Rudyard Kipling’s 1901 novel “Kim” is the story of the orphan son of an Irish soldier in India. Kim, plays a game of observation and memory as a part of his training as a spy. Kim’s teacher, Mr. Lurgan, runs a jewel shop as a cover for his real work as a British secret agent. Lurgan […]
All About Advancement
Instructional Methods for Scouts – Coach and Pupil
Developing the leadership skill of training or instructing means applying instructional methods for Scouts, not students in a classroom. Using the coach-pupil method has the twofold result of perfecting a specific skill and developing teacher/leaders. Scouts are paired up into coach-pupil teams. The instructor first guides all the teams through the basic components of the […]
Instructional Methods for Scouts – Guided Discovery
Instructional methods for Scouts means guiding them to discover skills or knowledge on their own. Keeping with our example of tote’n chip skills here is an example of a guided discovery- The instructor has all of the gear required to practice the skills associated with safely handling and maintaining a pocket knife. When the scouts arrive […]
Instructional Methods For Scouts – Round Robins
Apply instructional methods for Scouts to create small groups, 10-15 minutes of instruction at each station, lots of activity. Example – Instructing Tote’n Chip (axe, knife, saw) skills. Three stations are set up, one each for knife, saw and axe. Three groups of five rotate through the stations at ten or fifteen minute intervals where […]
Instructional Methods for Scouts – Introduction
Real learning happens when we connect the unknown to the known, the theoretical to the practical. This “eureka moment” isn’t accidental, it is a result of applying effective instructional methods for Scouts. Scouting is a unique instructional situation. We can adapt methods from other disciplines like teaching and coaching but they should serve the goals of instruction […]
Court Of Honor
The court of honor is a ceremony for recognizing achievements. Don’t underestimate their importance – a formal public presentation and recognition of a Scout’s achievement demonstrates Scouting’s aim, don’t make them slapdash or off the cuff or too constrained. Courts of honor must speak to Scouts, not just their leaders or parents. The tone is formal without florid, overblown […]
Eagle Court of Honor
A simple, meaningful presentation is more poignant than a elaborate pageant of florid theatrics.
Eagle Projects
Some of the most satisfying projects I have seen had little to do with the outcome. These were projects were the scout encountered and overcame significant difficulties in the process.
