Do you want to have fun as a Scoutmaster?
\nHere is a passage from the 1953 Scoutmaster Handbook that my be of help.\u00a0 The beauty of this is that from 1953 to today..\u00a0 This has not changed, except in the minds of some overbearing Scoutmasters.
\n"Again and again we come back to the important point that you can't expect a gang of boys to build a good Patrol without a boy leader who has been trained to lead.\u00a0 And, as Baden Powell says, 'To get the best results you must give the leader real free handed responsibility.\u00a0 If you only give partial responsibility, you will only get partial results'.<\/em>
\nLet the Patrol leaders take over in practically everything.\u00a0 Let them work out their own problems, with the boys in their Patrols.\u00a0 Interfere as little as possible- but always be there to give guidance when they ask for it.\u00a0 Mistakes are bound to be made- therefore, be ready in a friendly spirit to urge the boy leader and his gang to try again.<\/em>
\nTrain 'em, Trust'em, and let'em lead!\u00a0 That is the formula for success in using Patrol Leaders and for building strong Patrols."<\/em>
\nI guess I could end this blog post right there, but let me add this.\u00a0 Training your youth leaders is the key here.\u00a0 When do you train them?\u00a0 All the time, but it starts on day one.\u00a0 Patrol Leaders get the advantage of a little OJT as well as formal training.\u00a0 There is no substitute for good practical hands on leading though, complete with plenty of mistakes.
\nI have talked before about the importance of learning from mistakes, take the time each meeting, after each event, and during different phases of a camp out to find those learning\/teaching \u00a0moments.\u00a0 Coach the leaders through a round of Start, Stop, and Continue and allow them to see with a critical eye the mistakes and success's they have made.
\nKeep in mind that a burnt meal, a missed trail crossing, or rocky night sleep will only strengthen skills and confidence in the long run.
\nScoutmasters… don’t hover, get out of their way and let them lead.
\nI love the saying from the handbook –
\nTrain’em, Trust’em, and let’em lead!
\nHave confidence in your training of the leader, trust that they will do the right thing, and watch the growth.
\nIf you want to have fun as Scoutmaster!… Well there’s the answer.<\/p>\n

Have a Great Scouting Day!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sketch by Baden Powell<\/span><\/strong>
\nQuote from the Handbook for Scoutmasters, Boy Scouts of America, Fourth Edition, Seventh Printing (1953)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n