Troop Program Features
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===Pioneering=== | ===Pioneering=== | ||
- | [[Media:Troop Program Features - Pioneering.pdf|Pioneering]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 25 - 34 | + | [[Media:Troop Program Features - Pioneering.pdf|Pioneering]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 25 - 34. (''Also see the Troop Program Features for two other pioneering topics: [[Troop Program Features#Engineering|Engineering]] and [[Troop Program Features#Mechanics|Mechanics]])<br> |
* '''Advancement Opportunities''': [[Tenderfoot]] - [[Second Class]] - [[First Class]] - [[Pioneering]] | * '''Advancement Opportunities''': [[Tenderfoot]] - [[Second Class]] - [[First Class]] - [[Pioneering]] | ||
* See [[Pioneering]] for many resources including lesson videos. | * See [[Pioneering]] for many resources including lesson videos. | ||
===Public Service=== | ===Public Service=== | ||
- | [[Media:Troop Program Features - Public Service.pdf|Public Service]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 35 - 43. (''Also see [[Troop Program Features#Citizenship|Citizenship]])<br> | + | [[Media:Troop Program Features - Public Service.pdf|Public Service]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 35 - 43. (''Also see the Troop Program Feature for [[Troop Program Features#Citizenship|Citizenship]].)<br> |
*'''Advancement Opportunities''': [[Second Class]] #4 - [[First Class]] #5 - [[Citizenship in the Community]] - [[Citizenship in the Nation]] - [[Citizenship in the World]] - [[Public Health]] - [[American Cultures]] - [[American Heritage]] - [[Historic Trails]] | *'''Advancement Opportunities''': [[Second Class]] #4 - [[First Class]] #5 - [[Citizenship in the Community]] - [[Citizenship in the Nation]] - [[Citizenship in the World]] - [[Public Health]] - [[American Cultures]] - [[American Heritage]] - [[Historic Trails]] | ||
Revision as of 19:47, May 11, 2009
Using this program, a troop will explore dozens of merit badges and Scout Skills each year.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to choose from dozens of monthly plans that other troops have used and refined?
What if each monthly plan included sample meeting plans, activities, games, and PLC planning suggestions?
That's what the Troop Program Features are!
Patrol Leaders Council can pick and choose the themes that interest them. Then for each theme they can tailor their own plan from a variety of resources in the chapter.Each program is designed to let older Scouts teach newer Scouts the associated Scout Skills for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Older Scouts are encouraged to continue to explore the related Merit Badges for each topic.
By using this three-year program rotation, every Scout Skill is reinforced and Scouts are introduced to almost every merit badge. Some programs such as Camping, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness will probably be annual themes for new Scouts with older Scouts teaching and doing the related merit badges.
Although rarely mentioned in the Troop Program Features, the Guide to Safe Scouting must be with you on all activities and applies to every activity. Also note that the Table of Contents is sometimes out of order because the real subject name is used instead of the chapter name. Both names are shown in the chapter notes below.
Yearly Program Planning
- The full introduction with much more information is here: Introduction - How to Plan
"A successful troop meeting begins with advance planning. In recent research, the Boy Scouts of America determined that inadequately planned and executed troop meetings were the number one cause of boys leaving Scouting."
"Troop meetings should focus on a monthly program feature, be fast-moving, and start and end on time. The program feature should be interwoven with the program at all experience levels: the new-Scout patrol, experienced patrols, and the Venture patrol."
"Planning a troop program on an annual and a monthly basis is a new task for many leaders. Good planning and execution depend on (1) a Scoutmaster who understands the process, (2) trained youth leaders who can plan meetings and successfully execute them, (3) sufficient personnel in the form of Assistant Scoutmasters and troop committee members, and (4) parents who are knowledgeable and informed."
"Your first step in planning is to utilize the resources available to set goals for the troop. The next step is to train your youth leaders in the planning process. Then give them the responsibility and authority to plan and implement the troop program. The final step is to get your troop committee and parents to “buy in” to support this “Scout-planned” program."
"The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the Scoutmaster Handbook will guide you through the basics of planning, from doing your homework to securing parental support for your program. The monthly troop program features found in Scouting magazine are the other principal resources needed to run the program planning workshop."
