A few years ago I joined a group of scouts gathering for a march in a 4th of July parade in West Jordan, Utah. I was impressed by the group of scouts who were excited to hike a few miles in warm weather, carrying the banner of the scouting program. The scouts enjoyed marching alongside their scout leaders. The march was grand: thousands of people lined the street to applaud and, in some cases, wave at the scouts as they passed by. The explorers had a wonderful experience. I envisioned that many of these explorers would become future leaders of their community, state, and nation.
John Gardner spent his entire life studying leadership in the United States. In a post on leadership, Gardner posed the question: Where are today’s leaders? The United States has a current population of more than 300 million people. America should produce more leaders. I believe the scouting program is the source of producing America’s future great leaders. I’ve been a part of the scouting program for more than four decades, and I’d like to offer seven strategies for developing our future leaders.
First, recognize that we are losing a lot of our guys.
The number of children who drop out of school is dramatic. The number of young people who go on to college is rapidly declining. Many young people are more attracted to gangs, pornography, and violent video games. Our prison populations are increasing while the number of men in the workplace is decreasing. To reverse these trends, Scout leaders must be creative, innovative, and seek more resources to improve the quality of their programs.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement in America, observed: “The spirit is in every child; it had to be discovered and brought to light. Today’s scouts need energetic leaders to provide them with the tools they need to fulfill their potential.
Second, develop a strategic plan that includes specific goals for each explorer.
Taking the time to plan is taking the time to succeed. A few years ago I visited a Cub Scout den in Albany, Georgia. The scout leader was a busy doctor. Although this doctor was busy, he made time to plan interesting activities for the explorers. It was obvious that he spent many hours using software on his laptop to develop a strategic plan for the program. The leader had a spreadsheet detailing progress toward badges for each scout.
The scouts in this program were highly motivated and looked forward to attending each week. Powell observed: “Be prepared… the meaning of the motto is that an explorer should prepare himself by thinking and practicing beforehand how to deal with any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.” The same goes for scout leaders: if they are prepared, the program will be successful.
Third, update your activities and resources.
Inspiring and motivating today’s explorers requires the latest information. Many online resources and training activities are available to every scout leader. Albert Einstein said: “True genius is access to information. The genius behind successful programs is found in leaders who are lifelong learners and are motivated to learn the latest program or activity available to their explorers. One way To see how things have changed is by taking a look at a Boy’s Life magazine from twenty years ago and a copy of the current magazine.
The latest magazine focuses on new technologies, exciting browser topics, and innovative programs. Powell urged leaders to: “See things from the children’s point of view.” Survey your explorers and find audience-focused activities that increase their motivation and enthusiasm.
Fourth, get close to one.
Successful leaders take the time to survey Scouts and work with them to develop Scout-focused activities. Successful leaders have one-on-one interviews with each scout to assess her personal needs and interests. Successful leaders watch out for the scout who doesn’t participate or doesn’t seem to fit in. Sir Robert Baden Powell said, “If you listen and watch your occupation, you will gain far more than you can talk about.”
Fifth, manage your meetings, don’t let meetings manage you.
Too many meeting agendas get lost when reviewing upcoming activities. A carefully written activity booklet reduces the number of questions. Today’s meetings should focus on how to increase retention. Too many children are finding other activities more attractive. Use the meeting time to brainstorm and strategically plan for the future. Powell observed: “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we refuse to do it.”
Sixth, be avant-garde.
Leaders need regular readers of the current issues of Boys’ Life. This magazine is a great example of “state of the art” articles, humor and games. For example, a recent month included articles on innovations in automobiles, GPS technology, and paper airplanes. I attended an explorer meeting in Deland, Florida, where each explorer made their own rocket. The competition was fair. Vanguard competitions encourage the explorer (not the parent) to build the project, earn the badge, and complete the job. Cutting-edge programs encourage scouts to go to college and become lifelong learners. State-of-the-art programs include the latest technology and inventions. State-of-the-art programs teach scouts effective interpersonal communication and leadership skills. Powell observed: “I have always believed: that if there is the right spirit, we can take the “im” out of “impossible”.
Seventh, it promotes a proactive strategic vision.
The 21st century presents a series of challenges for scout leaders. How do you deal with the competitive distractions kids face: electronic video games, local team sports, the Internet? The good old days of Scouting are gone. It’s a new day, with new challenges. In an increasingly negative world, Scouts can be taught to be optimistic and proactive role models. Tomorrow’s leaders will need to know complex technology, possess strong communication skills, and recognize the value of working together to achieve success in our home, our communities, our nation, and the world.
Baden Powell was a great optimist. He recognized that the future could be bright. To ensure a bright future for our Young Scouts, adult leaders must be on the cutting edge, be excellent role models, and move with innovation and flexibility in developing an exciting and strategic program for their Scouts. Baden Powell concluded: “The thing worth most is putting happiness into the lives of others.” The opportunity to bring happiness to the lives of explorers has never been greater.
markham cane
eagle scout
Former US Supreme Court speechwriter
Faculty, Daytona State College