0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views26 pages

Leadership Skills Guide for Troops

The document serves as a guide for teaching leadership skills to troops, featuring instructional symbols, troop organization charts for both small and large troops, and a detailed meeting plan. It includes a Scout planning worksheet to help leaders outline goals, resources, and phases for troop activities, as well as a narration for troop meeting agendas and patrol leaders' council operations. Additionally, it presents 48 program features across various categories to enhance troop activities and engagement.

Uploaded by

bloomerp
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views26 pages

Leadership Skills Guide for Troops

The document serves as a guide for teaching leadership skills to troops, featuring instructional symbols, troop organization charts for both small and large troops, and a detailed meeting plan. It includes a Scout planning worksheet to help leaders outline goals, resources, and phases for troop activities, as well as a narration for troop meeting agendas and patrol leaders' council operations. Additionally, it presents 48 program features across various categories to enhance troop activities and engagement.

Uploaded by

bloomerp
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

APPENDIX

61
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

INSTRUCTIONAL SYMBOLS
These symbols are used throughout this guide to alert you to the
method and materials needed to facilitate the sessions successfully.

2-Group 3-Group Class Size Game Group


Activity

Handout Key Points Materials Objectives Q&A


for Distribution

Reflection Roleplay Say Team-based Timeframe


Learning

Training Mats Website Writing


Flip Chart Assignment

APPENDIX
62
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART


Example for a Small Troop

Chartered organization
representative

Committee chair

Scoutmaster

Assistant Assistant
Assistant
Scoutmaster— Scoutmaster—
new-Scout patrol Scoutmaster
older-Scout patrol

Senior patrol PATROL LEADERS’


leader COUNCIL
Troop guide

Patrol leader—
New-Scout patrol Assistant senior older-Scout patrol
Patrol leader
leader patrol leader

Assistant
Den chief
patrol leader

Outdoor
Quarter­master Webmaster
ethics guide

APPENDIX
63
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART


Example for a Large Troop

Chartered organization
representative

Committee chair

Scoutmaster

Assistant Assistant
Junior assistant Assistant
Scoutmaster— Scoutmaster—
new-Scout patrol Scoutmaster Scoutmaster
older-Scout patrol

Assistant senior Senior patrol PATROL LEADERS’


patrol leader leader COUNCIL
Troop guide

New-Scout patrol Patrol leader—


Patrol leader Patrol leader Patrol leader older-Scout patrol
leader

Assistant Assistant Assistant


Den chief
patrol leader patrol leader patrol leader

OA troop
Instructor Quarter­master Scribe Librarian Historian Chaplain aide
representative

Outdoor ethics
Bugler Webmaster
guide

APPENDIX
64
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Meeting Plan:
Week __ Date_____________________
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION RUN BY TIME*
Preopening _________
__ minutes before meeting

Opening Ceremony Flag presentation _________


__ minutes Oath and Law
Uniform inspection
Group Instruction • _________
__ minutes •

Skills Instruction • _________


__ minutes •







Breakout Groups _________


__ minutes

Game _________
__ minutes
Closing Announcements _________
__ minutes Leader’s minute
Closing
Total 90 minutes of meeting
After the Meeting Leadership team review plans for the next meeting and for
__ minutes the main event.

*All times are suggested.

APPENDIX
65
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

SCOUT PLANNING WORKSHEET


“Plan on a Page”
If needed, use attachments for additional information.

GOAL
Describe what you intend to accomplish, the objectives.

WHY?
Describe the purpose or need for this activity—why it is important.

WHO?
Team leader
Telephone Email
Team members
Name Telephone Email
Name Telephone Email
Name Telephone Email
Name Telephone Email

WHEN?
Consider creating a work-back schedule based on the completion date.
Anticipated start date Projected completion date

WHERE?
Location
Permissions/permits required

Transportation/parking needs

Weather contingencies

Liability and possible site hazards

APPENDIX
66
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

WHAT?
What resources do you need to complete the goal?
Equipment, materials, volunteers, shelter, food/water, and other resources needed and the sources

Estimated expenses and the sources

Safety issues

Health, sanitation, and cleanup

HOW?
Outline the anticipated phases of your activity, specific actions to be taken in each phase, and target dates for completion.
For example: choosing a location, setting an agenda, securing equipment, implementation.

