ScoutMaster Conferences

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES FOR TENDERFOOT, SECOND CLASS AND FIRST CLASS

Scoutmaster Conferences for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are completed by an Assistant Scoutmaster and should be arranged through the ASM Helpdesk or by contacting Mr. Gary Jensen at garyljensen@gmail.com.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES SIGN-UP FOR SCOUT, STAR AND LIFE RANKS

As Scoutmaster, I conduct Scoutmaster Conferences (SmCs) for all Scout, Star, Life and Eagle ranks.  Other Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) schedule and complete SmCs for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks.  Mr. Jensen (garyljensen@gmail.com) and his ASM Helpdesk team have a different sign-up process for those ranks.  If you need an SmC for Eagle or for reasons other than rank advancement, then please contact me directly (ctcole0308@gmail.com) so we can arrange a time to meet. 

In order to free up some more of my time during Troop meetings on Tuesday, I am going to start scheduling ScMs for Scout, Star and Life before Troop meetings on certain Tuesdays. AGAIN, THESE ARE ONLY SMCS FOR SCOUT, STAR AND LIFE RANKS.  I have created a Sign-up Genius with the times and dates available:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ABA72CA4F49-scoutmaster1   

YOU MUST SIGN-UP FOR AN SMC WITH ME NO LATER THAN 5P ON SUNDAY BEFORE THE MEETING YOU WANT THE SMC.  LATE SIGN-UPS WILL NOT BE HONORED, EVEN IF THE SIGN-UP GENIUS SHOWS AN OPEN SPOT AFTER 5P ON SUNDAY. IF YOUR SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE IS BEFORE 7P, ONE OF YOUR PARENTS MUST BE PREPARED TO STAY FOR THE CONFERENCE (SO THAT WE HAVE TWO ADULTS PRESENT AND NO ONE ON ONE CONTACT) SO THAT WE CAN REMAIN YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING COMPLIANT. 

If you have a special circumstance that will not allow you to do your SmC before a meeting, then please contact me and we can workout a different arrangement.  Also, I will try to make time available on campouts for SmCs, so that's another great opportunity to get it done.  If you complete your SmC on a campout or otherwise, then please go back in and open the slot up on the Sign-up Genius as soon as possible.

Before you sign-up for an SmC for rank advancement, you must have already completed and have the following requirements for each rank filled-in/signed-off before your scheduling your SmC with me:

For Scout Rank: all requirements EXCEPT #7.

For Star Rank: #3 (merit badges completed need to be listed in handbook with completion dates and must match Scoutbook records); #4 (hours must be recorded and initialed in handbook Service Log); #5 (you must obtain SPL’s signed acknowledgement on notecard that you have or will have fulfilled PoR as required as of a specific date); and #6 (must provide copy of Cyber Chip card). 

For Life Rank: #3 (merit badges completed need to be listed in handbook with completion dates and must match Scoutbook records); #4 (hours must be recorded and initialed in handbook Service Log); #5 (you must obtain SPL’s signed acknowledgement on notecard that you have or will have fulfilled PoR as required as of a specific date); and #6 (get initialed by ASM in advance and must identify in your handbook what choice was completed and include the name of the Scout taught).

While considering this process, please keep in mind that Scouts is as much about the Troop/Patrol as it is the individual. One of the goals the PLC has set forth is to have maximum Scout participation in the presentations and hands-on experiences at meetings in order to increase the Troop’s overall and continued proficiency (i.e., you don’t just learn something for your rank advancement and forget it the next week—you keep repeating and practicing it until it’s permanently ingrained). In order to do that, we need to minimize the distractions and disruptions of pulling Scouts out of their Program to work on individual Advancement (like SmCs, BoRs, MBs, etc.). 

Yes.  It means you occasionally have to be at meetings early and might have a little downtime before the meeting starts (and it also means I have to be there extra early for every meeting for either SmCs or other planning meetings every week, so please be considerate of my time and schedule); however, I think that small sacrifice on everyone’s part will lead to a stronger and more cohesive Troop Program.  Our goal is to facilitate making great Scouts out of each boy, and in order to do that, we need consistent meetings with everyone’s participation and a strong Troop-first environment.  If a Scout is only coming to meetings to advance their individual agenda and not for the betterment of the overall Troop, then that is something we need to discuss and remedy, so please reach-out directly to me if that is the case.