ScoutmasterCG Archive

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2018 · 1 episodes ▾

372

Why no Scout 'deserves' Eagle — they earn it by completing requirements, and your job is to clear the way.Apr '18

2017 · 8 episodes ▾

371

How to introduce the patrol method to a Webelos den and why older scouts disengage from poorly run troopsFeb '17

370

How to understand, engage, and work effectively with older Scouts aged 14–17Feb '17

369

How to handle patrol structure, annual planning conferences, and older scouts who resist patrol assignmentsFeb '17

368

How to apply constructive discipline using the Scout Oath and Law instead of rules and punishmentsJan '17

367

How to develop youth leadership by balancing direction, shared responsibility, and letting scouts leadJan '17

366

Why advancement is a tool for character development, not a measure of skill mastery, drawing on Baden-Powell's original writings.Jan '17

365

Why the patrol method — not the patrol system — is the key stage for developing character in ScoutsJan '17

364

Why camping is the essential field of play for developing character in ScoutsJan '17

2016 · 52 episodes ▾

363

Understanding scouts as the essential volunteers whose energy drives character development in the scouting program.Dec '16

362

Using perspective, observation, dialogue, discovery, and responsive application as a Scouter's core toolsDec '16

361

Scouting explained as a game — patrol method, character development, and the basics of how scouting worksDec '16

360

Clarke's holiday greeting card to listeners, with a Scouting twist on a classic Christmas poem.Dec '16

359

Using the Scout Oath and Law instead of written rules as a more demanding and effective approach to troop disciplineNov '16

358

How to work with over-involved parents on merit badges and advancement without harming the scoutNov '16

357

Practical tips for staying warm and comfortable while winter camping, from gear to hot-tenting to sleep routinesNov '16

356

How to handle a collapsing troop, Eagle Scout conference disputes, and merit badge work done outside ScoutingNov '16

355

How to respond proportionately to scout misbehavior while upholding the Scout Oath and LawOct '16

354

Clarke's case for welcoming girls into the BSA, framed around one simple question about gender and opportunity.Oct '16

353

Two key concepts: experiential learning over academic methods, and a relentlessly positive attitude rooted in the Scout Oath and Law.Oct '16

352

How to use the Scout Oath and Law to guide youth through political and social unrest without promoting personal opinionsOct '16

351

How to handle scouts with poor attitudes toward requirements without judging scout spirit yourselfOct '16

350

How to handle transportation cancellations and chartered organization finances in your unitSep '16

349

Why leadership contracts are ineffective and how to handle scouts who don't want to campSep '16

348

How to navigate adult-led troops, committee authority, and working with Scout familiesSep '16

347

How to help new scouts develop teamwork and leadership by focusing on camping over structured instructionSep '16

346

Interview with Eagle Scouts Wade and Bucky on their Appalachian Trail thru-hike progress at mile 727.Aug '16

345

How to increase attendance at roundtables and courts of honor by offering excellent, brief, and rewarding content.Aug '16

344

How to transition a troop to youth-led model and use quarterly permission slips to ensure patrol critical massAug '16

343

How to correctly interpret the active requirement, First Class camping/cooking requirements, and the purpose of Scoutmaster conferencesAug '16

342

How to recruit new Scouts by inviting boys camping as guests rather than chasing WebelosAug '16

341

How asking questions instead of telling develops stronger youth leaders in ScoutsJul '16

340

Eagle Scouts Bucky Kellogg and Wade Bastion share their Appalachian Trail through-hike experienceJul '16

339

How to handle community service requests and what counts as a service project for rank advancementJul '16

338

Former Scouts Wade Bastion and Bucky Kellogg reflect on how Scouting prepared them for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.Jul '16

337

How to balance scout responsibility and adult oversight when handling troop money and schedulingJun '16

336

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335

How to handle parents who won't follow gear lists, and supporting a struggling Venturing crewJun '16

334

How to handle Scoutmasters who add unauthorized Eagle Scout requirements and work with anxious new Scout parentsJun '16

333

How to run quarterly parent meetings with courts of honor, and advice for overwhelmed new ScoutmastersMay '16

332

How to encourage Scouts to fulfill positions of responsibility and set clear, shared expectationsMay '16

331

Why rules and contracts like the CyberChip are weak tools for building Scout character compared to the Scout Oath and LawMay '16

330

How to respond when a Scout's outside conduct raises questions about their leadership role in the troopMay '16

329

Baden Powell's original vision for merit badges versus today's merit badge industrial complexMay '16

328

Why responsibility is the horse that pulls the scouting program cart — not advancementApr '16

327

Whether troops can place Scouts on probation or block advancement based on age or maturityApr '16

326

How a Scout senior patrol leader can work respectfully with adults to strengthen the patrol methodApr '16

