Who should attend: Merit badge counselors, Sumer program counselors, STEM counselors, and any district or council leader administering online/hybrid programs. Topics covered: Online safety for Scouts Registration for events with Black Pug and the council’s website How to use video conferencing Tracking advancement with Scoutbook Setting up your Basecamp for scout and parent communication How to comply with BSA guidelines on Group Instruction Best practices for online activities and advancement

2. Online Counselor
Training
for NCAC counselors

3. Agenda
๏ Our standards and why we have
them
๏ Youth protection guidelines
๏ How to safely hold meetings online
๏ Black Pug registration system
๏ Online meetings with Zoom
๏ Tracking advancement with
Scoutbook
๏ A Short introduction to Basecamp
๏ Basecamp for advancement
๏ Group instruction rules
๏ Best practices for online activities
and advancement
๏ Open forum

4. Panelists | Volunteers
๏ Richard Harrington
๏ NCAC Vice President, Marketing & Communications
๏ Lynn Hamilton
๏ Webmaster at Seneca District
๏ Bryan N. Martin Firvida
๏ NCAC Assistant Council Commissioner for Communication
๏ David Astle
๏ Merit Badge Dean, NCAC Advancement and Recognition Committee

5. Panelists | Staff
๏ Aaron Chusid
๏ NCAC Chief Marketing Officer
๏ Tanesha Polk
๏ Public Relations Director

6. Our standards
and why we have them

7. The process
๏ 2020 Web Communications Optimization Plan
๏ Volunteer-led activity
๏ Began in 2018
๏ Standards approved in 2019
๏ Participation of districts and multiple committees
๏ Overseen by the Marketing/Communications
Committee

8. Desired outcomes
๏ Create safer online environments for our youth and
adult members
๏ Make it easier for our members to find the right
information
๏ Improve our visibility in order to attract new members
๏ Improve efficiency amongst working groups of
volunteers and staff

9. Technology in use for
council & districts
๏ NCAC Website | Wordpress & Black Pug
๏ WeOwnAdventure.com | Wordpress
๏ Project Management | Basecamp
๏ Video Conferencing | Zoom
๏ Social Media | Facebook & Instagram
๏ Email | Constant Contact

10. Website Blog
• Evergreen event
description page
• Calendar
• Event signup page
• Changes rarely
• Personal experience
stories
• Featured training
stories
• Photos from the
event
• Changes daily
Basecamp
• Planning documents
from committee
• Team communication
leading up to event
• Archives for future
years

11. Youth protection
guidelines

12. Youth protection
๏ Ensure parental consent
๏ Ensure use of council-approved tools
๏ Keep communications in public
๏ Avoid one-to-one messaging
๏ Ensure record-keeping
๏ Move private conversations into the public

13. Youth protection
๏ Counselor online
๏ Standard meetings need two-deep leadership
๏ Merit Badges need a second adult
(can be parent present or another volunteer)
๏ Don’t open room until second adult present

14. Adult supervision
๏ Q: The Barriers to Abuse say that there must be two
registered adults present for all Scouting activities
and meetings. Does that include merit badge
counseling?
๏ A. Yes. However, the parent or legal guardian of the
Scout may serve as the second adult. This parent or
legal guardian does not have to be a registered leader.

15. Guidelines
๏ Youth should earn or renew their Cyber chip prior to
participating or it can be a requirement during the first
meeting.
๏ Instruct Scouts to use public communication methods
or to include a parent/guardian for all communication
with adults.

16. How to safely hold
meetings online

17. https://bit.ly/bsacovid

18. https://bit.ly/onlinescouts

19. https://bit.ly/covidscout

20. Approvals
๏ Merit Badge: refer to the NCAC Policy on Merit Badge
Group Instruction summarized below.
๏ A troop or crew can use group instruction of merit
badges within their unit without seeking approval
from the council or district.

