ScoutmasterCG Newsletter Number 4 – Scouter Training

Hello and Welcome Back! Scouter Training is closer to employee training than active Scouting. Sitting through scripted sessions punctuated by unrealistic, often dated, videos is one way to learn, but it’s not the best way to learn Scouting. I’ve never been a good classroom student, I learn more by doing, so I tend to value […]

Hello and Welcome Back!

Scouter Training is closer to employee training than active Scouting. Sitting through scripted sessions punctuated by unrealistic, often dated, videos is one way to learn, but it’s not the best way to learn Scouting.

I’ve never been a good classroom student, I learn more by doing, so I tend to value hands on experience. Experiential, “on the job”, learning is more true to Scouting’s purposeful game than training administrators to deliver a scripted program.

Scouter training, however, is not without value. I encourage Scouters to avail themselves of training opportunities, and also acknowledge it is just the first step to understanding our work.

Scouting happens when we do what Scouts do, and very little of that happens in a classroom.

Hope this helps!

Clarke

Contact me with your questions

Scouting happens outdoors making things happen with your patrol, something training can describe but can not duplicate. Here we are in 2007 on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.

Posts
Scouter Training Do’s and Don’ts

I’ve headed up a number of Scouter training events, and been trained in several different volunteer positions. Scouters are typically gregarious, good-spirited folks; but the dedication and single-mindedness required to be a good Scouter sometimes makes us difficult trainees. Here’s my do’s and don’ts for getting the most out of a Scouter training course.

When you have the answers conflicts, arguments and misunderstandings get resolved. These three “secret weapons” answer 95% of the questions! And they are free!

As a young Scoutmaster I felt a lot of the polices I learned in Scouter Training were limitations, but now I don’t see these safety practices as restrictive. Quite to the contrary I feel more empowered and confident that I can help my Scouts plan and supervise potentially risky activities.

Your best asset is a resilient  calm, determined attitude. We don’t equate self-worth and accomplishment with immediate results – develop your tolerance for adversity and uncertainty. Value experience above skill. Experience helps us avoid the common mistakes, weed out shortsighted solutions, and take measures that work in the long-term.

Podcasts
Podcast 214 – New Adult Leader

What advice do you have for a Webelos Den leader who just crossed over with his Webelos into a Scout Troop? In this podcast I give my best answer.

Listen to my reply to the question – What tips do you have for a Scoutmaster who is new to the idea of having an active 18-20 year old in an Assistant Scoutmaster role?”

Over the past decade of writing the blog at Scoutmastercg.com I’ve been looking for a one sentence definition of Scouting. Something we can tell ourselves that focuses us on what’s important about our work as Scouters.  I think I may have found it, listen in and see if you agree. 

Essential Everlasting Gear

Over the years I’ve sorted through tons of jingle-jangle, gimmicky camping gear to find stuff that stands the test of time.  My choices may not be the newest or cheapest, but they are reliable solutions I’ve relied on  for years.

There are all kinds of  pliers to mange hot cooking pots and pans on a fire, but these are the best I’ve found. Made for constant use in a commercial environment they ought to last a lifetime. The most important feature, though, is that there’s a spring that keeps the pliers open allowing you to use them one handed – something no other pot pliers I have used have.

Winco PPG-8A Cast Aluminum Gripper at Amazon

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