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TROOP RETENTION

TROOP RETENTION

Maintaining and Increasing Membership

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ACTION POINTS

APPLY SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EIGHT ACTION POINTS:

  1. View this video
    and then regularly plan the agenda for weekly troop meetings, using the Troop Meeting Planning Form as a point of reference.


    • Blank Troop Meeting Planning Form (pdf)

    • Fillable Troop Meeting Planning Form (pdf)

    Use these resources for ideas and examples:

    • Ceremony ideas /
      Guidelines to Presenting Ceremonies
    • Library of Activities
  2. Aim at approaching each segment of the troop meeting’s agenda from an entertainment perspective.


    • Pre-opening Gathering Period

      – Ready to go, varied, presented with enthusiasm, with rewards for successful participation.

    • Opening Ceremony

      – Well-presented with creative ideas.
    • SPL Announcements – Presented with enthusiasm and possibly some levity.
    • Group Instruction – Well-prepared and delivered with enthusiasm, enhanced with visuals and props.
    • Skills Instruction – Well-prepared and delivered with enthusiasm, enhanced with visuals and props.
    • Breakout Groups – Well-prepared and delivered with enthusiasm (pre-meeting communication is key).
    • Activity – See number 5.
    • Leader’s Minute –
      Samples

    • Closing Ceremony

      – Well-presented with creative ideas.
  3. Assign a leader or leaders, and in some instances a patrol, to conscientiously prepare and present various parts of the troop meeting’s agenda for each meeting to come.
  4. Utilize the How-to Video Resources featured in the Troop Leader Resource Hub.

    • Assure that the individuals (youth and adult) who are in position to share feel confident explaining, demonstrating, and sharing early rank-required and advanced outdoor skills.
    • General Campcraft
    • Pioneering Skills
  5. Utilize the Activity Resources featured in the Troop Leader Resource Hub.

    • An involving and enjoyable activity that is appropriate and well-presented can contribute greatly to making a meeting or outing unforgettably fun.
    • Scout Skill Challenges
    • Team Building Activities
    • Patrol Games
    • Troop Games
  6. Diligently address each of the fundamental conditions for presenting the Activity Section of the meeting’s agenda.

    • PREPARATION – Are all required materials laid out and the playing area set up?
    • AVAILABLE SPACE – Is there a large enough open area to carry out the challenge or game?
    • READINESS – Do the Scouts have the necessary skills to complete the challenge successfully?
    • TIME – Is there enough time to finish the activity?
    • DELIVERY – Do the Scouts understand the activity’s rules and objectives?
    • PRESENTATION – Are the junior leaders primed and ready to deliver a smooth presentation?
  7. Implement a Sequential Approach to what is presented during troop meetings.

    • After presenting an outdoor skill or skills, feature an activity that puts them into action in ways that illustrate usage, reinforce learning, and provide opportunity for success.
  8. Take any and all required steps to creatively incorporate additional sources of fun during troop activities and events (Comprehensive Programming).

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