Planning Phases Steps to Completion Target Date Person Responsible

ASSESSMENT
If you could start over, consider what you would
Start

Stop

Continue

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA


1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079 512-505
[Link] 2016 Printing

APPENDIX
67
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

TROOP MEETING AGENDA VIDEO NARRATION


The text below should be presented in conjunction with the Troop Meeting Planning Sheet also found
in the appendix. Printed copies of the planning sheet should be distributed to all those in attendance.

The Troop Meeting Planning Sheet can provide a useful framework for successful meetings The
unit’s planning team can adapt it in accordance with their needs. All segments of this meeting plan
can be presented in creative ways, each adding to the overall experience of a well-run Scout meeting.

Preopening
The troop meetings for the month are planned by the patrol leaders’ council during their monthly
conference. Before the troop meeting’s opening, during the gathering period activity, the Scoutmaster
spends a few minutes with the senior patrol leader to check that everything’s good to go.

Gathering period activities are planned and prepared to give Scouts something to do that is fun
and engaging prior to the meeting’s opening ceremony. Designed so that other Scouts can readily
join in as they arrive, these kinds of involving activities are set out in such a way so that a smooth
transition can take place from the activity to the official start of the troop meeting.

Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony signals the troop meeting has officially begun. Many troops will start things
off with a presentation of the troop flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, often followed by the Scout
Oath and/or Law. If it’s decided by the patrol leaders’ council, in order to spark interest and add variety,
each troop meeting can start with a unique opening ceremony presented by individual patrols.

After the opening ceremony, as the meeting gets underway, Scouts look to the senior patrol leader
for troop news and information. As the man with the plan, the senior patrol leader makes these
announcements to keep everyone informed.

Group Instruction
When a presentation is relevant to a large portion of the troop, the meeting can include a period of
group instruction. Like regular skills instruction sessions, group instruction can focus on material
relevant to an upcoming outing or a main event, or a merit badge. Like skills instruction, group
instruction can be presented by adult or junior leaders, or a visiting expert. A major part of Scouting
is learning, expanding horizons, and being prepared.

APPENDIX
68
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Skills Instruction
The skills instruction portion of a troop meeting might focus on skills Scouts need to participate
in an activity, or skills they need for advancement. Depending on the needs of individual Scouts,
different skills instruction sessions can be held at the same time. The sessions should be led
by well-prepared Scouts serving as troop instructors, adult Scout leaders, or outside authorities
willing to share their knowledge with the troop. As much as possible, instruction should be
hands-on and activity-based.

Breakout Groups
Breaking out into groups provides an opportunity for patrols to plan, prepare, and get organized.
Breakout groups give patrols time to decide on their menu for the upcoming camping trip, make up
a duties roster, and generally take care of patrol business. In addition to benefitting the patrol as a
whole, this short patrol meeting is a good thing for each individual Scout.

Game
The game section of the troop meeting can contribute more to making the meeting really fun
than any other part of the agenda. Hence, it deserves to be properly planned and prepared so that
Scouts can benefit the most from their participation. When properly presented, all troop meeting
activities, whether a Scout skill challenge, team-building opportunity, or a troop-wide game, can
contribute towards ensuring the troop meeting is fun with positive outcomes.

Closing
As part of the closing period, a short, meaningful message delivered by the Scoutmaster or
another adult leader serves nicely to round things out, ending the meeting on a positive note that
is relevant and thoughtful.

Following the Scoutmaster’s minute, a troop can adopt any kind of closing ceremony they choose.

After the Meeting


After the meeting it’s worthwhile for the youth leaders to hold a short session reflecting on what
took place, and double check that everything’s good to go for the next meeting. A well-functioning
troop always considers how to make things even better, and making sure they’re prepared for what
lies ahead.

APPENDIX
69
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

PATROL LEADERS’ COUNCIL VIDEO NARRATION


This is the narration from the Patrol Leaders’ Council video, featuring a PLC conducting business
while the Scoutmaster sits silently in the background.