325

BSA policy on mock boards of review and tips for working with 18-20 year old assistant ScoutmastersApr '16

324

Why scouting remains relevant by balancing self-development with service to others through the patrol methodMar '16

323

The privilege, opportunity, and obligation of sharing Scout camp with young peopleMar '16

322

How to progressively engage youth in leadership through trust, training, and real responsibilityMar '16

321

How to recognize and create the transformative 'Brown Sea Island moment' for your ScoutsMar '16

320

Scouting compared to gardening, plus answers on BSA liability coverage and turning 18 as SPRFeb '16

319

How scout master conferences should be conducted — not as retests, per the Guide to AdvancementFeb '16

318

How to make troop meetings extraordinary, work with older scouts, and handle special challenges in your unitFeb '16

317

How the BSA's new Troop Leader Guidebook Volume 2 addresses patrol method, youth leadership, and long-term troop visionFeb '16

316

Why scouting belongs to scouts — leadership as discovery, not adult-directed instructionFeb '16

315

Three foundations of outdoor leadership: technical, interpersonal, and judgment skills for leading youth in the outdoors.Jan '16

314

How to handle sensitive troop situations: adult loss, scout behavior, social media, and difficult parentsJan '16

313

Walter Underwood and Clarke Green discuss the new BSA Troop Leader Guidebook and its practical value for ScoutmastersJan '16

312

Ten tips for scouters at summer camp, plus advice for helping scout parents prepare for drop-off week.Jan '16

2015 · 52 episodes ▾

311

How to re-engage older scouts, set patrol method expectations, and define qualifying scout campoutsDec '15

310

How to handle parent pressure around advancement and balance the roles of parent and Scoutmaster.Dec '15

309

What every scout parent needs to understand about the scouting process and letting scouts learn for themselvesDec '15

308

When and how to require a reluctant adolescent Scout to keep participating in ScoutingDec '15

307

Why trust and autonomy—not transferred experience—are the keys to letting Scouts lead themselvesNov '15

306

How to help the Patrol Leaders Council develop better planning skills by starting with 'Who are we?' not 'What do we do?'Nov '15

305

John Thurman's 1950 Patrol Leaders Handbook on what the patrol system truly requiresNov '15

304

How Baden-Powell's foundational patrol ideas still apply when adapted to modern Scouting realitiesNov '15

303

How to form new scout patrols by leveraging natural friendships rather than artificial adult-driven assignmentsNov '15

302

How to form new Scout patrols by leveraging natural friendships rather than adult-assigned groupingsOct '15

301

How examining your vision as a Scouter helps scouts shape and realize their own futureOct '15

300

Clarke's 10-year retrospective: what to stop, continue, and start at ScoutmasterCG.comOct '15

299

How patience and fortitude help Scoutmasters resist the impulse to react and let Scouts learn by doingOct '15

298

How to craft a meaningful first Scoutmaster's Minute, rank requirement changes, and the patrol method in VenturingSep '15

297

One-sentence Scouter mission: shape character by applying the patrol method, reducing all aims and methods to their essentials.Sep '15

296

How to support scouts from struggling families, rethink merit badge delivery, and select the right ScoutmasterSep '15

295

Why comparing scouts to each other misses the point of the Scout Oath's personal standardSep '15

294

How to influence positive change in your troop when you're not in a key leadership positionAug '15

293

How to handle repeated misbehavior by referring scouts to their families rather than punishing them.Aug '15

292

The core principle that answers every scouting question: focus on doing what scouts do and everything else follows.Aug '15

291

How to help an overscheduled, pressured Scout find a realistic path to Eagle and navigate OA adult nominationsAug '15

290

Answering listener questions on Eagle requirements, lost merit badge blue cards, and flag retirement ceremoniesAug '15

289

How to evaluate a Scout's active participation individually rather than by arbitrary attendance percentagesJul '15

288

Why individual progress in character matters more than objective measurements in ScoutingJul '15

287

How to assess a troop by talking to scouts, and scaling patrol structure for small troops of ten or fewer.Jul '15

286

Why positions of responsibility require mentoring and dialogue, not contracts or paperworkJul '15

285

How to focus on building Scout character instead of battling outside influences you can't controlJun '15

284

How to define the assistant Scoutmaster role and move your troop toward a fully functional patrol methodJun '15

283

How the 'granny method' and self-organized learning apply to Scouting's discovery processJun '15

282

How to engage youth leadership in the process of developing their own patrol and troop proceduresJun '15

281

Answering listener questions on parent-scout role conflicts, service hour eligibility, and organizing a small patrol-sized troopJun '15

280

Canoeing Ontario's wilderness parks, portage routes, and the joy of paddling with scoutsMay '15

