How Can You Keep Scouts Involved?

Who keeps Scouts involved?

We found some great ideas from Google under Troop Retention. 

Rule of Thumb: 

    If your troop can retain a new scout for 3 years, that scout will be much more likely to stay involved until they turn 18 or become an Eagle Scout.

Retention of scouts is most effective if the troop leaders, senior scouts and their families work together. Each of these groups have responsibilities in accomplishing this goal.

Adult Leaders

1. Encourage every new scout to reach Tenderfoot rank within the first 3 months.
2. Plan at least 1 fun "outside" event every few months where scouts can invite their non-scouting friends. You might even recruit a few scouts as well.
3. Follow up with parents of new scouts to make sure they feel involved, appreciated and kept in the loop.

Senior Scouts 

1. Make an effort to help the younger scouts feel included and respected in all troop meetings.
2. Help the younger scouts foster meaningful friendships by pairing them with their friends when possible.
3. Have the older scouts explain the WHY behind every scout lesson taught.

A key point to remember:

    Senior scouts should be aware of how their interactions with the younger scouts will impact the future of their troop.

Are You Prepared For Change?

Some things in scouting never change, for example: The Mission of Scouting, The Scout Oath or Promise and The Scout Law. This is the Scouting foundation. This is what draws the youth and their parents toward the program. There are things that do change, for example Merit Badges, the advancements, the uniform, how we track the progress of the youth and even trainings of the adult leaders. The scouts in early 1900’s are much different then the scouts we are working with now. 

Because of these changes it is important for all leaders to learn what is happening and the part they play in that change. By updating your training, you will be aware of these changes and there will not be a lapse in time because we did not know of them. The training manuals keep up to date. 

When you come to Leader Specific Training you will be in the know of how your responsibilities help the scouts and support the other leaders who are helping in your unit. 

We invite you to come to the Old Ephraim District Leader Specific Training will be October 9, 2021, it will be from 8am to 12 pm at the Logan Scout Service Center. You can register online. The cost is $5 a person

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