The Scoutmaster Conference... Not Just for Rank Advancement Anymore

04/01/20 • 4 min

The Scoutmaster conference is exclusive to Troop operations. However, the concepts and policies apply to all unit leaders*. Its recommended that confidential notes be taken during the conference. A scoutmaster conference is not meant to be a retesting of scout skills. In Scoutmaster training its described as; "The conference is not a retest of the requirements upon which a Scout has been signed off. It is a forum for discussing topics such as ambitions, life purpose, and goals for future achievement, for counseling, and also for obtaining feedback on the unit’s program. "

The Scoutmaster Conference for non-rank advancement:

🧩 Observed Behavior

🧩 Slowing Down Advancement or Participation

🧩 Addressing Issues from Other Scouts

🧩 Planning Advancement or Leadership Positions

🧩 More... New Scout Interview, Patrol Satisfaction, Special Updates, etc.

* More information is available in the Scouts BSA Guide to Advancement section 4.2.3.5 Unit Leader (Scoutmaster) Conference: https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/mechanics-of-advancement/scouts-bsa/

🌎 Scouts BSA Guide to Advancement: https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/

🌎 Understanding the Scoutmaster conference: https://scoutingmagazine.org/2014/12/understanding-scoutmaster-conference/

The Scoutmaster Conference for non-rank advancement:

🧩 Observed Behavior

🧩 Slowing Down Advancement or Participation

🧩 Addressing Issues from Other Scouts

🧩 Planning Advancement or Leadership Positions

🧩 More... New Scout Interview, Patrol Satisfaction, Special Updates, etc.

🌎 Scouts BSA Guide to Advancement: https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/

🌎 Understanding the Scoutmaster conference: https://scoutingmagazine.org/2014/12/understanding-scoutmaster-conference/

Previous Episode

Thanking Outside The Tent? - Keeping Scouting New & Fresh

If you're stuck in a rut.. with the same old schedule of campouts. You NEED to change it before your Scouts lose interest. Youth like new and different things even things that don't work. Adult Scout leaders like reliability and consistency. “News Flash” Scouts BSA is about the youth, not us old things!

Here are some ways to mix things up on the schedule and have fun:

1️⃣ – Put 2 years between campsites. Go to a different summer camp area every other year.

2️⃣ – Always look to do it differently. Look for themed events.

3️⃣ – "When in doubt, throw it out"! Avoid the tendency to use fallbacks or standards.

Always think outside the tent. A good event should never be attempted repeatedly. You know how hard it is to drag Scouts to an old worn-out event... Thay won't put up with it for long.

⚜️ Note: Your local camp needs your support year-round (including Summer Camp). If they don't make it different each year then you should tell them. If it is the same old thing after that, then go out of the area and leave the camp as a provisional option.

🌎 Cub Scout Day Camp: https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camping/cub-day-camp/

🌎 Scouts BSA Outdoor Program: https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camping/scouts-bsa-outdoor-program/

Next Episode

Are Donations to Scouting Taxable? Yes and No...

Basically, only cash/check/charge donations to Scouts BSA or your local council office fall under charitable donations. Everything else is your property and asset. Donations to a scout unit are given to the chartering institution. If the charter is a non-taxable charity, the donation is deductible. You and your family's memberships, subscriptions, camping fees, uniforms, equipment, and insurance are your property and your responsibilities. Make sure you check with your accountant or tax professional before taking any tax deductions your not sure of.

🌎 Tips for deducting Scouting-related Expenses: https://scoutingmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/tax-time/comment-page-1/

📄 Giving Questions/Scouting Answers: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/Giving_Questions_Booklet_2011.pdf

⚠️ Impotent: Scouts BSA out of Irving TX is a code 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Most councils are also charitable organizations, however financially separated. Check with your local council service center to make sure.