21. Approvals
๏ If a unit decides to offer a merit badge opportunity to
Scouts outside their unit, an individual counselor
solicits scouts, or the district sponsors such an event,
they must get district advancement committee
approval to conduct the event. This affords the district
advancement committee the opportunity to ensure
compliance with the Guide to Advancement guidance
on group instruction.

22. Approvals
๏ Pre-approvals are only necessary for Merit Badges.
๏ STEM Nova or Hornaday awards, for example, do not
require a pre-approval, but still require an approved
STEM Nova counselor, Supernova mentor or Hornaday
adviser.
๏ Outside organizations to the BSA must always receive
council approval

23. Black Pug Software
Tools for council’s website

24. What is Black Pug
๏ Council’s calendar and registration site
๏ Integrated with our Word Press front end

25. Who should use it?
๏ Need something publicized on the calendar?
๏ Need to collect registrations?
๏ Need to collect money?
๏ Then you should be using Black Pug

26. Who can help you in your
district or at council?
๏ Most districts have a Webmaster
๏ Your Key 3 has the names

27. What do you need to
schedule an event?
๏ Just like for publicity
๏ who
๏ what
๏ when (date & time)
๏ where
๏ why

28. What information to collect for online-
only events (the bare minimum)
๏ Think thru what you need and why
๏ Online training – BSA number
๏ Pinewood Derby – Pack number
๏ Online merit badge – name, unit, contact, what else do
you really need?
๏ OA Ordeal – youth attending and role
๏ In short – one size does NOT fit all

29. Setting registration caps
๏ Why – class must be restricted in size
๏ Under Registrants
๏ Set Max number per class
๏ Or Set Maximum per session within Registrants

30. Adding a waitlist
๏ Why – expecting a large demand and want to be able to
either substitute or funnel into a later class
๏ Under Registration – Check the Use Waitlist box

31. Collecting money?
๏ DE must provide a cost center
๏ Under Registrants
๏ Set base price
๏ Set early discount price (optional)
๏ Set late registration price (optional)
๏ Each has a timeframe for when the price is effective

32. Other Fun Stuff
๏ Information – make it eye catching and informative!
๏ Customer Search – controls how the search looks
๏ Session – typically just one, but you can have multiples
– Archery times
๏ Registrants – what type of person is registering?
๏ Where possible – Please use existing options
๏ Max count & Waitlist are here too

33. More Fun Stuff
๏ Registration Form – controls all the information you want
to collect
๏ Customer Reports – ignore unless you are Summer
Camps
๏ Contacts – list your event lead
๏ Template – Do NOT touch without collecting permissions!
๏ Attachments – Upload images and documents
๏ Review Details – Final check point

34. All Done?
๏ Copy the Review URL for sharing
๏ Everyone has reviewed and approved?
๏ Ask your DE to open the event!

35. Online meetings
with Zoom

36. Recommendation for compliance
๏ The use of a Zoom account for conferencing with
Scouts and Scouters.
๏ A description of services and support can be found
here – https://zoom.us/.
๏ All youth members should only use services with the
knowledge of their parent or guardian and parental
supervision is suggested.

37. https://bit.ly/covidscout

38. Security & Scout Safety
๏ Remind Scouts and parents not to share meeting links publicly.
We do not post them either.
๏ Only those registered for a class get the email with the links. We
have had instances of scouts "sharing" links and that has been a
small problem to date.
๏ A parent/guardian is allowed to observe all meetings (and in fact
is encouraged to do so). Just make sure you know they are
present.
๏ All breakout rooms for youth must have at least one registered
adult and either another registered adult or a parent/legal
guardian of a participating Scout.

39. Registration
๏ The link you send to scouts is a registration link.
๏ It requires them to sign up with a name and email
address.
๏ This should be the scout's name and their email (or one
of a guardian).

