ScouterStan - Scout Leader Podcast

In this groundbreaking video, we delve into the transformative journey of the Girl Scouts organization as it embraces a new era of inclusivity and empowerment. Join us as we explore how Girl Troops are revolutionizing the scouting landscape, with a focus on recruitment, retention, and the troop concept, all of which contribute to increasing membership and fostering a sense of belonging. Discover e...

We take you on a journey to explore the exciting world of patch trading at a Boy Scout summer camp. If you're a Boy Scout enthusiast or collector, you won't want to miss this! We show you the ins and outs of the patch trading scene at camp, from the different types of patches to the friendly competition between scouts. We even get up close and personal with some of the rarest and most soug...

Being a new Assistant Scoutmaster can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and it's important to “be prepared” for the role. We'll cover everything from building relationships with your scouts and fellow leaders to helping the youth plan meetings and outings, to effectively managing time. Getting to know them on a personal level, being approachable, and actively listening to their co...

Many non-scouters believe that Scouting is militaristic. Almost to the point of an “urban legend”. This rumor that somehow our peace movement is actually militarily oriented. Baden-Powell the founder of Scouting spend most of his professional career in the military. As the Scouting movement was developing it became more of a peace movement throughout the world. Citizenship and one's duty to th...

So many units fail when it comes time to replace a critical leader. Unlocking the secret of mentoring replacements is a critical skill that all leaders should have. Adult leaders need to work with the youth leadership to do the same. All too often we rely on friends to fill the space we leave behind. Many times the unit completely folds, trusting that others will step up. Mentoring your replacemen...

Proclaimed to be the book that started the Scouting movement in the world. Originally was an instruction manual for the military. This little book of the 20th century became extremely popular in England with the postindustrial youth. Baden-Powell struggled to get the book published as he was in the midst of a siege in the little town of Mafeking (today Mafikeng) South Africa in the Second Boer War...

This podcast dispels many of the mysteries about Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training & CPR/AED Certification. Many scout leaders that are heading off to high adventure are required to take this training. This first aid training is recommended for scout leaders heading off to remote locations where rapid first aid transport is not readily available. Many councils have opportunities throughout t...

The Scout uniform is part of the methods of Scouting. As a uniformed organization, we transform our daily life into being a Scout. Boys & Girls in uniform are Scouts, not kids. There are places to be in uniform and places where the uniform would be inappropriate. The dress uniform, uniform, and activity uniform (class B) are explained. Regular uniform at scout meetings, training, and events. F...

The history of the Den Chief is fascinating. Ernest Thompson Seton had the original idea from woodcraft indenes. The newly formed BSA just wasn’t ready for the new Cub Scouts. James West persuaded the founders to let Scouting get established before starting this new part. Baden-Powell published his Wolf Cubs handbook based on Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. Cub Scout Packs started in 1930 with...

We hear about people getting “kicked out of Scouting” all the time. Many famous people make this fashionable claim. The reality is that not many scouts are asked to leave their unit. Most of the time with adults it's because of Youth Protection Training (YPT) violations or not passing the required background checks. In this video, we talk about this serious matter of membership. The unit's...

A properly running Troop has a regular Patrol Leader Council (PLC) every month. Many Packs, Troops, and Crews could benefit from a similar meeting with the adult leadership. The Scout Leader Council (SLC) is a monthly meeting of all Scout-Facing and Back-Stage adult leaders within the unit. Subjects at the meeting will cover the support of the unit functions that the adult leadership is responsibl...

Looking for a place to belong as an “Aged-out” Scout? Check out the College Scouter Reserve! This Scouting position is perfect for Scouts over 18 who are looking for an adult leader position within their unit. You'll have access to Scouts BSA's vast resources, including camps and summer camp, as well as all the benefits that come with being a part of your scout unit. If you're looking...