NARRATOR: Once they’re given the tools and acquire the skills, Scouts are equipped to plan,
prepare, and deliver their troop’s program. Representing every Scout, the patrol leaders’ council
meets monthly to define what’s taking place and what needs to be done to run their troop.

SPL: “So, if we can start on the Tenderfoot …”

SCRIBE: “They’re starting the first increments of exercising this week?”

SPL: “Yes.” (All writing notes.)

ASPL: “Are we continuing with the Personal Fitness merit badge? Is that still going on?”

SCRIBE: “Yes, every other week they’re meeting at 6:30. So this week, they’ll just be there at 7:00,
show her the paper, so, yeah, every other week.”

NARRATOR: After the overall, yearly calendar has been established, the Troop Meeting Planning
Sheet is a great tool to prepare the agenda for each meeting. (See Troop Meeting Planning Sheet,
also in appendix.)

SPL: (Referring to notes.) “So we got, working on the Tenderfoot for the Scouts, and then we have
the Snake Race.”

APPENDIX
70
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

NARRATOR: In addition to other planning materials, the Troop Program Resources website has
an organized library of Scout meeting activities that can help the patrol leaders’ council make
effective selections that are fun with positive outcomes. (website screenshots)

SPL: “What else we got?”

PL 1: “Joey’s gonna do his Dutch oven class.”

SPL: “Dutch oven class?” (All writing notes.)

PL OF OLDER-SCOUT PATROL: While Donald and them are doing that, I can get a few of the older
Scouts and we can have a fire ready for you.”

NARRATOR: Working as a team, the patrol leaders’ council covers the troop’s bases, ensuring the
promise of Scouting is delivered.

SCRIBE: “Opening, we’ve got our advancement, a game, should be about it for that meeting.”
(All writing.)

SPL: “I guess that rounds up the meeting.”

NARRATOR: Provide the Scouts with an objective, equip them with the tools—and the resources
and the skills to learn how to use them—and then turn them loose.

APPENDIX
71
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

PROGRAM FEATURES VIDEO NARRATION


The text below should be presented in conjunction with a categorized listing of the 48 program
features also found in the appendix. Printed copies of the list should be distributed to all those
in attendance.

Program Features is a collection of 48 modules providing a wide range of Scouting opportunities


that are fun with positive outcomes. A Scouting program consists of what Scouts do, and generally
speaking, a troop with great membership retention and great attendance is providing its members
with a youth-run program that is unique, involving, and challenging.

This kind of program doesn’t just happen. It has to be planned, and these program features serve
as a useful resource to simplify the planning process. They’re filled with ideas.

A program feature can be selected as a monthly theme and serve as a resource for weekly meetings
and a monthly outing. Troops can choose to use as much or as little as they like. Features can be
adapted, expanded upon, mixed, matched, and repeated as often as a troop likes.

As long as a troop adheres to the Guide for Safe Scouting, the options are numerous and the ideas
are as unlimited as the Scouts’ readiness, creativity, and imagination.

APPENDIX
72
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

48 PROGRAM FEATURES
Outdoor Program Features
• Archery • Orienteering

• Backpacking • Outdoor Ethics

• Camping • Paddle Sports

• Caving • Pioneering

• Climbing and Rappelling • Scuba Diving

• Cooking • Shotgun Shooting

• COPE • Sustainability

• Cycling • Swimming

• Fishing • Wilderness Survival

• Geocaching • Wildlife Management

• Hiking • Winter Camping

• Nature and Environment

APPENDIX
73
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Sports Program Features STEM Program Features


• Fitness and Nutrition • Engineering

• Rifle Shooting • Mathematics

• Skateboarding • Science

• Soccer • Technology

• Snowboarding and Skiing Arts and Hobbies


Program Features
Health and Safety
Program Features • Living History

• First Aid • Multimedia

• Games • Music

• Safety • Spectator Sports

• Special Needs Awareness

• Emergency Preparedness

Citizenship and
Personal Development
Program Features
• Citizenship

• Communication

• Duty to God

• Ethics

• Financial Management

• Mentoring

• Project Planning

APPENDIX
74
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

PATROL LEADERS’ COUNCIL


The patrol leaders’ council is the troop’s elected and duly appointed governing body. Resting on
their shoulders is the planning, preparation, and presentation of the troop’s Scouting program.
It’s up to them to see that the promise of Scouting is delivered. Though this might appear to be
a daunting proposition, with the proper training, they can gain the required tools and Scout skills
needed to run their troop in a fashion that results in a thriving program benefitting all the members
of their troop.

