Many times we understand what we should do, but we are not quite sure how to do it. In this blog we will discuss the how of doing things with our troops. This blog will be the collective insight of our roundtable and online participants.
08 March 2012
How do I achieve the goal of having a boy-led troop?
We know that one of the methods of scouting is Leadership Development. Throughout the BSA literature we see reference to the boy-led or scout-led troop. What are some specific strategies that you use to attain the ideal?
Step 1 Are adult leaders trained? Untrained adult leaders often don't realize they are preventing the youth from leading. Step 2 Let go of the reigns and let youth lead. You can't lead without practice.
Step 1 Are adult leaders trained? Untrained adult leaders often don't realize they are preventing the youth from leading. Step 2 Let go of the reigns and let youth lead. You can't lead without practice.
Adult leaders need to first recognize that having a scout-led troop is what it's all about; the Yi Jing. If you grew up in a troop where scout-led activities didn't happen, it's difficult, but not impossible, to envision a troop otherwise.
The scoutmaster is more a mentor, coach, and advisor to his youth leaders than a symphony conductor to a troop. He also needs to recognize at which point of the spectrum of dependence a youth leader is on for a given task.
i've learned a lot from watching other good Scoutmasters. Here are a couple of strategies that are great: 1) If a scout is in front of a group leading, rather than interrupt him to give him some guidance, go up to him and whisper in his ear. The scout still faces the group but you face away from the group. 2) Ask a 'how' question. Sometimes the scout doesn't realize he needs to do something let alone there are choices in the matter. This plants the idea seed without taking away his authority (ie. How do you want to line up the scouts to go to the campfire?). They still are at the helm.
I know I've reached the scout-led troop goal when the only thing I have had to say to the group is the Scoutmaster's Minute.
Give subtle hints to him {SPL] that the meeting is his.
ReplyDeleteHave him call the other leaders together for planning.
Give them choices but let them choose.
Have the youth leader conduct the flag ceremony to start and end the activity.
ReplyDeleteIncentivize (bribe) with ice cream.
ReplyDeleteWe use behavior bucks as an incentive.
ReplyDelete• Get leader's trained.
ReplyDelete• Organize the troop with a SPL.
• Let SPL lead: give orders and field scout questions.
• Treat boys with respect.
Start some traditions that boys will carry on.
ReplyDeleteTeach/tell them how. Then wait for them to want to have some fun.
ReplyDeleteIndividual training for each specific position. Then let them practice what they have learned.
ReplyDeleteStart the tradition of boy leaders.
ReplyDelete1. Let the boy know he really is leading
2. Ge them trained
3. Patrol Leaders' council
Step 1 Are adult leaders trained? Untrained adult leaders often don't realize they are preventing the youth from leading.
ReplyDeleteStep 2 Let go of the reigns and let youth lead. You can't lead without practice.
Step 1 Are adult leaders trained? Untrained adult leaders often don't realize they are preventing the youth from leading.
ReplyDeleteStep 2 Let go of the reigns and let youth lead. You can't lead without practice.
Adult leaders need to first recognize that having a scout-led troop is what it's all about; the Yi Jing. If you grew up in a troop where scout-led activities didn't happen, it's difficult, but not impossible, to envision a troop otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThe scoutmaster is more a mentor, coach, and advisor to his youth leaders than a symphony conductor to a troop. He also needs to recognize at which point of the spectrum of dependence a youth leader is on for a given task.
i've learned a lot from watching other good Scoutmasters. Here are a couple of strategies that are great:
1) If a scout is in front of a group leading, rather than interrupt him to give him some guidance, go up to him and whisper in his ear. The scout still faces the group but you face away from the group.
2) Ask a 'how' question. Sometimes the scout doesn't realize he needs to do something let alone there are choices in the matter. This plants the idea seed without taking away his authority (ie. How do you want to line up the scouts to go to the campfire?). They still are at the helm.
I know I've reached the scout-led troop goal when the only thing I have had to say to the group is the Scoutmaster's Minute.