2014 University of Scouting Boy Scout Troop Level Youth Leadership Training Bill Folk Scoutmaster, Troop 1600 william.folk@verizon.net
Some Background Agenda How does this fit in your overall program A Potential Model for your use Course Content - including the ILST The Event Supporting your program with additional resources
Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster s most important job. Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it. Never do anything a boy can do.
My WoodbadgeTicket (partial) Develop and conduct a youth leader training program that is led by the senior scouts Conduct bi-annual Training & Planning events in order to maintain a calendar of events that supports the goals of the Troop program. Survey the participants to ensure continuous improvement
How Does Training Fit In? How often do you elect Youth Leaders (SPL and PL s)? What is your planning process and horizon? Do you set troop goals? How does the new Journey to Excellence program fit in? What are the current leadership issues that need to be addressed? How are your meetings running? Is the PLC effective?
Journey to Excellence 2013 Requirements Patrol Method PLC Meetings Annual Planning meeting SPL & Patrol Leader Training NYLT Other Goals need to be supported by a Troop s annual planning process
An Effective Program Can Help Promote and reinforce a boy led program Facilitate an effective PLC that understands roles and responsibilities Provide more structure to Troop meetings and campouts Scouts understand how to work together as a team Instill a level of commitment for the youth that accept a leadership role Integrated with planning training becomes more actionable
A Model based on Electing Youth Leaders twice per year
An Example Program Elect Youth Leaders twice per year allowing opportunity for 6 month assignments Elections in March and September April-September & October-March Terms Troop Leadership Training Events April and October (following unit elections) October event is extended to include yearly planning April event is a one day event A good portion of the event is Youth led Attended by the entire PLC
Elections Troop Timeline Term 1 Aligns with new scouts starting and provides continuity through the active summer months Weekend Training & Yearly Planning Event JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Term 2 Term 2 1 Day Training Event Elections PLC PLC PLC PLC PLC PLC PLC* PLC PLC PLC PLC PLC Primary Planning Horizon 2 months (current +1)
Example Program -continued During the events Always include a review of roles and responsibilities Have each youth leader set personal leadership goals and sign a contract with the Scoutmaster Yearly planning should include a calendar and goals for the coming year Vary the content as best as you can to keep things fresh and address current needs Include some fun activities! Get feedback and improve
Example Program -continued In Between Events Use PLC meetings to assess progress towards goals Keep some important statistics to measure progress like some of the JTE measures Market Your Youth Leader Program It s a privilege to attend make it special Recognize your youth leaders Supplement with other opportunities like NYLT for scouts with high potential
Course Content Couple of Approaches Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) Develop your own Library and add to it over time
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) Published in 2011 to replace the Troop Leadership Training program. Complete program guide, course content, and training guide available on-line (myscouting.org) Leadership cards available for purchase. Role specific cards that highlight roles and responsibilities
ILST -Modules Module 1 Unit Organization Youth Leader Roles and Responsibilities & Troop Organization Teamwork dynamics reinforced by some games and discussion Module 2 Tools of the Trade Communications, Planning and Teaching EDGE More games and scenarios to reinforce key points
ILST -Modules Module 3 Leadership and Teamwork Team Characteristics and dynamics Stages of Team Development Leading EDGE Inclusion Leadership Ethics & Integrity
Your Own Library Module 1 Setting Goals SMART Goals Journey to Excellence and other Troop Goals Workshop time to review how we re doing Module 2 Youth Leadership Positions Common duties and expectations of all leaders Position specific roles and responsibilities Workshop time to set personal goals and to allow youth to reflect on what they think is important
Course Content Module 3 Leadership 101 Good general practices The EDGE Method & the stages of team development Tie this into a team building game or watch a movie like Remember the Titans and discuss Module 4 Running Effective Meetings Meeting plans for structure Troop, PLC and Patrol Generates a good discussion of what works well Consider using this module to develop a Troop meeting calendar for the coming term
Course Content Module 5 Requirement Changes Youth need to know what is changing and what s new! Incorporate Troop specific requirements Optional based on how much has changed Module 6 Inclusion How to create a more inclusive environment Listen, Observe, Think, Absorb, Share Treat Others the way theywant to be treated Use scenarios to discuss the issues and impact of being more inclusive
Module 7 Bullying Course Content Recognize the signs and impacts Clearly understand zero tolerance policies Enforce Troop Code of Conduct guidelines Other Topics Possible Hazardous Weather Training Electronics Policy and guidelines for appropriate use Liquid Fuel Training Others
The Training/Planning Event Logistics Chose a site that is conducive to learning Meals prepared for the participants Invitations that highlight importance and the privilege Notebooks with key hand outs to serve as future reference Determine Youth Presenters and help them prepare
Friday Evening The Event -continued Team building activity Cracker Barrel Inspirational Movie Saturday get an early start Meals provided youth can focus on learning & planning Training Modules and Team Building activities Calendar/Activity Planning Evening fun activity
Sunday The Event -continued Wrap up training as necessary Roses & Thorns + Event Survey Scouts Own Service SM Minute to recognize and reflect on the event
One Day Event Spring Event How are we doing program and goals? Any adjustments needed? Focus on New Roles post the spring election. Reset that Scoutmaster Contract! Leadership training modules selected Team building games
Other Resources Role Specific Training Den Chief (item 34450) Chaplains Aid BSA Publications Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops visit Scouting.Org SPL Handbook (item 32501) PL Handbook (item 32502)
NYLT Other Resources Send someone every year! Participant tasked to bring something back to the Troop training program NAYLE Philmont or Regional program
Material and sample training modules are posted on the Troop 1600 Website www.troop1600.org