Distribute and review copies of the PLC Meeting Agenda.

The first thing a really successful patrol leaders’ council needs is a shared vision of how the senior
patrol leader and the entire PLC would like their troop to perform and function. How do they want
the Scouts to feel and how do they want them to behave? What would this look like? Finally, what
do they want to accomplish within the framework of the Scouting program? Once they have a
well-defined picture, and how it translates into an ideal meeting, and for that matter, any troop
gathering, they can use this as a point of reference to gauge how they are doing and towards what
they might need to strive.

Within the contents of Module One, we explored the significance of communication, planning, and
the EDGE method. These are three essential troop leader tools that are needed to ensure the troop
runs well. When the PLC has a good handle on these, and a guiding vision on which to base their
performance, they’re bound to experience success.

An old adage states, “nothing succeeds like success.” Well-presented and productive PLC meetings
lead to positive results. When the troop’s population experiences organized, well-planned meetings
and outings that are informative, engaging and fun, one of the outcomes will be a responsive
enthusiasm. Born of this enthusiasm is what might appear to be a special magic! The patrol
leaders’ council begins to take an enjoyable initiative in planning a Scouting program that rocks! At
that juncture, the adult leaders can definitely stand aside and assume their rightful role— assuring
the Scouts’ health and safety, and also their compliance with national Scouting guidelines.

APPENDIX
75
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

PLC MEETING AGENDA


ACTIVITY RUN BY
Opening and Call to Order Senior Patrol Leader
Roll Call and Reading of the Log (Minutes) Troop Scribe
Patrol Reports Patrol Leaders
Old Business Senior Patrol Leader
Main Event Planning Senior Patrol Leader
Troop Meeting Planning Senior Patrol Leader
New Business Senior Patrol Leader
Scoutmaster’s Minute Scoutmaster

Opening and Call to Order


Start the meeting on time with a simple opening ceremony such as reciting the Scout Oath or
Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call and Reading of the Log


Ask the troop scribe to call the roll and read the log from the previous meeting. Council members
may make additions or corrections to the log before voting to approve it as part of the council’s
permanent record.

Patrol Reports
Each patrol leader should be prepared to make a report on the progress of their patrol. Each report
should include information about new members, advancement progress, and anything the patrol
has done since the last patrol leaders’ council meeting.

Old Business
Take up any discussion items left unresolved at the last patrol leaders’ council meeting. When
necessary, bring matters to a close by calling for a vote.

APPENDIX
76
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Big Event Planning


Review and discuss the big event related to the upcoming month’s troop program feature.
Determine the “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of the event. Patrol leaders can
add to the discussion by voicing ideas raised by their patrols. Explore the issues and bring any
essential matters to a vote.

Troop Meeting Planning


Distribute meeting plan worksheets for the month’s troop meetings. A meeting plan is included
with each of the program features in Program Features for Troops, Teams, and Crews (volumes
1, 2, and 3). Fillable planning sheets are available online at [Link]. As you and the patrol
leaders’ council review plans for each of the month’s meetings, assign responsibilities for portions
of the meetings, taking care to distribute the load equally among the patrols and troop leadership.
Be sure to plan three levels of skills instruction for each meeting so that all age groups will be
equally challenged.

New Business
This portion of the meeting is devoted to discussions of items not previously on the agenda. A
patrol may be requesting permission to embark on a patrol hike, for example, or the opportunity for
a special troop service project may have recently come up.

Scoutmaster’s Minute
Up to now the Scoutmaster has probably observed the patrol leaders’ council meeting and asked a
question or two, but otherwise allowed you to run the meeting and guide the agenda. As a closing to
the meeting, the Scoutmaster can share some constructive thoughts on what has happened and offer
an upbeat, supportive Scoutmaster’s Minute to provide a sense of completion to the proceedings.