279

Les Stroud on the survivor's mindset, preparation, and practical wilderness survival skillsMay '15

278

Mike Malone, author of '4%', explores the century-long history and meaning of the Eagle Scout AwardMay '15

277

Andrew Skurka on ultralight backpacking philosophy, gear selection, and guided learning tripsMay '15

276

How to facilitate a Scout-led troop — planning, caring leadership, and the patrol method in practiceApr '15

275

How the conflicting visions of Seton, Baden-Powell, and Beard shaped the founding decade of the BSAApr '15

274

How Scouts Ireland runs coed scouting with single-sex patrols and the ONE advancement programApr '15

273

Why the BSA's separate-unit structure creates a perpetual volunteer crisis in Cub Packs — and how the group concept used worldwide could fix itApr '15

272

How to view rowdy troop meetings, advancement mistakes, and scouts who 'eagle out' with the right perspectiveMar '15

271

How to apply patrol-scale principles when a troop grows too large, and how to empower new youth leadersMar '15

270

The true story of a Polish Scout who escaped Auschwitz using his Scout training and spiritMar '15

269

How to help parents prepare emotionally for sending their scout to summer campMar '15

268

BSA guidance on authorizing patrol leaders and youth to sign off rank advancement requirementsMar '15

267

How to interpret Scout requirements, handle troop changes, and avoid unnecessary policy manualsFeb '15

266

Green Bar Bill Hillcourt identifies page nine of the ninth Scout Handbook as the essential source code of ScoutingFeb '15

265

BSA policies on parents attending campouts and when youth protection training is requiredFeb '15

264

Using the 'source code' of Scouting to keep your program on track regardless of organizational changesFeb '15

263

Clarifying BSA policy on wilderness first aid requirements, uniforms, and Eagle Scout board of review datesJan '15

262

How to use the Patrol Leaders Council to resolve patrol size and membership questionsJan '15

261

How troops spiral into adult-led decline and how to apply the patrol method correctlyJan '15

260

Answers on permission slip frustration, homesickness prevention, and senior patrol leader patrol membershipJan '15

2014 · 52 episodes ▾

259

How to use Socratic questioning and guided discovery to engage Scouts as active learnersDec '14

258

How to empower Scout-led leadership and navigate taking over as a new Scoutmaster in an established troopDec '14

257

How the Scoutmaster should coordinate and direct assistant Scoutmasters to avoid conflicting guidance to youth leadersDec '14

256

Advice for a young new Scoutmaster, advancement modifications for scouts with disabilities, and running a year-round troop programDec '14

255

How to plan an accessible, affordable high adventure trip and adapt troop scheduling to modern Scout lifeDec '14

254

How to address merit badge counseling concerns and counsel a scout exhibiting bullying behaviorNov '14

253

How to set individualized expectations and coach Scouts in positions of responsibility toward successNov '14

252

How to handle foul language, cell phone policies, BSA liability coverage, and merit badge worksheet issuesNov '14

251

Make the most of being a ScouterNov '14

250

Why every Scout who completes the requirements deserves Eagle, and begins a lifelong journey of becoming oneOct '14

249

How to let Scouts discover answers for themselves and embrace a scout-led troop with confidenceOct '14

248

A scouting parody of 'The Night Before Christmas' as a holiday thank-you to listenersOct '14

247

How to establish a yell-free zone and use voluntary obedience instead of authoritarian disciplineOct '14

246

Answering listener emails on merit badge classes, patrol cooking, scouting urban legends, and troop election chicanerySep '14

245

How to handle Eagle paperwork, patrol formation, Scout discipline, and adult-led troop problemsSep '14

244

How to talk with Scouts, listen with humility, and train youth leaders without taking over the programSep '14

243

Why scouts make decisions within the context of the Scout Oath and Law, not unfettered boy-led freedomSep '14

242

How to handle SPL elections, merit badge work at meetings, and scout conflict using the Scout Oath and LawSep '14

241

How to handle scout master conferences, boards of review, and engaging older scouts who are disruptive at meetingsAug '14

240

Whether Scoutmasters can require Scouts to request their own board of reviewAug '14

239

Answering listener questions on Eagle Courts of Honor, SPL elections, delegating volunteer work, and advancement policy.Aug '14

238

How to implement the patrol method practically, including letting scouts form their own patrols and keep adults at a distanceAug '14

237

Overcoming common objections to the Patrol Method and how to support individual scouts with special challengesJul '14

236

The adult role in the patrol method: responsive guiding rather than directive leadingJul '14

235

Why adult interference in patrol formation destroys troops — and how the patrol method builds characterJul '14

234

How to resolve troop conflicts by assuming goodwill and focusing on the work itself, not reactionsJul '14

233

How to explain scout camping expectations to new families and handle parents who overstep boundariesJun '14

