SCOUTER Feature:

Twenty MORE Tips for New Scouters
(From the
AIS Survey)

by MaryAnn Gardner

In their own words, active Scouters speak to adults who are new to Scouting:

(The Leader being quoted is identified by Name or Initials (if available) and # years as a Scouter. Eagle Scouts are so designated. For example: M. Smith - 10yrs, Eagle Scout)


1. Get involved. Make the program work for your sons and other boys. -Dan Smith - 15 yr., Eagle Scout

2. Simple Get involved with your Troop -Ed Scheffner - 18 yr.

3. Stay involved and attend training -9 yr. Leader

4. Volunteer some of your time to the Pack and/or Troop. It is a wise investment in the growth of, not only your child, but others as well. -Frank Wozniak - 10yrs

5. Remember that it should be fun. Learning and discipline come as second nature after that. -Tom - 5 yr.


6. Be patient. You can't learn everything overnight. Attend roundtables. Talk with other Scouters. Do a lot of research. -Carolyn Lare - 4 yr.

7. When Your Son Joins Boy Scouts: First year is often an awkward transition for both you and your boy. Older Scouts are like older brothers - they're great but they can be scary, especially for a boy who doesn't have an older brother at home.

The amount of camping in all kinds of weather is a BIG increase from Cub Scouts. Your son will need lots of support and encouragement from home to help with the transition.

Because Troops are boy-run not adult-run like in Cub Scouting, you'll find the transition awkward, too. Boys will call your son and Scouters will want to talk to your son, rather than you. When you have a question about a campout you need to fight the temptation to call a Scouter and instead help your son call his patrol Leader.

But, we still need LOTS of adult help at the committee level so don't be shy about stepping forward to assist! -Bob Geier - 9 yr.

8. Get involved as a volunteer with the Pack or the Troop. The program is much more fun and rewarding if you are actively involved as a Scouter. - Michael McClain - 3 yr.

9. Get involved. Scouting won't work without help from the parents. It's also a lot more fun. - M.S. 3 yr., Eagle Scout

10. Read the Scout handbook and follow your son's progress step by step. Vin Grimaldi - 1 yr.


11. Support your son in all aspects of the Scouting program. Attend all of the court of honors. Dads should go on as many outings as possible with their son. Don't let your son drive until he gets his eagle rank. -Greg Morris - 11 yr.

12. Give all the support that you can to the boy and the Troop. It is an experience they will never forget! -Michael Brumble - 25 yr., Eagle Scout

13. Jump right in. Anyone can help and have fun. -Steve Lundh - 11yrs

14. Have fun - help the Pack or Troop -S.M. - 4 yr., Eagle Scout

15. Get involved with the unit. Don't just drop the boy off. Be involved - even if it's just a little bit -Mike McElvogue -15 yr.


16. Give lots of encouragement to the Scout and GET INVOLVED with the Troop! -Paul Bouy Jr - 8 yr.

17. Be committed get involved as much as possible. Be supportive of your son(s) without being overbearing. The boy must want to do it himself. You can't do it for him. -Paul Winston, 6 yr., Eagle Scout

18. Don't ev


© SCOUTER.com 1994-2013