Troop Program Features Volume I
- Source: Troop Program Features Vol. I (last downloaded 5/7/2009) - Vol I Printed
How to Plan Troop Programs
Introduction - How to Plan - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 5 - 14 Troop Meeting Plan Form p. 14
Aquatics
Aquatics - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 15 - 23
- Advancement Opportunities: Swimming - Lifesaving - Small-Boat Sailing - Mile Swim BSA - Snorkeling BSA - BSA Lifeguard - Boardsailing BSA - 50-Miler - Safe Swim Defense - Safety Afloat
- A Canoe Diagram is included
- Although not mentioned, there are swimming requirements in Second Class and First Class. In addition, Canoeing, Rowing, Water Sports, and Whitewater are Aquatics Advancement Opportunities.
- See Swimming Skills for many resources including lesson videos.
Athletics
Athletics - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 25 - 34
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Athletics - Personal Fitness - Skating - Cycling - Hiking - Sports - Swimming - Water Sports
- Note that although this chapter suggests earning your Skiing merit badge, Skiing was replaced in the 1990's with Snow Sports.
- See Personal Fitness for many resources including lesson videos.
Backpacking
Backpacking - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 35 - 44
- Advancement Opportunities: First Class - Backpacking - Hiking - Camping - Cooking - Orienteering - Wilderness Survival - Outdoor Code
- See Backpacking for many resources including lesson videos.
Boating-Canoeing
Boating-Canoeing - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 45 - 54
- Advancement Opportunities: Canoeing - Rowing - Small-Boat Sailing - Safety Afloat - Safe Swim Defense
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Motorboating is also a boating merit badge and canoe trips can apply towards the 50-Miler award.
- This topic does include good Canoe Paddle and Canoeing Strokes diagrams.
Business
Business - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 55 - 64. (Also see Citizenship)
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - American Business - American Labor - Citizenship in the Community - Citizenship in the Nation
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Entrepreneurship is how businesses are created. And the sales campaign activity is from the Salesmanship merit badge. Personal Management apllies these business skills to help manage your life.
- The suggested "Business" campout instead features an Orienteering race and a nature hike.
Camping
Camping - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 65 - 74
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Leave No Trace - Camping - Cooking - Hiking - Orienteering - Wilderness Survival
- See Scout Skills for many resources including lesson videos.
Citizenship
Citizenship - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 75 - 84. (Also see the Program Features for Public Service and Leadership)
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class #4 - First Class #5 - Citizenship in the Community - Citizenship in the Nation - Citizenship in the World - American Cultures - American Heritage - Law
- Although not mentioned, Family Life is about citizenship in the home.
- The suggested "Citizenship" campout instead features an Orienteering race and a nature hike.
- See Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World for many resources including lesson videos.
Communications
Communications - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 85 - 94
- Advancement Opportunities: Communications - Computers
- The Communications campout features semaphore flag signaling instruction!
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Public Speaking is all about communications as well.
- See Communications for many resources including lesson videos.
Cooking
Cooking - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 95 - 104. (Also see the Program Features for Dutch Oven Cooking)
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Cooking - Camping - Backpacking - Leave No Trace
- This chapter includes: Cooking Recipes, Foil Cooking, and Dutch Oven Cooking
- See Cooking for many resources including lesson videos.
Cultural Awareness
Cultural Awareness - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 105 - 112. (Also see Citizenship)
- Advancement Opportunities: Citizenship in the Community - Citizenship in the Nation - Citizenship in the World - - American Heritage - Indian Lore - Genealogy
- Although not mentioned in this topic, since 1979, the BSA continues to offer a merit badge about "Cultural Awareness" called American Cultures.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 113 - 122
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - First Aid - Emergency Preparedness
- Although not mentioned in this topic, the BSA does offer an emergency preparedness award called the Emergency Preparedness Award.
- See Emergency Preparedness for many resources including lesson videos.
Engineering
Engineering - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 123
- Although called "Engineering," this chapter focuses on "Wilderness Engineering" lashings and pioneering projects. Also see Pioneering 1 and Pioneering 2
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot #4 - First Class #7 - Engineering - Pioneering - Camping - Computers - Drafting - Electricity - Electronics.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
- Although not mentioned in the chapter, Energy and Nuclear Science are also engineering disciplines.
- A drawing for Space Exploration is included but the merit badge is not mentioned.
Troop Program Features Volume II
- Source: Troop Program Features Vol. II (last downloaded 5/7/2009) - Vol II Printed
Environment
Environment - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 15 - 24
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class - First Class - Environmental Science - Insect Study - Reptile and Amphibian Study - Soil and Water Conservation - Mammal Study - Leave No Trace
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
First Aid
First Aid - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 25 - 33
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - First Aid - Emergency Preparedness
- See First Aid Skills for many resources including lesson videos.