232

How to plan troop advancement, yearly calendars, and get scouts to Kandersteg International Scout CenterJun '14

231

Why scouting's aim is character and citizenship, not leadership developmentJun '14

230

How to build scouts' internal character standards and why patrol assignments should be scout-ledJun '14

229

How to handle serious scout misbehavior — theft, fights, and when to involve parentsJun '14

228

How to prepare parents and scouts for a successful week at summer camp, and being thrifty and resourceful as a Scout leader.May '14

227

Why outdoor leadership differs from business management and how that distinction shapes better ScoutingMay '14

226

How responsive leadership and a camping-based approach replace classes and curriculums in Scout advancementMay '14

225

How to balance boy-led ideals with adult responsibility, and guidance for a new Scoutmaster transitioning to youth leadership.May '14

224

Using the campfire metaphor to understand how to build a thriving Scout program when enthusiasm is lowApr '14

223

A Scoutmaster and his SPL son share how patience with the patrol method finally paid off at West Point Camporee.Apr '14

222

Darnall Daily on cheerfulness, boy-run troops, and keeping advancement working for ScoutsApr '14

221

How real responsibility—with room to fail—builds Scout character, and how committees should support new ScoutmastersApr '14

220

Debunking myths about High Adventure trips and how Scoutmasters should handle bullying with proportionate consequencesMar '14

219

How to lead adult volunteers and whether scout troops need assistant scoutmastersMar '14

218

How to handle scout medications responsibly and why planning forms rarely work for youth-led troopsMar '14

217

How to handle basic disagreements about scouting methods when you're not in a decision-making roleMar '14

216

How positive peer pressure develops naturally in a scout-run troop and key BSA policies on donations, appointments, and Eagle rank.Mar '14

215

How to use purposeful questioning and reflection to help Scout leaders learn from their own experiencesFeb '14

214

Advice for new Scoutmasters crossing over from Webelos, handling older scouts, faith in Scouting, and medical formsFeb '14

213

How to train youth leaders through active doing rather than formal training events or curriculaFeb '14

212

How to implement the patrol method, handle venture patrol contracts, and manage adults on camping tripsFeb '14

211

Starting a new Scout troop from scratch — lessons from year one with Scoutmaster Arlen WardJan '14

210

Interview with an Australian Girl Guides leader on patrol system, Thinking Day, and worldwide scouting fellowshipJan '14

209

The four components of leadership and how to handle an Eagle Board of Review chairman who exceeds his authorityJan '14

208

How to use proportionate consequences, positive reinforcement, and the Scout Oath to address difficult Scout behaviorJan '14

2013 · 52 episodes ▾

207

Four types of difficult Scout behavior explained, with causes rooted in physical, mental, and developmental factorsDec '13

206

How to truly listen to scouts without judgment, and what the BSA scout accounts policy means for your troopDec '13

205

How to evaluate positions of responsibility by focusing on individual progress rather than rigid standardsDec '13

204

Evaluating Scout Spirit through feedback from parents and patrol leaders — a listener's innovative approachDec '13

203

Why merit badge classes shouldn't replace troop meetings, and how to handle a Senior Patrol Leader election with no candidatesDec '13

202

How to channel dissatisfaction with your scouting program into positive improvement for individual ScoutsNov '13

201

How to properly schedule boards of review and eliminate stumbling blocks for advancing ScoutsNov '13

200

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199

How to balance merit badge advancement with high-adventure planning, and who should sit on boards of review.Nov '13

198

Balancing the dual role of being a Scouter and a parent, plus patrol method and blue card Q&AOct '13

197

How to evaluate positions of responsibility using individual progress rather than objective standardsOct '13

196

How to make scouting rites of passage positive, and advice on advancement, patrols, merit badge counseling, and senior patrol leadersOct '13

195

How to gradually hand off leadership to young scouts and implement the patrol method in a new troopOct '13

194

What truly makes an Eagle Scout and how to handle advancement disputes and pencil-whipping concernsSep '13

193

How to set clear boundaries with interfering parents and build effective working relationships with assistant ScoutmastersSep '13

192

How to evaluate Scout Spirit as individual progress rather than a fixed ideal standardSep '13

191

Rules of thumb for running meaningful, well-attended Courts of HonorSep '13

190

How to deliver 15-minute patrol leader training using a simple question-and-answer catechismSep '13

189

How to handle Webelos den visits, patrol activities with two-deep leadership, and small-troop patrol methodAug '13

188

Baden-Powell's five patrol method fundamentals: formation, responsibility, autonomy, competition, and Patrol Leaders Council.Aug '13

187

How to handle boards of review, dual leadership roles, and removing problem families from your unitAug '13

186

How to give youth leaders just enough information to act, gain experience, and develop real skillsAug '13