APPENDIX
77
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Assessing the Patrol Leaders’ Council Meeting


Immediately following a patrol leaders’ council, take a few minutes to review events with the
Scoutmaster. The following questions can guide your assessment:

• Was there a written agenda, and was it followed?

• Were all patrols allowed input on troop decisions?

• Were specific tasks assigned to individuals or patrols?

• Were necessary resources for troop activities considered?

• Were tasks spread evenly among patrols and individuals?

• Was a specific schedule planned for upcoming events?

• Did the group come to a consensus on handling problems?

• Was a log kept?

APPENDIX
78
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

ROCKS

APPENDIX
79
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

ALTERNATIVE GAMES
These games will aid Scouts in developing their teamwork, communications
skills, and reliance upon one another.

Alternative Teamwork Game: Everybody Up


INSTRUCTIONS: Play a teamwork game—experience working together and cooperating as a
group. Ask two people of approximately the same size to sit on the floor or ground facing one
another, toe to toe, knees bent, and their hands tightly grasped. From this position, ask the duo to
try to pull themselves into an upright standing position without moving their feet. Once they are
successful, add two more people, and continue until the entire group is included.

Blindfold Walk
EQUIPMENT—various pieces of furniture arranged in a maze-like obstacle course; cloth for
making blindfolds.

Create an indoor obstacle course in the meeting room. Sketch the layout and devise a challenging
path in which the team members must walk. Include some obstacles to step over, as well as some
to duck under (if possible). Don’t make it so difficult that the course might raise safety issues, but
make it challenging.

EXPLAIN: “Your team’s objective is to get all members through the maze of obstacles in the
shortest amount of time. Your team leader, who has a specific map that must be followed, will be
giving you directions and instructions. Please put on your blindfolds and listen carefully to your
team leader.”

Give the team leader the map, and allow the leader to organize the team to accomplish the task—
e.g., have team members go as individuals through the maze, or have them line up with a hand on
the shoulder in front of them doing each “hazard” as a group.

APPENDIX
80
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

REFLECTION
How well did your leader guide you through the maze with only verbal instructions? Can you
suggest a more efficient (or more timely) way to complete the course?

How do you feel about completing the obstacle course?

Zulu Toss
MATERIALS—three or four lightweight balls for each small group. Have a presenter for each group
who has access to the ball supply.

Team members form a circle. One player tosses one ball across to another player of their choosing
who in turn tosses it to a different player and so on until everyone has touched the ball one time.
The last player tosses it back to the first player, thereby completing the circuit. The team tosses
one ball around the circuit a few more times until everyone knows the order of who is receiving
and sending.

Then the first player starts the ball on its journey again but when the circuit is half finished, the
presenter hands the first player a second ball to also send along. There are now two balls being
sent around the circuit. The presenter eventually hands the first player one or two balls until all of
the balls are in play.

Hot Isotope Transport


MATERIALS FOR EACH PATROL—six 15-foot cords, an elastic band (ends of a short bungee cord
joined together will work well), and a can filled with water to a mark ½-inch from the top. Place the
can in the middle of a circle 20 feet in diameter.

Each patrol will assemble a “hot isotope transporter” by attaching the cords to the elastic circle
with two half-hitches. They then line up around the can staying outside the circle at all times.
Under the direction of their patrol leader, they pull the cords to stretch the elastic band. The object
is to bring the expanded band down over the can, then relax the band to fit tightly over the can.
They then lift and deposit the can upright at a point outside the circle, without spilling any water.

APPENDIX
81
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Yurt Circle
A yurt is a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, originated by nomads in central
Asia. While most types of tents are supported by rigid members under compression—making
them inflexible—the structural members of a yurt pull away from each other under tension, making
it flexible yet strong.

Play a teamwork game to experience cooperating as a group. Ask an even number of participants
(add or subtract a trainer as needed) to stand in a circle facing the middle and join hands. Have
them expand the circle outward until all participants feel some gentle pull on their arms from each
side. Ask them to spread their feet to shoulder width and in line with the circumference of the
circle. Have them assign the number 1 or 2 to each member. Then ask all of the “ones” to slowly
lean in toward the center of the circle, while all of the “twos” slowly lean out without bending at the
waist and without moving their feet.

