Lord Baden-Powell created the Scouting movement with a goal of teaching youth the lessons of leadership and citizenship through interaction and engagement with the outdoors. Today, the Wood Badge program provides the quintessential training for Scouters. The purpose of this podcast is to supplement the Wood Badge curriculum and provide ideas and commentary on Scouting to make Scouters better. I recently participated in Wood Badge C5-198-21 in the Quivira Council in Kansas, and want to share my Scouting insights with Scouters to advance the movement for the youth of our world.
Recruiting new scouts is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of any troop or pack. Growth can only come through increasing membership. Without growth, a troop or pack is fated to fade into the annals of history for scouting and the community served. This is especially apparent at the troop level as older scouts "age" out and begin to pursue other directions. Cub scouting sees decreasing numbers when Arrow of Light scouts crossover to a troop and when programming does not engage young cub scouts.
Recruiting new scouts begins with the Pack as young people are introduced to the values of scouting through fun, age-appropriate activities. Good programming keeps cub scouts moving through advancement with the goal of achieving ever-higher ranks and awards. As cub scouts get older, they begin to look up to older scouts and may even set their aspirations on achieving scouting highest rank of Eagle Scout. Starting young plants the seeds necessary to ensure packs grow and creates the engine that drives growth and sustainability at the troop.
This episode of Wood Badger will discuss some ideas to aid packs and troops with their recruitment efforts. The secret? Great programming! Programming does not happen by chance; it must be planned and prepared for before and during the scout year. Early planning provides a way to market the pack or troop to potential new members. It also creates the blueprint to ensure scouts stay engaged through fun, age-appropriate activities. I'll share some insights to help you think about recruiting and programming so you can get prepared for adventure and growth.
Resources:
Scout Me In (https://beascout.scouting.org/)
BSA Marketing and Membership Hub (https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-membership/)
Scouting Programs (https://www.scouting.org/programs/)
Youth and Recruitment (https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/troop-resources/recruitment-marketing/recruiting/)
Family Talent Survey (https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/CubScoutMeetingGuide/PDF/Appendix/34362.pdf)
Annual Pack Budget Planning Worksheet (https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Planning-Your-Annual-Pack-Budget.pdf)
Pack Budget Worksheet (https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pack-budget-worksheet-January-2021.xls)
Scouts BSA Marketing Tools (https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/troop-resources/recruitment-marketing/scouts-bsa-marketing-tools/)
6 Jul 2021
Episode 1 - Declaration of Independence
Every American, young and old, should read or listen to the Declaration of Independence at least once a year. The Declaration of Independence sets forth the rationale for the decision by the original thirteen colonies to leave British rule and declare independence. Thus, in July 1776, the United States of America was born as an independent nation where individuals could prosper amid the unalienable rights of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" granted by the Creator.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence is a great first episode because it is important for every scout and scouter to know the reasons for America's origin. The Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, and several other citizenship requirements for advancement throughout the scouting program require a keen sense of awareness of what makes for good citizens. Understanding this key document of American history is a perfect way for scouts to begin to understand what makes America so special.
Scouters may use the material to aid in the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, or may otherwise use it to have a discussion with scouts on America's Declaration of Independence and why it is still important to this day. I read the document on July 5, the day after the 245th anniversary of our great nation's decision to leave British rule. I hope you enjoy!
26 May 2020
Wood Badger: The Definitive Scout Podcast. (Trailer)
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