185

How a brand-new troop let Scouts own their summer camp planning, advancement, and court of honor.Jul '13

184

How to use the BSA Guide to Advancement 2013 to answer virtually every advancement questionJul '13

183

How to let Scouts choose their own patrols and why youth-led patrol formation works better than adult assignmentJul '13

182

Expert canoeist Cliff Jacobson on wilderness judgment, camping skills, and the importance of outdoor adventure in ScoutingJul '13

181

How to guide the Patrol Leaders Council toward a meaningful annual program plan using three key testsJul '13

180

The story of William 'Greenbar Bill' Hillcourt and his lifelong contributions to ScoutingJun '13

179

Practical advice for a new acting Scoutmaster on adult volunteers, patrol method, and scout-led activitiesJun '13

178

Green Bar Bill Hillcourt's page 9 vision: when Scouts do what Scouts do, they advance, lead, and achieve scouting's aimsJun '13

177

The main aim of scouting is making good citizens — all skills and advancement are just the process to get thereJun '13

176

How adult over-involvement triggers the Troop Program Death Spiral and undermines the patrol methodMay '13

175

Ten practical tips for adult leaders on how to make the most of summer camp weekMay '13

174

How a brand-new troop navigated its first camping trip using the patrol method and scout-led planningMay '13

173

Advice for Scouters navigating unit and council conflicts after the BSA membership policy changeMay '13

172

Clarke Green's thoughtful discussion of the 2013 BSA membership standards resolution and its implications for scouting's future.Apr '13

171

How to prevent and treat homesickness at summer camp, and setting boundaries for adult-to-Scout ratios on camping trips.Apr '13

170

How Scouts Australia's National Youth Council gives young people a formal voice in shaping their programApr '13

169

How a brand-new Scoutmaster uses patrol leaders' council meetings to let Scouts lead from day oneApr '13

168

How to address bullying in a Scout troop, uniform insignia rules, and accepting non-standard merit badge formsApr '13

167

Why Scout leaders should leave punishment to parents and how to handle behavioral problems positivelyMar '13

166

Tools and strategies for evaluating your effectiveness as a Scoutmaster, from metrics to listening to scouts and parentsMar '13

165

How one Scoutmaster started a boy-led troop from scratch, from charter to first meetingMar '13

164

Twenty-three self-evaluation questions to help youth leaders reflect on and develop their leadership competenciesMar '13

163

How to coach Scouts through preparation, not just planning, so youth-led meetings actually succeedFeb '13

162

How to handle advancement holds for unpaid dues, courts of honor attendance, and helicopter parents.Feb '13

161

Four common mistakes Scout leaders make — over-involvement, risk aversion, misunderstanding failure, and over-emphasizing rewardsFeb '13

160

How to handle patrol method problems, leadership positions, and selecting a new ScoutmasterFeb '13

159

How a Scoutmaster leads a multinational BSA troop in the Kuwaiti desert, 14 hours from council headquarters.Jan '13

158

How Scouts Canada handled inclusive membership and what the BSA can learn from their experienceJan '13

157

Why troop rules barring scouts from merit badge days are outside BSA policy, and how to handle counselor concernsJan '13

156

How to read Scout requirements carefully — understanding verbs like 'show,' 'demonstrate,' and 'identify'Jan '13

2012 · 53 episodes ▾

155

Ten practical strategies for keeping older Scouts engaged and active in the troopDec '12

154

Advice for a new Scoutmaster: patrol method, PLC structure, youth leadership, and keeping Scouts engaged outdoorsDec '12

153

How to use questions and the Scout Oath and Law to make subjective judgments alongside scoutsDec '12

152

Highlights from 2012 interviews on free-range kids, backpacking, Eagle Scout history, and BSA leadershipDec '12

151

How to handle electronic devices, punishment, and the committee's role in troop disciplineDec '12

150

How to properly recognize scout advancement — from immediate badge presentation to courts of honorNov '12

149

How to conduct meaningful Scoutmaster conferences and boards of review for Scout advancementNov '12

148

How to evaluate scout requirements with judgment, keeping the main aim of character development in viewNov '12

147

How experiential discovery—not academic instruction—is the foundation of scout advancement and leadership developmentNov '12

146

Baden Powell's vision for advancement and the four steps: a scout learns, is tested, reviewed, and recognized.Oct '12

145

Key considerations for starting a new Scout troop: charter organization, adult roles, finances, and youth-led program from day oneOct '12

144

How to foster youth leader development through observation, reflection, and responding to initiativeOct '12

143

How adult volunteers can create the right conditions for continual youth leadership development in a troopOct '12

142

Why ongoing youth leader development matters more than one-time training eventsOct '12

141

How active and position-of-responsibility requirements should be properly applied for advancing scoutsSep '12

