New Scout Information
New Scout Parent Conference
What about the parents of a new Scout? Shouldn't they have a chance to chat with an adult troop leader and learn how they can help their son have a good experience with the troop? Yes they should, and this conference is usually conducted, logically enough, by the assistant Scoutmaster responsible for new Scouts.
If "Johnny" is to get the home-side understanding and backup he needs, an early conference between parents and this leader is a must. Here are some guidelines for an effective session.
Hold the conference in the parents' home, if possible, or other quiet, private location. Confer with the parents only -- their son should not be present. Keep the tone informal and friendly throughout. make clear that the aim of this meeting is to help their son get a good start with the troop, and the Scouting adventure he is beginning.
Explain, if appropriate, that he will join a special patrol for Scouts not yet 12 or in the seventh grade, a patrol designed to introduce new boys to the Scouting program and help them grow comfortable with it. Mention the troop guide, the older Scout who works with the New Scouts patrol.
Spend a few moments with the advancement program, and the challenge for their son to achieve First Class rank within his first year with the troop. Urge them to stay aware of his progress, help him with skills training if they can, and encourage him to keep going.
Say a few words about troop and patrol meetings, the adult leaders, outdoor activities, and summer camp, and tell them they will be welcome at all troop functions and events.
Ask them to complete the Troop Resource Survey, and say they will be called on to help out in areas in which they are qualified.
The New Scout Conference
Here's where you and a new Scout really start getting acquainted. Begin by creating the friendly, relaxed atmosphere we spoke of earlier. Get the new Scout talking about himself by asking what his favorite hobbies and sports are. What did he enjoy most about his Cub Scout and Webelos experiences? Any brothers or sisters? Why did he want to join the troop, and what does he hope to get from his Scouting experience here?
Chat a bit about the joining requirements he has completed. Any problems? Did he and his parents review the booklet on child and drug abuse? Any ideas or comments about it?
Now walk through the Tenderfoot requirements with him, and help him being to set some goals. What requirements will he do first, and how long will it take to finish the rest of them?
Briefly review how the troop operates -- the weekly troop and patrol meetings, the outdoor program, continuing advancement opportunities. Remind him gently that the Scout Oath and Law are not just something to be memorized, but to be lived up to.
Direct his attention to the statement related to the duty to God concept found on page 561 of the Boy Scout Handbook. Ask him how he understands it. Talk about the importance of learning about his faith from his religious leaders and parents. Ask him to describe ways in which he can do his duty to god. There is no wrong response. As he matures in both his faith and in Scouting, his response should become more articulate. Duty to God should discussed at many Scoutmaster conferences and boards of review, not just at the Eagle board of review.
Encourage him to start on his religious emblem program.
Ask him if he has any remaining questions, comments, or concerns. Tell him you'll be looking forward to the next conference, when he will have completed his Tenderfoot requirements. But invite him to come to you any time he has a questions, a problem, or needs some advice. And mean it!
Who Are New Scouts?
Meet age requirements. Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but is not yet 18 years old.
The New Scout Patrol
"A good Patrol is a gang of good friends, standing together shoulder to shoulder whatever comes. 'All for One -- One for All' -- that's the spirt of a Scout patrol." (Handbook for patrol Leaders, 1950)
The new Scout patrol is a group of boys who have just become boy scouts. They are helped by a troop guide -- an older, experienced Scout who can show the way. An assistance Scoutmaster assigned to the patrol gives it added support.
Members of a new-Scout patrol choose their patrol leader, plan what they want to do, and take part in outings and troop meetings just like any patrol. they can also learn the basic skills they need in order to enjoy hiking, camping, and other Scout adventures. Before long, members of a new-Scout patrol will discover that they are passing many of the requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.