SPL and Adult Leadership Pt. II

After getting some letters from scouts, we have seen a pattern in some of the e-mails received. This is why we would like to cover the SPL and adult leadership topic one more time to cover some things not covered in the last article. This is one that will hopefully help your troop run more like a scout troop should.

Boy Scouts is a boy-led organization. The YOUTH should be voting to choose their SPL and Patrol Leaders, who then choose their ASPL and APL respectively, then followed by the SPL choosing Quartermaster, Scribe, etc. The SM has NO RIGHT to appoint a SPL or PL.

For further questions, please e-mail or tweet to us @TroopQuotes

We're Back!

After getting some things together, we would like to OFFICIALLY announce that we are in full operation as of today. Keep checking every day for new posts and e-mail us your ideas at troopquotes@gmail.com!

New Posts Coming!!

We are glad to say our popularity is growing rapidly, and we are going to "shut down" for a few days until May 17th, 2012. All that means is that we won't be updating. But after that, check out the new Troop Quotes

Cell Phones and Scouts

Most scout troops will NOT allow cell phones and iPods when camping or at meetings. That is probably the best things, but there are some pluses to having one scout have a cell phone (I never thought I would say it either).

When on a camp-out and the boys are going off as a group without an adult leader, give the SPL or other trusted scout a cell phone (walkie-talkies work just as well, plus you don't have to worry about service). That way, if there is an emergency, a scout can call for help. Just remember to make sure to give it to a trusted scout.

 -- Richard Nashville, Tennessee


If you have an idea or tip for scouts or adult leaders, or fun projects, please e-mail it to troopquotes@gmail.com 

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.

The Perfect Spring Camp-out

Being from a troop that camps every month, or even more, I know that the first Spring camp-out can be a bit of a hassle. It's always with the new Webelos that you just recruited, and it's probably done at a District Camporee at a public park or Scouting campsite. Also, it can be hard to get back in the groove of camping if you didn't go camping all winter.

There are some things that can make your first Spring camp-out easy, however. You can try a District Camporee, but try one that's a little relaxed. Some Camporees are a little over structured, which isn't optimal for your first Spring camp-out. The first spring camp-out should be something that is relaxed for the boys, to let them enjoy the cool, sunny (or rainy) weather, and yet still let them have activities to do. If you can't find a Spring Camporee to go to, make one just for your troop.

What you will need to do is make a schedule. Make it have a balanced amount of set activities and free-time. Maybe let the boys plan the activities. For instance, have maybe 2-3 major "fun" games, and then about 1-2 "classes."

Along with these activities and free time, you should have some quick bursts of advancement for Tenderfoot through First Class. It's hard to do all the requirements at meetings (most of them require camping), and it's easier than going to a first-year camper program at a Summer Camp (however, I am a big supported of first-year programs when run the right way, so use your own judgement).

These are just some ideas for a spring camp-out. The main reasons to remember are 1. Keep in relaxed and simple, and 2. Keep it fun.

How to Make a Survival Bracelet

In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, snares, tying splints, or, if you tease out the threads, even fishing lines and sewing threads. This bracelet lets you carry a useful amount at all times. 

Check how to make one here!