140

Comparing Journey to Excellence troop requirements year-over-year, including fitness and Jamboree on the Air.Sep '12

139

How to find the right balance between instructing and letting Scouts learn through trial and errorSep '12

138

Why smart people often make poor instructors and why the merit badge process matters more than the skills learnedSep '12

137

The century-long history of the Eagle Scout award, from Arthur Eldred to Neil Armstrong, with author Mike MaloneAug '12

136

A Life Scout shares lessons from serving as Senior Patrol Leader and the value of youth-led troop decisions.Aug '12

135

Ten ways to work with your Senior Patrol Leader and the top reasons boys drop out of ScoutingAug '12

134

How the patrol method, PLC, and troop committee structure a scout troop — and balancing patrol method with father-son timeAug '12

133

Key handbooks and official BSA resources every Scoutmaster should read cover to coverJul '12

132

How to plan and execute a troop-based high-adventure trip without expensive national basesJul '12

131

Experienced Scoutmasters share what they wish they'd known when starting out, covering patience, delegation, and working with parents.Jul '12

130

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129

Ten practical tips for Scoutmasters on building an effective relationship with the Senior Patrol LeaderJul '12

128

How to help the Patrol Leaders Council develop better planning skills over timeJun '12

127

A seven-part framework for running effective, scout-led troop meetingsJun '12

126

How Scout troops can partner with community agencies like CERT for emergency preparedness trainingJun '12

125

Interview with Lenore Skenazy on raising resilient children and the role scouting plays in building confidenceJun '12

124

How to handle discipline in Scouting through positive reinforcement and constructive guidance, not punishment systemsMay '12

123

How to resolve troop conflicts when the Scout program isn't being followed properlyMay '12

122

How to recognize and resolve conflicts with pushy, whiny, helicopter, and bully parents in your troopMay '12

121

What a Scoutmaster must be, know, and do — think of yourself as a Scout coach, not a leaderMay '12

120

How to lead a meaningful Vespers reflection with scouts, including non-sectarian and non-denominational guidanceApr '12

119

How to recruit troop volunteers with a guilt-free approach and match them to roles they enjoyApr '12

118

How to start a brand-new Scout troop by letting boys discover Scouting through camping experiencesApr '12

117

How to approach BSA national guidelines on tool use, service project safety, and common troop leadership questions.Apr '12

116

What 'fun' really means to Scouts: friends, challenge, and independence — and how to handle partial merit badge completionsApr '12

115

Why focusing on process over results is the key to running a truly youth-led troopMar '12

114

Overcoming 'contribution syndrome' by asking simple, humble questions instead of talking too muchMar '12

113

How to handle blue card signatures, patrol autonomy, and transitioning from adult-led to Scout-led troopsMar '12

112

Understanding the different roles—manager, coach, mentor, leader—you play within your volunteer position as a Scout leaderMar '12

111

Ultralong-distance hiker Andrew Skurka on gear philosophy, backpacking skills, and getting Scouts into the wildernessFeb '12

110

How the Scoutmaster and troop committee can work together effectively, with committee chair Frank MaynardFeb '12

109

Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzucca on his Eagle Scout journey and advice for Scoutmasters on developing young leadersFeb '12

108

How Scouts Canada organizes its group structure, linking events, and coed program across all age sectionsFeb '12

107

How to incrementally develop youth leadership in new troops with younger Scouts, step by stepJan '12

106

Panel discussion on Order of the Arrow membership, elections, and advice for a brand-new Scoutmaster building a boy-led troopJan '12

105

Eagle Scout Dave on raising his son through doubt, dropout, and Eagle — and the parent's dilemma of encouraging without pushingJan '12

104

Why the only qualification for a Scout youth leader is wanting to do the job — rank and age requirements get in the wayJan '12

103

How to build a boy-led troop by asking questions, stepping back, and trusting the processJan '12

2011 · 52 episodes ▾

102

The patrol system as Scouting's one essential featureDec '11

101

Scoutmaster conferences and the boy-led troopDec '11

100

Listener feedback, community reflections, and a classic campfire copperhead snake story for episode 100Dec '11

How to sell the real benefits of summer camp to new scouts and hesitant familiesDec '11

How to help the Patrol Leaders Council develop better planning skills through questions, patience, and persistenceNov '11

How the new BSA Guide to Advancement clarifies active participation, positions of responsibility, and Eagle Scout projectsNov '11

How to welcome and orient new Scouts and their parents as they cross over or join coldmissing

How to build an effective Patrol Leaders Council and foster genuine scout-led decision-makingNov '11

Using social media tools in scouting while maintaining closed-loop communication and youth protection principlesOct '11

How to use the Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to develop a Scout's leadership skills creativelyOct '11

