New & Transitioning Adult Leaders
Leaders starting out, taking over a troop, or new to the role.
A New Scoutmaster - Chapter Seven
This is the seventh of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how.
Limitations of Scout Leader Training
No doubt – Scout leader training is invaluable, as are the selfless folks who volunteer to train their fellow Scouters (thank you if you do!) I recommend you take advantage of every training opportunity possible.
Webelos Den Leader Transition
We do all we can to help new Scouts transitioning from Webelos – let’s not forget that Webelos den leaders stepping into new roles will need some help too.
Resources for a New Scoutmaster
A new Scoutmaster needs to be trained but that training needs to be supplemented by your own reading and study.
B-P's Blog - The Scouter as Fisherman
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters.
Run to the Scouting Resource
No volunteer is expected to be an expert with an encyclopedic knowledge of Scouting (see the links to Scouting resources below).
A New Scoutmaster Needs Training
You have been asked to take on one of the greatest, most challenging roles in Scouting; you are a new Scoutmaster.
Cub Scout Leader "Survival Guide" 2
This is the second of a five-part series, Part one Understanding Cubs Part three – Understanding Volunteering Part four – Blessed are the Den Leaders Part five – Understanding Parents I’ve been a Cubmaster, and a den leader for Wolf, Bear,and Webelos dens.
A New Scoutmaster - Chapter Ten
This is the tenth of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how.
From Webelos Den Leader to Scoutmaster
I was a Webelos Den Leader for eighteen (!) boys.
First Principles for New Scoutmasters
If I could speak to myself 25 years ago when I became a Scoutmaster here is what I would say: Learn as much as you can from training and reading.
What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is Scouting’s premier adult leader training.
Looking Ahead - Leadership Transitions
Third in a series of thoughts about looking ahead: Who are our key unit leaders for the next five years?
Typical Scout units change key leaders every three to five years.
Podcast Clips
Episode 333 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Kevin Callahan (ASM, Troop 764) asks how to run quarterly parent meetings before courts of honor; 'Obligated Scoutmaster' (new, small-troop female Scoutmaster) writes feeling overwhelmed and unsure she is the right person for the job.
Episode 221 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Two questions answered: (1) how to get reluctant Cub Scout parents to volunteer using an index-card task assignment method; (2) advice to a brand-new Scoutmaster being criticized by a committee member in his first week, including guidance on establishing clear leadership authority and earning committee support.
Episode 214 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
A message to Webelos den leaders who have just crossed over into a Scout troop: step back, let the patrol leader lead, direct concerns to the Scoutmaster, observe from a distance, and be patient while learning the Scout program.
Episode 164 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Melissa, a new Scout parent, asks why parents receive so little information about procedures like blue cards; Clarke explains that Scouting intentionally builds Scout self-reliance and advises parents to step back and help their sons find their own answers.
Episode 154 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
First panel of 2013 with Tom Gillard, Larry Geiger, Walter Underwood, and guest Maury (new Scoutmaster, Northern California). Topics include advice for a new Scoutmaster taking over a healthy troop, trimming the PLC to the right size, patrol meeting culture, keeping older Scouts teaching skills, building an outdoor/backpacking culture, election terms for youth leaders, and the importance of fluid patrol leadership.
Episode 145 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Larry Geiger, Tom Gillard, and Walter Underwood, joined by guest Cubmaster Arlen Ward, discuss whether and how to start a new Boy Scout troop, covering charter organizations, key adult roles, startup costs, youth leadership with a young troop, and the patrol method.
Episode 133 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
Essential reading list and official BSA resources for new Scoutmasters: Scout Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook, Senior Patrol Leaders Handbook, Guide to Safe Scouting, Guide to Advancement 2011, Uniform and Insignia Guide, and Baden-Powell's Aids to Scoutmastership — with the mantra 'run to the resource, stick with the program.'
Episode 131 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Rebroadcast of the first-ever panel with Larry Geiger (FL), Tom Gillard (TN), and Walter Underwood (CA) discussing what they wish they'd known as new Scoutmasters: patience, delegation, working with parents and the charter organization, youth leadership, and avoiding meddling.
Episode 118 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
How to start a brand-new Scout troop by taking boys on a casual camping trip and letting them discover Scouting organically, without upfront talk of uniforms or ranks.
Episode 113 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Larry Geiger, Tom Gillard, and guest Walter Torres discuss: (1) merit badge blue card signatures as conversation facilitators rather than gatekeepers; (2) BSA Guide to Safe Scouting guidance on patrol activities vs. overnight camping adult requirements; (3) practical strategies for patrol autonomy at campsites; (4) advice for Walter as he transitions his adult-led troop to Scout-led in May.
Episode 96 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Tom Gillard, Larry Geiger, and Walter Underwood discuss welcoming new Scouts and parents; call-in guest Mike (Scoutmaster, Troop 61, Valerico FL) asks about onboarding Webelos crossovers and cold-join Scouts.
Episode 92 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Panel with Larry Geiger, Tom Gillard, and Walter Underwood discusses the new ILST youth leader training syllabus, the new Guide to Advancement (positions of responsibility, unit expectations), the revised Eagle Project workbook, and a call-in question from David (committee chair, Lehigh Valley PA) about dividing responsibilities between the Scoutmaster and the troop committee.
Episode 88 — SCOUTMASTER PANEL DISCUSSION
Larry Geiger, Tom Gillard, and Walter Underwood discuss what they would tell a new Scoutmaster: qualities needed, working with youth leaders, parent and committee relationships, charter organization and district connections, avoiding adult meddling, and balancing family life.
Episode 69 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Anonymous listener asks for advice on serving as a new district commissioner; Clarke offers six recommendations.
Episode 65 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
The training continuum for Scoutmasters: from multi-evening in-person sessions to online modules (youth protection, safe swim, hazardous weather), and the role of podcasts and blogs as supplemental training.
Episode 63 — ADVICE for NEW SCOUTMASTERS
Clarke shares what he would tell himself 27 years ago: stick with the program, let Scouts lead, don't set extra standards, and don't take setbacks personally
Episode 56 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Jason Pettis, Scoutmaster of Troop 130 in Golden, CO, asks how to integrate 16-20 new Webelos crossing over into a troop of 30; Clarke advises preparing youth leaders, orienting new adult leaders, and establishing a strong parent orientation.
Episode 51 — SCOUTMASTERSHIP in 7 MINUTES
A Scoutmaster blocking a 17-year-old Life Scout's Eagle advancement with invented attendance and leadership standards — BSA policy on 'active,' troop vs. national rules, and options for fighting or switching troops.
Episode 41 — LISTENERS EMAIL
Colin on Eagle Scout perseverance; Jalus transitioning from Cubmaster; listener reactions to the Working the Patrol Method interview