If the group works together, each person can accomplish a remarkable forward or backward lean.
Now ask the group to slowly reverse positions. There will be some difficulty, but let them keep
trying. As the trainer, do not direct how the group accomplishes the game—let them lead and direct
themselves. Get involved if you have any safety concerns.

REFLECTION
Lead a discussion regarding working together as a team and the purpose and value of the Scout-
led troop. Ask a few brief questions about the game, then shift into a reflection about how this
model is implemented in your troop.

APPENDIX
82
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

Human Train Track


EQUIPMENT—Six to 10 smooth hardwood dowels (or yardsticks) about 3 feet long; blindfold. Pair
the team members and give each pair one “railroad tie.” Several pairs, each holding a railroad tie
and standing close together, form the train track. A designated “train” is blindfolded, starts at one
end of the track, and proceeds from one tie to the next. Once the train passes, the pair holding that
railroad tie may leave that position and go to the front end of the tracks, extending the train track
length indefinitely.

EXPLAIN: “Your objective is to lay sufficient track as to have the blindfolded train get from here
to there (a destination in the room). Being railroad tracks, you cannot speak—of course! Once the
train has passed, the railroad ties may move to the front of the tracks so as to extend the tracks’
length. Any questions?”

NOTE: The direction of the track may change at any time (make a right-angle turn, for example).
Obstacles may be added, and the height of the railroad ties may also vary.

REFLECTION
Train, how well did you trust the direction your track was laid toward arriving at your specific
destination? Any challenges? Tracks, why did you choose to change direction (or height), and how
did you communicate that change?

Match This Example


EQUIPMENT—Two sets of matching toy blocks (about 10 blocks per set), one set arranged
haphazardly on a table in another room, the other in a sack or plastic bag; two walkie-talkies,
sketch pad with pencil; sheet of 8½-by-11-inch paper for each set of blocks.

In a second room away from the meeting place, arrange the blocks on a table on top of the sheet
of paper (used for orientation)—a haphazard pyramid with a few arrayed on the table top; some
blocks with letters/numbers facing forward, others facing whichever way. If possible, have a few
similar letters but of different colors arranged to create additional challenge (e.g., “move the red ‘T’
to the center …”; “have the blue ‘T’ facing …”).

APPENDIX
83
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

EXPLAIN: “Your team’s objective is to exactly duplicate a set of toy blocks arranged on a table
in the next room with the set of blocks and this piece of paper I’m giving you. Your arrangements
must be exact—the way it is laid out, the positioning, everything about it. You will have only 10
minutes to complete the task, which includes a maximum of two minutes to devise an appropriate
plan to accomplish your task.

“The difficulty is that only two of you will be allowed into the next room to view the assembled set.
The added challenge is that only one of the two of you may speak to the rest of the team— and
then only from that room. Any questions? (If asked, the two can speak to each other while in that
room, but only one may speak to the rest of the team).”

If asked, “There are no restrictions on how to communicate assembly instructions. A set of walkie-
talkies is available—so you won’t have to yell from room to room. And a sketch pad is available,
too. The room with the other set of blocks is (down the hall on the left). But you will have only 10
minutes total to complete your task … beginning now.”

When ready, have the team leader and one other team member (with a walkie-talkie) go into the
other room where the table display is assembled. Watch the time carefully, and reassemble the
entire team at the end of 10 minutes.

REFLECTION
How well did you complete your task? Any challenges? Did you consider any other ways of
communicating what the blocks in the second room looked like? And if so, what did you do? (Take
a cellphone picture and send it to another team member.) How would you reorganize who was
doing what to complete your task (more effectively)?

APPENDIX
84
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

REFERENCES
• Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops Position Description Cards, No. 30521

• Scouts BSA Handbook, No. 34554

• The Patrol Leader Handbook, No. 32502

• The Senior Patrol Leader Handbook, No. 32501

• Troop Leader Guidebook, Volumes 1 and 2, Nos. 33009 and 33010

APPENDIX
721-072
2018 Printing

You might also like