The International Souters Award recognizes Scouters that have participated in and promoted international Scouting. Often adult leaders don't realize when they have actually achieved this award. Looking over the requirements and completing 6 in any 3 of the 5 categories complete this award. This square knot identifies Scout Leaders with international Scouting experience. As members of the World...

Scouting is deeply tied to STEM while working with America's youth. We need to recognize youth that chooses to fulfill the requirements of STEM within Scouting. The Nova award and the Supernova are based on excellence within a STEM discipline. Scouts that achieve this high award should be recognized and celebrated. This is not new it's just that we now recognize that everything we do in Sc...

The New Member Coordinator for any unit is a critical role in any successful Scouting unit. This underutilized position needs to be a critical part of your unit planning. As a vital member of the recruitment team, the New Member Coordinator (NMC) oversees many tasks that include many of the adults that are often not utilized. The parents are often left out of the loop unless they get involved dire...

Do you have new Scouts going to Summer Camp? This is the podcast for you! In this episode, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about first-year Scouting at Summer Camp. If you're looking for information about Summer Camp programs, this podcast is for you! We'll discuss everything from first-year scout programs to merit badges for First Class Scouts and beyond. We hope you enjoy this po...

In this podcast, I'm sharing a surprising truth about “aging out” in the Order of the Arrow. In short, it's not as bad as you think! You may have heard that you'll age out of the Order of the Arrow if you're over 18 with a Troop membership. But in this video, I'm sharing a surprising truth about aging out. In reality, it's not as bad as you think! After watching this video, you'll have a better un...

There is a debate about who is 3rd in command in youth leadership. Many maintain it’s the Troop Scribe while others put forth a good case for other positions. The Troop Scribe is part of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) but has no vote in decisions. The Troop Scribe also reports and works with the Advancement Team and the Troop Finance Subcommittee. If both the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), and the...

Discover some of the fascinating histories of the tribe of Mic-O-say. One of the early honor societies of the Boy Scouts of America. Most Scouters know of the Order of the Arrow (OA) as the official Honor Society of the BSA. The history of Mic-O-say is fascinating and is very local to just a handful of councils to this day. Starting in 1925 at camp Brinton of the pony express council focused on In...

Many outside of Scouting don't know why we would volunteer our time to be adult leaders. We believe in helping young people discover Scouting Values and incorporate them into their life choices. There are many rewards in helping young people instill Scouting Values of the Scout Oath & Law into their lives. It is amazing how many Scout Leaders find reward in all of the wonderful discoveries of...

Many leaders mistakenly think that Square Knot is only for the adult uniform. Youth are not restricted from wearing square knots that they have been awarded. Most square knot patches are for adult leadership. There are some square knot badges that youth are awarded and should wear on their uniform. 💁‍♂️ For additional information and links mentioned in this podcast. Please visit our ScouterStan c...

In this podcast, we're going to discuss the basic training requirements for camping for all Scout Leaders. As a Scout Leader, you're undoubtedly passionate about your program and the outdoors. But before you can enjoy scout camping, you need to be familiar with the basics. In this podcast, we'll cover the essential training requirements you need to know about Scouting camping, from Cub Scout Sleep...

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scoutings Honor Society and has many different positions. two of these positions are within the unit. Most Scouters know about the Youth OA Representative position. There is also an adult position as an OA Representative that is very similar to an advisor to this youth position. This is a great way to give service back to the unit while representing the OA. 💁‍♂️ For...

Volunteering to be the best scout leader you can be will always leave a legacy. Many scout leaders “pay it forward” through selfless service to others. Adult leaders must understand the level of their commitment to preventing burnout. Long or short-term leaders need to have a game plan. Developing a leadership team within the unit is critical to success. Adult leaders throughout the year should ha...

Starting this Thursday, January 12, at 7 PM Season 8 will start. This promotional podcast gives you more details about what is going on with the show. I look forward to making this happen for the listeners of the ScouterStan Commissioner Weekly Show.