Scoutmaster panel covers new BSA youth leader training, guide to advancement, and Eagle Project workbookOct '11

How to evaluate the 'active' requirement and sign off rank requirements with the right standardOct '11

How to apply BSA's Sweet 16 of Safety to supervise scouts camping away from adultsOct '11

Overview of the new BSA Guide to Advancement and Eagle Scout Project Workbook, plus answers to three listener emailsSep '11

A panel of experienced Scoutmasters shares what they wish they'd known when starting outSep '11

How Scout units can partner with Shelterbox to provide disaster relief shelter worldwideSep '11

Comparing scouting programs worldwide through an interview with a South African Scout leader and Jamboree attendeeSep '11

How the Journey to Excellence program uses metrics to drive unit quality and patrol method integrityAug '11

How to run an annual troop leadership summit to align the PLC, committee, and adult leaders on a year's programAug '11

How to plan historically immersive, service-driven once-in-a-lifetime adventures for older ScoutsAug '11

How to run effective five-minute Scoutmaster conferences and help youth leaders earn cooperation from their peersAug '11

How to handle discipline problems in your troop without punishment, using natural and logical consequencesAug '11

How to develop a scout-led troop by trusting youth with real planning responsibility and mentoring rather than directing (interview is a rebroadcast)Jul '11

How putting full responsibility on patrol leaders frees the Scoutmaster and strengthens the troopJul '11

How adults can use the Socratic method and self-imposed restrictions to support youth-led ScoutingJul '11

Who has final authority over Merit Badge completion — and what to do when you suspect something is wrongJul '11

How to recognize, prevent, and treat homesickness at summer camp, and support an autistic Scout without disclosing his diagnosisJun '11

How to prepare stay-at-home parents for summer camp, and why the patrol method solves older-boy retentionJun '11

Practical advice for adult leaders on making the most of summer camp — staying healthy, supporting staff, and empowering youth leadersJun '11

The life and legacy of William 'Greenbar Bill' Hillcourt, champion of the patrol method in American ScoutingJun '11

Mark Wray on balancing Scouting's aims and methods, working with youth leaders, and Eagle Courts of HonorMay '11

How to set healthy boundaries as a volunteer to avoid burnout and stay effective long-termMay '11

How to motivate your son on merit badges without becoming an interfering dad or ScoutmasterMay '11

Six practical tips for new district commissioners, from demystifying the role to tracking unit visitsMay '11

Key outdoor leadership skills: feeding teens frequently, expedition behavior, risk management, and group development stages.May '11

How action, reflection, and discovery trains youth leaders; what qualifies as a service project for Second Class, Star, and Life ranksApr '11

How to conduct a Scoutmaster conference with an Eagle candidate and handle troop email conflictsApr '11

How Scouter training has evolved and why joining the online conversation mattersApr '11

How following BSA policies and procedures as written protects the quality of the Scouting programApr '11

How to conduct meaningful Scoutmaster conferences and key advice for those new to the roleMar '11

Why troops cannot add attendance requirements to advancement, and how to handle last-minute campout additionsMar '11

Using the four stages of competence to develop youth leadership and self-awareness in ScoutsMar '11

How to welcome Webelos crossing over and help new Scouts succeed in their first year in the troopMar '11

Recognizing mental health warning signs in Scouts and reassuring parents about first-year summer campFeb '11

Les Stroud on the survivor's mindset, preparation, and sharing knowledge when leading youth into the wildernessFeb '11

Interview with Dr. Paul Auerbach on wilderness medicine, hydration, injury prevention, and essential first aid skills for Scout leadersFeb '11

Excerpts from the 1913 draft Scoutmaster Handbook on discipline, reverence, and boy-led scoutingFeb '11

How older Scouts earn respect through servant leadership rather than commands or punishmentJan '11

Cliff Jacobson on outdoor skills, judgment in the wilderness, and his top camping tip: ground cloth inside the tentJan '11

Clarifying venture patrol vs. venture crew, and BSA rules on minimum driver age for scout outingsJan '11

How to respond positively to youth leader initiative and let scouts shape their own patrolsJan '11

How to handle a Scoutmaster blocking Eagle advancement, and thoughts on forming patrols by age or mixed-age.Jan '11

2010 · 50 episodes ▾

Kevin Callan — Canadian author and the Happy Camper — on paddling Ontario wilderness, Algonquin Provincial Park, and why a long portage keeps wilderness wildDec '10

Vintage BSA patrol method filmstrip audio — and listener responsesDec '10

Scouting with Asperger's Syndrome — responses from Christine, Jerry, Walter, and Scouter AdamsDec '10

What is Scoutmastership anyway?Dec '10

Scouting as a process, not a product — the mission is preparation, not productionNov '10