41. Waiting Room
๏ We have always used the Waiting Room feature.
๏ This requires you to admit attendees. Ask the scouts to
login 5 minutes early.
๏ You can message scouts in the waiting room to login
with their real names.
๏ Only admit scouts/parents who are using their real
names. First name and last initial are acceptable to
verify to your attendance roster.
๏ Do not add scouts who aren't on your roster

42. Do NOT record your meetings
๏ At this time, current guidance from national is not to
record your meetings
๏ You may save your chat transcripts for reviewing class
participation and attendance

43. Moderating the Meeting
๏ Have participants use the Raise Hand feature
๏ It is suggested that you set microphones to mute and
that the host mute and unmute participants as needed
๏ Use the Chat function as needed. You may set the chat
to only Host if Scouts are being inappropriate with
chat. Do not reply to chats in this mode.
๏ https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/
115005759423-Managing-participants-in-a-meeting

46. Zoombombing
๏ Some people have attempted to interrupt meetings
who are not invited with inappropriate behavior
๏ Do NOT add people who are NOT on your roster
๏ REMOVE DISRUPTORS
๏ If someone is accidentally admitted to your meeting
and is disrupting, ask them to leave.
๏ You can also manage participants in the Participants
List. If you eject a disruptor they are blocked.

49. Content Sharing
๏ You can share
๏ a screen
๏ a window
๏ computer audio
๏ a phone/tablet
๏ another camera angle

53. View
Participants
• Keep an eye on
participants and chat
while screen sharing
• Ensure active attention
• Look for proper
behavior
• Disable chat if you
can’t monitor it

55. Online Help
๏ Useful video quick tutorials are provided here
๏ https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-
Zoom-Video-Tutorials
๏ Full support is here
๏ https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us

56. My most important Zoom
techniques are …

57. Allowing the youth to present their work with the group using
screen share. The interaction of the scouts on a new subject (for
them) that they are learning builds teamwork and confidence.
Scouts do not take a merit badge to hear me talk the entire time,
they come to learn and we cannot forget the for stages of
learning, Explain, Demonstrate, Guide and ENABLE.
– James Chaplin

58. • Using chat to facilitate discussion, especially when time is
getting short. For the most part the scouts have been
respectful.
• Sharing the screen for short videos and Kahoot to break
things up.
• I have a class list I mark off when they enter the Zoom/
waiting area.
– Cyndy Hogan

59. Sharing my screen. I use videos to help support my discussion.
– Alexis Owens

60. Cameras on, mics off. Use the chat or the hand raise feature if
you have something to add.
– Doug Goldring

61. Arriving several minutes early, setting the screen to show all
attendees, requiring each Scout to turn their camera on
– Irwin lazar

62. • Being able to see as many of the Scouts as possible
• Using the white board or chat to let Scouts answer questions
individually
• Being able to keep track for signing off on requirements
– Alexandra Calloway

63. The Scouting Experience Rolled Into One Great
Web App
Scoutbook

64. What is Scoutbook?
๏ Unit based tool for tracking Advancement, Leadership and
Activity Tracking, and Roster Management
๏ Web based application accessed online
๏ Advancement can be recorded and approved in real time
๏ Parents and Scouts can monitor progress towards rank
๏ Part of BSA's IT systems, Scoutbook is becoming the one
place units track all their activities
๏ Advancement and activities data synchronizes with BSA
databases

65. Tracking Scouting Activities
๏ Scoutbook tracks advancement for:
๏ Packs
๏ Troops
๏ Venturing Crew
๏ Sea Scouting
๏ Exploring (soon)

66. One App. One
View.
๏ Unit Leaders,
Parents, and Scouts
have a single place to
go to access all their
scouting
advancement and
activities
๏ Scouts can be
granted access to
their profile only by
parents

67. Record Requirements in Real Time
๏ Credit Scouts in real time as they complete
requirements and activities
๏ Green check = leader approved
๏ Blue check = Scout completed
๏ Box means not completed or not started

68. Merit Badges
๏ Merit Badge Counselor can connected directly with
Scout
๏ Unit Leader can indicate Blue Card is signed and can
print requirement completion on blue card
๏ Requirement approval similar to Rank advancement
๏ Automatic synchronization with BSA database

69. Add Notes,
Comments &
Photos
๏ Scouts, Leaders
and Merit Badge
Counselors can add
notes and photos to
any Scout’s
requirement .
๏ Capture notes,
photos, and more
along your Scouting
adventure.

