Baston on Membership

From the scoutscan.com archived message board.

I have been a troop leader for ten years. And in that time I have watch troops shutdown left, right and center but our troop has grown over the years. I have found that the youth want a program that:

1. Centers on outdoor events and activites.
2. Has structure, consistancey and expectations.
3. Has recognition for achivements.
4. Has a caring leadership team.
5. Has pride in the troop.
6. Has FUN.

In the troops that I have seen fold there is generally the same problems.

1. The leadership team ignores the program. ie it's to much paperwork or badges are not given out when earned.
2. There is not structure ie. Opening, closing etc.
3. No uniform or only half of the uniform is required.
4. Older, stonger scouts are permitted to run the troop as a bully type atomosphere.

I have seen 5 troops shutdown in ten years but our troop is full for the next year by the end of june. We have a scout retention rate of 80+% and a cub coming up retention of 70%. Now for the big secret to our success.

Run the program as B.P. set it up. Make it challenging and make it fun for everyone.

P.S. Read Scouting for boys (If you can find it) and Aids to the scoutmaster.

Good luck

YIS Baston