Fishing
Fishing - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 35 - 44
- Advancement Opportunities: Fishing - Cooking
- Although not mentioned in this chapter, since 2002, the BSA has offered a merit badge about "Fly-fishing" called Fly Fishing.
- See Fishing and Fly Fishing for many resources including lesson videos.
Forestry
Forestry - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 45 - 54
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class - Forestry - Mammal Study - Geology - Fish and Wildlife Management - Insect Study
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Health Care
Health Care - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 55 - 63
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Public Health - Medicine - Citizenship in the Community
High Adventure
High Adventure - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 65 - 74
- High Adventure typically means backpacking, canoeing, hiking, or cycling. To the Boy Scouts of America, it means Blindfold Soccer and Soccer Frisbee in this topic.
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class - First Class - Backpacking - Hiking - Cycling - Wilderness Survival - Leave No Trace
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Hiking
Hiking - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 75 - 83
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Hiking - Camping - Backpacking - Leave No Trace
- Although not mentioned in this chapter, the 50 Miler Award and Historic Trails are related topics.
- See Hiking for many resources including lesson videos.
Hobbies
Hobbies - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 85 - 94
- Advancement Opportunities: Collections
- This chapter suggests several other hobbies but does not reveal that they are merit badges: Archery, Camping, Coin Collecting, Computers, First Aid, Fishing, Indian Lore, Model Design and Building, Soil & Water Conservation, Pets, Pioneering, Stamp Collecting, and Wood Carving.
- This chapter does not use the BSA name or reveal that these are merit badges: Artwork (Art), Birding (Bird Study), Ceramics (Pottery), Fly tying (Fly Fishing), Gun safety (Rifle Shooting & Shotgun Shooting), Insect collections (Insect Study), Model trains (Railroading), Rock collections (Geology), Star study (Astronomy), Still photography (Photography), and Video photography (Cinematography), and Woodworking (Woodwork).
- Other merit badges are not mentioned that can make great hobbies: Aviation, Basketry, Genealogy, Golf, Horsemanship, Leatherwork, Music, Reading, Radio, Sculpture, and Space Exploration.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Leadership
Leadership - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 95 - 104
badge. (Also see Citizenship)
- Advancement Opportunities: First Class #5 - Citizenship in the Community - American Cultures - American Heritage
- This chapter includes an excellent group project "Stranded" where alone and then as a group you decide what survival items are important. Includes answer key and explainations. Good for a troop meeting.
- P. 96 suggests that "Older Scouts can concentrate on the Citizenship merit badge this month." There is no such merit badge.
- This chapter does not mention it but the BSA does have a youth leadership program: National Youth Leadership Training.
Mechanics
Mechanics - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 105 - 115
- Although this chapter is called Mechanics, it is not about being a mechanic but does offer good Pioneering projects and COPE-type games.
- Advancement Opportunities: First Class - Pioneering - Includes how to make a balloon launcher.
Nature
Nature - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 117 - 126
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class - First Class - Nature - Mammal Study - Geology - Fish and Wildlife Management - Insect Study - Leave No Trace
- Although not mentioned, Soil and Water Conservation, Oceanography, and Reptile and Amphibian Study are Advancement Opportunities in Nature.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Orienteering
Orienteering - Troop Program Features Volume II pp. 127 - 136
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class - First Class - Orienteering
- See Orienteering for many resources including lesson videos.
Troop Program Features Volume III
- Source: Troop Program Features Vol. III (last downloaded 5/7/2009) - Vol III Printed
Physical Fitness
Physical Fitness - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 15 - 24
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Personal Fitness - Hiking - Camping - Athletics - Swimming - Sports - Skating - Cycling
- See Personal Fitness for many resources including lesson videos.
Pioneering
Pioneering - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 25 - 34. (Also see the Troop Program Features for two other pioneering topics: Engineering and Mechanics)
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Pioneering
- See Pioneering for many resources including lesson videos.
Public Service
Public Service - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 35 - 43. (Also see the Troop Program Feature for Citizenship.)
- Advancement Opportunities: Second Class #4 - First Class #5 - Citizenship in the Community - Citizenship in the Nation - Citizenship in the World - Public Health - American Cultures - American Heritage - Historic Trails
Safety
Safety - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 45 - 54
- Advancement Opportunities: Safety - Fire Safety
- Although not mentioned as Advancement Opportunities, Crime Prevention, Traffic Safety, and Emergency Preparedness do focus on safety.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Science
Science - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 55 - 64
- Advancement Opportunities: Weather
- Although not mentioned as Advancement Opportunities, Chemistry, Astronomy, Computers, Electricity, Electronics, Energy, Environmental Science, Geology, and Nuclear Science are applied sciences just as Weather is.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Shooting
Shooting - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 65 - 74
- Advancement Opportunities: Archery - Shotgun Shooting - Rifle Shooting
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Special Cooking
- This topic is actually Dutch Oven Cooking and Reflector Oven Cooking.
- Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Cooking - Camping
- You will use Dutch Oven Cooking and Reflector Oven Cooking and have a troop outdoor banquet.
MeritBadge.Org Resources:
- Outdoor Cooking Videos: Food Selection - Food Quality - Stoves - Utensils - Water Purification - Leave No Trace
- Cooking Gear: REI: Cookware - BSA Cooking Gear - REI: Stoves - Stove Safety
- Dutch Oven Cooking: International Dutch Oven Society - USScouts.Org - MacScouter - dutchovencookware.com
Sports
Sports - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 85 - 94
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Sports - Personal Fitness - Hiking - Camping - Athletics - Swimming - Sports - Skating - Cycling
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Climbing is a sport.
- You can feature flag football, soccer, softball, and other sports on a campout.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Tracking
Tracking - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 95 - 104
- While called Tracking, this program is more about Scout Skills.
- Advancement Opportunities: First Class - Nature - Camping - Mammal Study - Fish and Wildlife Management - Insect Study,
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Reptile and Amphibian Study also includes tracking.
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness Survival - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 105 - 114
- Advancement Opportunities: Wilderness Survival - Camping - Cooking
- The "Downed Plane" and "The Flood" scenarios are great learning exercises.
- See Wilderness Survival for many resources including lesson videos.
Wildlife Management
Wildlife Management - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 115 - 124
- Advancement Opportunities: Nature - Mammal Study - Fish and Wildlife Management - Insect Study
- Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Reptile and Amphibian Study also includes management requirements.
- See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.
Winter Camping
Winter Camping - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 125 - 134
- Advancement Opportunities: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class - Camping - Leave No Trace
- Activities can feature Ice Rescue, Sledding, and Snow Sports
- See Camping for many resources including lesson videos.
Troop Program Resources
- Source: Troop Program Resources
Scoutmaster's Minute
- The Scoutmaster’s Minute - Troop Program Resources
Games
- Games - Troop Program Resources
Ceremonies
- Ceremonies - Troop Program Resources
Interfaith Worship Service
- Interfaith Worship Service - Troop Program Resources
Glossary of Scouting Terms
- Glossary of Scouting Terms - Troop Program Resources
Pearls of Wisdom—Quotes From Baden-Powell
- Pearls of Wisdom—Quotes From Baden-Powell - Troop Program Resources
Founders of the BSA
- Founders of the BSA - Troop Program Resources
Forms
- The Troop Program Resources Forms are out of date. Here are the Current BSA Forms.
Clip Art
- Clip Art - Troop Program Resources
See also
![]() | Boy Scout portal |
References
- 36 BSA Monthly Troop Programs with Troop Meeting Plans (free & online), Printed: Vol I - Vol II - Vol III - Resources
- Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) - Troop Meeting Planner - Campfire Planner - Resource Survey - Troop Committee Challenge
- Senior Patrol Leaders Handbook - Patrol Leaders Handbook - Scoutmaster Handbook - BSA Nameplates
- Training: New Leader Training - Scoutmaster Outdoor - Scoutmaster's Key - Wood Badge
- Applications: New Unit - Adult Application
- Fundraising, Popcorn, and the importance of Individual Youth Accounts
- Advancement Policies - Advancement Report - First Class-First Year - Individual Boy Scout Record
- Orientation for New Boy Scout Parents
Senior Patrol Leader Asst.(s) | Quartermaster | Junior Asst. Scoutmaster(s) | Order of the Arrow Rep. |
Patrol Leader(s), Venture Patrol Leader, Asst.(s) | Historian | Instructor(s) & Troop Guide(s) & Outdoor Ethics Guide | Chaplain Aide |
Scribe | Librarian | Den Chief(s) | Bugler & Musician |
Advisers: Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster(s) |
Troop Committee Chairman | Secretary | Treasurer | Advancement Chair |
Equipment Coordinator | Activities Chair | Membership Chair | Training Chair |
Fundraising Chair | Public Relations Chair | Friends of Scouting Chair | Scouting for Food Chair |
ScoutParent Unit Coordinator | Chaplain | New Member Coordinator | |
Reports to: Chartered Organization Representative | Advisers: Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster(s) |