Boards of reviewNov '10

The honest challenge — why boys stay in Scouting for something better than entertainmentNov '10

When youth leadership worksNov '10

Contribution Syndrome — great leaders ask questions rather than give answersNov '10

Duty to God and a Scout is Reverent — the 12th point of the Scout Law in practiceOct '10

Rob Ferris and Harry Wimbrough — authors of Working the Patrol MethodOct '10

Annual parents meeting — Friends of Scouting presentation and group gear orders through CampmorOct '10

Larry Geiger, Scoutmaster, Cocoa FL — program, boy-led journey, and Scouts who lead themselvesOct '10

Preparing for fall and the patrol method in the modern worldSep '10

How to catalyze scout initiative and build a lasting tradition of youth leadership through mentoring, not eventsSep '10

How to implement strong youth leadership and the patrol system by embracing scouting as a process, not a series of eventsSep '10

How to begin transitioning to a scout-led troop by educating adults and trusting the patrol methodSep '10

Den chiefs: entry-level leadership connecting Boy Scouts to Cub Scout densAug '10

Merit badge counselors — rules, registration, and requirementsAug '10

Scout decision-making and self-determination in the field — campfire discussion with the crew chief from the Algonquin canoe tripAug '10

Baden-Powell on trusting patrol leaders; troop meetings part 3Aug '10

Baden-Powell on 'Be Prepared' — prepared for what? Any old thingAug '10

Part 2 — minimum annual membership to sustain your unitJul '10

Summer music specialJul '10

Part 1 — where will your unit be in five years?Jul '10

Gutzon Borglum and Mount Rushmore — chipping away at the rock as a metaphor for persistence in Scoutmaster workJul '10

Part 2 — building out the details: crew formation, gear, permits, and transportationJun '10

Part 1 — what is a high adventure trip and how to start building a troop-based programJun '10

Summer camp tips for Scoutmasters — pacing yourself, staying out of the way, and letting Scouts leadJun '10

Mason leads his Scouts up a steep mountain — gloriouslyJun '10

How the conflicting founders of Scouting — Seton, Baden-Powell, and Beard — shaped the BSA's enduring programMay '10

Setting healthy boundaries as a Scout volunteer to avoid burnout and stay effective long-termMay '10

How to let senior scouts lead patrol reorganization, and ideal patrol size of six to nine membersMay '10

How to retain older Scouts by giving them real responsibility, respect, and a positive troop cultureMay '10

How to help the Patrol Leaders Council develop better planning skills through guided questions and incremental training.May '10

How to avoid Eagle Scout drama around the project: originality, hours, and size requirements explainedApr '10

How to train, trust, and let youth leaders lead — and how to conduct fair Scoutmaster conferences without ambushing ScoutsApr '10

How to create a safe environment for scouts to make mistakes and embrace individualized standards for Eagle Scout advancementApr '10

Lt. Col. Otha Thornton — Eagle Scout, White House communications staff, and rebuilding Scouting in IraqApr '10

How to avoid unnecessary drama in the Eagle Scout advancement process by understanding the Scoutmaster's role as coach and mentor.Mar '10

The patrol system as the irreducible unit of ScoutingMar '10

Second chances — adolescent brains are physically developing, not choosing to be irrational; Clarke has never expelled a scout in 25 years; the case for taking in a scout who was dismissed elsewhere: four years of work, a dozen merit badges, boards of review, and one incidentMar '10

Ten things adult leaders do that frustrate youth leadership: talking too much, coercion, nitpicking — and seven more; Clarke speaks from personal experience as someone still on the learning curveMar '10

Scoutmaster vs legislator — writing a troop manual and making scouts sign contracts produces nothing; discipline and attendance problems are not problems to solve, they are the price of working with adolescents; the answer is coaching and mentoringMar '10

Scout leader or Scoutmaster? The naming decision a hundred years ago still shapes how adults misunderstand their roleFeb '10

Transitioning Webelos Den Leaders into the Scout troop — Clarke led 18 Webelos; redirect every question to the patrol leader; resist the urge to step in; the discomfort of watching your former cubs flounder is the price of building real youth leadershipFeb '10

The coach and pupil method — each one teach one; using peers to instruct rather than adultsFeb '10

BSA Centenary — Baden-Powell's three founding principles; W.D. Boyce brings Scouting to America in 1910; one hundred years of the same simple idea spreading around the worldFeb '10

Cliff Young — 61-year-old Australian farmer who won the 1983 Sydney-to-Melbourne ultramarathon in gumboots using a shuffling stride; a parable of unconventional method and showing upJan '10

Baden-Powell on effort over expertise; no lectures longer than two minutes, no worksheets, no homework; the coach-player divide — adult leaders stay on the sideline and let the scouts play the gameJan '10