, give him a signal that says–”You have a problem” not ”Go tell Johnny to stop goofing off and get his tent down!”
9. The Conclusions
A. Never Do Anything A Scout Can!
B. Never Confuse the Goals of the Scouts with the Goals of the Adults.
C. Always follow the Chain of Command
D. Have Fun–If you do the Scouts will!
10. Skit #1 The Chain of Command
LEADER: Divide the group into two groups. Have half of each group form a line at opposite ends of the room with the team members facing each other.
Whisper this in the ear of the first member of one of the teams at one end of the room –”When I say go, go to the center of the room, clap your hands 3 times, turn in a circle, and say your name. Then go to the first team member on your team on the opposite wall and whisper in his or her ear to do the same thing I am telling you. The last person on your team will come to me after he has said his name and tell me what time it is. If your team tells me what time it is first your team will win. If the other team hears yo u, you will have to start over.”
Change the order to “When I say go, go to the center of the room, clap your hands 3 times, say your name, and turn in a circle. Then go to the first team member on your team on the opposite wall and whisper in his or her ear to do the same thing I am telling you. The last person on your team will come to me after he has turned in a circle and tell me what day it is. If your team tells me what day it is first your team will win. If the other team hears you, you will have to start over.”
After this is over, announce the winner and say “Now we will play again, using a different method.”
Using the same two groups, Have all the members on one side of the room and one member on the other. The Lone member will be the leader.
Whisper into the ear of the first leader. “When I say Go, half of your group will get chairs and arrange them in a circle in the center of the room. When they are in the center, the other half will sit in them. When they are seated, you will come to me and tell me you are finished. You may communicate this information to your group anyway you wish. The first group to finish is the winner”
Whisper into the ear of the other leader. “When I say Go, half of your group will leave the room When they are all gone, the other half will sit on the floor in the corner. When they are seated, you will come to me and tell me you are finished. You may communicate this information to your group anyway you wish. The first group to finish is the winner”
When the skit is finished have a brief discussion on this topic:
“If you have a task to do, which way is it easier for the information to travel?”
11. Skit #2 Driving the Car
LEADER: Select a driver and six “Scouts” Set up seats like they are the interior of the car. Give each of the six one of the “behaviors” below by cutting this paper into strips. Tell them to follow the instructions as closely as possible and try to get into the character. Hold Pete the Patrol Leader off to the Side for the first time through the skit. Have the driver get into the car and pretend to drive. When it gets out of hand, stop the skit.
Pat the Parent: You had one of those days at work and ran late. You are anxious to get going so you yell out the window for the Scouts to get loaded up. You have a headache and the Leader forgot to tell you exactly where to turn so you are trying to keep up with the rest of the cars.
William the Whiner: you are already homesick. You miss your Mom, the TV, and everything else. You constantly whine about everything to goes on. You can not stand to have anyone touch you. You start every sentence with “The Driver” You know that you have to do what your Patrol Leader tells you when he is around.
Tommy the Toucher: You can’t stand William the Whiner, so you poke him when ever you think know no one will notice. If you are not touching anyone, you are trying to change the air conditioning, the window setting or the radio. You always do what your patrol leader says if he is in the car.
Edward the Exclaimer: You like to share all your ideas. Over and Over. You like to emphasize some words quite loudly. ( Like It would be great if we could STOP global warning or i heard he plays LEFT field)) You usually say things that don’t have anything to do with any other conversation. You like to show things to the driver. your Patrol leader is your best friend so if he tells you something, you do it.
Larry the Lost: You just know that the driver is lost. you alternate between asking Edward where we are ( are we there yet?) and giving directions. You got into trouble on the last trip for not listening to your patrol leader so you know you better not do that again.
Billy the Boss: You know what’s right and wrong and you are more than willing to tell everyone what to do. You want to listen to your radio station, have the air conditioning a lot colder, and try to control what everyone is doing. Your hero is the Patrol Leader and you always follow his instructions.
Pete the Patrol Leader: You have been the patrol leader for about 4 months and the guys all listen to you. You like to have a good time but understand that the driver needs to have the Scouts behave in a certain way.
12. Skit #3 Everyone Tells Me What to Do
Supplies: 2 blindfolds, two chairs, two wastebaskets Leader: Divide the group into patrols. Issue a card to one member that says ( do what you are instructed when you are told to do it unless you are told to do something else.) That person is blind folded. all the others are given a card with a task and the instructions you may not say what the person is to do but only give intermediate steps. To win you must get the person in your patrol to accomplish your task before anyone else’s task in your patrol. All the patrols compete at the same time so instructions are being hollered out all over the room!
Patrol #1 Task: Have your patrol member go to the south corner of the room and touch the wall. You may not get any direct instructions or you will be disqualified. For example – It is OK to say “move your left foot forward. Move your right foot in front of your left. BUT it is against the rules to say “Walk”
Patrol #2 Task: Have your patrol member go to a chair, pick it up, and then sit in it. You may not get any direct instructions or you will be disqualified. For example – It is OK to say “move your left foot forward. Move your right foot in front of your left. BUT it is against the rules to say “Walk”
Task: Have your patrol member get a wastebasket, pick it up, and then slap it three times. You may not get any direct instructions or you will be disqualified. For example – It is OK to say “move your left foot forward. Move your right foot in front of your left. BUT it is against the rules to say “Walk”
Task: Have your member sit down on the floor, spin twice around, and raise his or her hands up. You may not get any direct instructions or you will be disqualified. For example – It is OK to say “move your left foot forward. Move your right foot in front of your left. BUT it is against the rules to say “Walk”
13. The Aims of the Boy Scouting Program
Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as the what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook. A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, to the government that presides over that society. A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).
The methods below are designed to accomplish these aims. Advancement- Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement process. We encourage this by rewarding the Scouts for their achievements and encouraging them to move forward.
Adult Association- Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. We encourage this by our attendance and our example.
Personal Growth- As Scouts plan their activity, and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others. We encourage this by demonstrating our own willingness to grow.
Ideals- The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. We encourage this by maintaining these ideals in our behavior at all times.
Patrols- The “Patrol Method” gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. We encourage this by always supporting the patrol method.
Outdoors- Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. We encourage this through our participation and attendance.
Leadership Development- Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. We encourage this by utilizing the chain of command.
Uniform- The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. We encourage this through proper informing (or civilian clothes)
14. Handout A The 7 Steps of Discipline
In the event a scout violates any rule of our troop, the following steps will be taken. The steps will be taken with each instance. If the severity of the problem warrants, the scout may be skipped ahead one or more steps.
- 1. The Scout will be warned by the Patrol Leader
- 2. The Scout will be warned by the SPL and the Patrol Leader
- 3. The Scout will be required to write and sign a note acceptably explaining his inappropriate behavior.
- 4. The Scout will meet with the PLC for counseling.
- 5. The Scout, his parent(s), the SPL and the Scoutmaster will meet.
- 6. The scout will not be allowed to participate in the next 3 Troop activities.
- 7. The Scout will be expelled from the troop.