Communication: Keeping Parents Informed

When most Scoutmasters are asked what the worst problem in their troop is, majority of them will be lack of communication. This communication problem can be between scouts, adults, scouts and adults, or most common, parents and the troop. Now, while this may be the most common, the communication within the troop is probably tied with it. However, sticking on the subject of parents, there are many things you can do to have a good line of communication between parents and the troop.

Here is a list of some ideas that you can do as a Scoutmaster:

• Make a Facebook fan page, blog/website, or Facebook group -- These are perfect tools for communication. Almost everyone is connected to the web now-a-days, so if you have one of these tools, they can provide easy access to information. TIP: The Boy Scouts now have a position as Webmaster, so have the SM e-mail him the information, and have him put it on there (or you could have the scribe do it). One more thing, while it's nice to have a Facebook page, try making a blog, saying as some people don't have Facebook. Along with that, keep a group open for the boys in the troop specifically for easy communication.
• Give out a monthly newsletter -- The monthly news letter can be made by the Webmaster or Scribe, just have the SM e-mail the information he wants on there. Include information from the PLC's, the meeting notes, and upcoming events. This is a great way for both the boys and parents to know what's going on.
• Have a parent meeting night -- Instead of doing it at a Court of Honor, have a :"Parent Meeting" on the night of a meeting. Have everyone bring a dish to pass and cook up some hot dogs, and just talk about what's going on. Have the SPL lead the boys in a fun activity, and it is a good way to get to close the gap between the troop and parents.