This online Fast Start training is a quick orientation to help you get ready for your first Boy Scout meeting. The training is divided into five sections. Only the first section is shown here. The remainder of the Fast Start training program can be viewed on the national site.

Click here for the full Fast Start Training program.

This section covers only a portion of the Boy Scout Fast Start training.

• The Troop Meeting
• The Troop Committee
• The Outdoor Program
• Basic Concepts of Scouting
• The Scout Uniform

As new Scout leaders and parents, you are probably trying to envision how the Scouting program works. This Fast Start training is a quick orientation to help you get ready for your first Boy Scout meeting.

The Troop Meeting

Overview of the Troop Meeting

This section gives you an overview of the troop meeting. This 90-minute, weekly event is truly boy-run. The goal is to use the patrol method to develop leaders and enable the boys to "run the show." Your role as a Scoutmaster is to facilitate the patrol method, offer advice, and guide the boys throughout the process.

Boy Run Program

 

 

 

 

The boy-run program is delivered through the patrol method.

"The patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don't really have a Boy Scout troop."

—Robert Baden-Powell

The Patrol Method

With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality. Patrols are made up of small groups of boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Although patrol size varies depending on a troop's total enrollment and needs, the ideal size is eight boys.

Each patrol selects a name for itself and takes pride in its own identity. Its members strive to make theirs the best patrol possible.

The patrols elect boys into key leadership positions:

• Senior Patrol Leader
• Patrol Leaders

Senior Patrol Leader

• Elected by all members of the troop.
• In charge of troop meetings from beginning to end.
• The Scoutmaster works with SPL before and after the troop meeting to give guidance.
• SPL runs the meetings. The Scoutmaster gives him the tools to succeed.

Patrol Leaders

• A patrol leader is elected by members of the patrol.
• Responsible for the patrol's activities.
• Represents the patrol as a member of the patrol leaders' council.

 

The Patrol Leader's Council

• Holds monthy meetings to plan activities.
• Organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for weekly troop meeting.
• Holds annual program planning conference to create yearly plan for the troop.
• Patrol leaders' council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning troop activities.

The Role of the Scoutmaster

• Trains and guides boy leaders.
• Works with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
• Uses the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
• Can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years of age.
• Is appointed by the head of the chartered organization.
  

The Troop Meeting: Seven Parts

1. Preopening Activity
2. Opening Ceremony
3. Skills Instruction
4. Patrol Meetings
5. Interpatrol Activity
6. Closing
7. After the Meeting

Step 1: Preopening Activity

• Occurs as Scouts begin arriving.
• Should include physical activity.
• Begins 15 minutes before the meeting starts.
• Facilitated by the senior patrol leader and the assigned patrol.
  

Step 3: Opening Ceremony

• Opening Ceremony - Five minutes in length
• Senior patrol leader calls the troop to fall into patrols.
• Senior patrol leader calls on a Scout to lead the troop in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law.
• Reinforces values.

Step 3: Skills Instruction

Skills Instruction - 15 to 20 minutes in length

Step 4: Patrol Meetings

Patrol Meetings - 15 to 20 minutes in length

• Plan for upcoming outdoor activities--menus, equipment, etc.
• Conduct routine weekly meeting business such as attendance, dues.
• Prepare patrol's assignment for the next troop meeting.
• As the boys finish their business and grow restless, move on to the interpatrol activity.

Step 5: Interpatrol Activity

Interpatrol Activity - 15 to 20 minutes in length

• Fun
• Hands-on
• Reinforces a Scouting skill

Suggestions are available in the Scoutmaster Handbook and Troop Program Resources.

Step 6: Closing

• Closing - The Scoutmaster's Minute.
• Scoutmaster gives a closing message.
• The message reinforces the values expressed in the opening ceremony.
• Quiet, serious time.

Messages can be found in Troop Program Resources

Step 7: After the Meeting

• Review the current troop meeting.
• Offer praise for things that went well.
• Offer encouragement and suggestions to handle things that did not go well.
• Review assignments for the next troop meeting.
  

Getting Extra Help

• Where do you get meeting themes and ideas?
• Five months are covered in the Scoutmaster Handbook.
• Troop Program Features has three volumes with three years of meeting plans.
• Scouting magazine offers monthly themes.

You may download the Troop Meeting Plan form and Tips for Effective Troop Meetings by clicking here.

Further Training

New Leader Essentials Training
This 90-minute course is the first stage of the BSA's basic training program. It is designed for all new adult leaders entering the Scouting program.

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
This is a training course for Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters. Topics covered include leadership styles, youth leadership development, patrol leaders' council, teaching Scouting skills, the Scoutmaster's conference, and growing the troop.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
This is an adult leader course that teaches outdoor skills used in Scouting from Tenderfoot to First Class.

Scouting magazine
This publication is filled with new ideas on activities, themes and the latest Scouting information.