SUPPLIES
- Scout handbook
- Scout uniform
Overview
Scouting is a solid and important activity for kids. Learning how to be a model scout, and perform well at the activity, is important. Before any scout can become a "model" scout, it's important to understand the scouting mission and then participate in activities as often as possible. Scout leaders don't expect perfection, but for kids to get the most they can out of the scouting activity, dedication to the activity is expected.
How to be a Model Scout
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with the scout mission. If you are a Cub or Boy Scout, the basic concept is "be prepared," which can be interpreted to mean be prepared for life, for what happens to you and with knowledge about how to handle yourself in life. Girl Scouts promotes the concept of "where girls grow strong," which can mean physically strong (through outdoor activities and other physical challenges) and mentally strong (through the various activities the girls participate in).
Step 2
Get the books necessary to be a good scout. These include the handbook, any books that outline award and badges you can earn, and sometimes specialty books like game books, song books and the like. Read the books, and familiarize yourself with the true mission of scouting.
Step 3
Attend the meetings. Don't ignore the meeting calendar because the meetings don't sound interesting or you think you don't have time. Attending meetings will allow you to have a solid attendance record, get all the information you need for your scouting efforts and make friends. Making new friends is one of the great benefits of being a scout.
Step 4
Attend special functions. Whether those functions include camping, community service or fun outings, attend as many as possible. It's through the special functions that friendships are formed and strengthened and that scouts can really understand the mission of scouting.
Step 5
Support friends in their efforts. When scout friends achieve rank advancements or earn awards, be supportive and proud of them. It isn't all about the individual scout, but the group dynamic is also important.
Step 6
Work on getting special awards, which might include the Brownie Safety Award or the Cub Scout Arrow of Light. Working on special awards independent of badges and more routine challenges is a way to refresh interest in scouting and make the entire activity more exciting and interesting. Work toward the ultimate ranks and awards in scouting (Eagle Scout, for example).
Step 7
Respect the leaders who are helping to make scouting an exciting and fun environment for the kids. The leaders are all volunteers, and they give their time so that the scouts can have a good experience. Respect their efforts, and even say "thank you" now and then.
Step 8
Stay in scouting as long as possible. Once kids get to middle school, they often want to leave their scout activities behind. But staying a scout (and a model one at that) will help you develop into a better student and friend.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Stay educated on changes within the scouting organization.
Resources