70. Scoutbook Support
(and more)
๏ Scoutbook knowledge base: help.scoutbook.com
๏ Scoutbook support: scoutbook.support@scouting.org
๏ Scouting Forums at discussions.scouting.org
๏ Treasure trove of great info – Scouters helping Scouters!
Heads up, though - all content, information, and opinions
shared on this forum are those of the author, not the BSA.
๏ Internet Advancement support: myscouting@scouting.org

71. Basecamp
Essential Skills

72. What is Basecamp?
๏ Online collaboration and project
management tool
๏ New team members get full history
๏ Basecamp is built upon the concept and
spirit of collaboration and information
sharing
๏ Everyone has access to everything
๏ Everyone gets notified about everything.

73. Who in NCAC is
using Basecamp?
๏ The “business” side of NCAC scouting
๏ Part of NCAC Web 2020 work
๏ One home for collaboration across NCAC
Scouting Professionals & Scouting
Volunteers teams
๏ To be used by:
๏ Council Committees
๏ Council Projects & Programs
๏ All our Districts

74. Basecamp is Where You Are
๏ Got Internet? You've got Basecamp.
๏ Responsive website
๏ Applications for
๏ Mac & Windows computers
๏ For Mobile / Smartphones:
๏ iOS app
๏ Android app
๏ Mobile web

75. Basecamp
Features
๏ Message Board
๏ To-dos
๏ Docs & Files
๏ Campfire
๏ Schedule
๏ Automatic Check-ins
๏ Email Forward

76. Campfire
๏ Just like standing around the campfire, a non threaded
discussion
๏ Sometimes posting a message isn't necessary, and you
want to chat in real time. Campfire is the place to be!
๏ Every Project and Team has its own Campfire.
๏ To enter a Campfire, open and click on the Campfire
tool.

77. Message Board
๏ Ideal for making announcements, pitching ideas,
asking questions to everyone on the project, and more.
๏ When you want to post an idea that doesn't necessarily
belong in a doc or in a Campfire — but you do want
others to see it, and for it to have a more permanent
place to live — message board!
๏ A happy medium for those middle-of-the-road
conversations.

78. To-dos
๏ Divvy up tasks in your Project, Team, or HQ by creating
lists
๏ Yes, this is a list of To-dos
๏ Do not assign a to-do to more than one person if its a
task for multiple people to each do. Instead, make
individual to-dos.

79. Docs & Files
๏ Anywhere you see the text editor in Basecamp, you can
attach a file one of two ways:
๏ Add from your computer
๏ Drag and drop.
๏ Using Google Docs or OneDrive? Link your files in
Basecamp. Or move them!
๏ Folders let you group stuff together in a way that works
for your team.

80. Schedule
๏ Use Schedule to keep track of dated to-dos and
upcoming events with your team or project.
๏ Can subscribe to with Outlook, Google, or iCal

81. Getting started
Achieve results more quickly

82. Replies
• Your reply goes to
everyone.
• When you reply to a
message thread
your reply goes to
everyone.
• When you reply to a
Basecamp email by
email, it goes to
everyone.

83. Replies
• Set who gets
notified when you
first create a new
message or
posting

84. Boosts
• Use Boosts for
short and quick
replies
• No notifications
are sent to others
except the
recipient

85. Support
• The Question
mark in the corner
is your friend
• Just click to
search for answers
in the Basecamp
knowledge base or
get connected
with Basecamp's
support team

86. Bookmark
• Use Bookmarks
to save pages and
items you want to
quickly access
• Appear under the
My Stuff menu

87. Control
Notifications
• You are in FULL
control of when you
get emailed
• Take advantage of
these so you don't
go NUTS
• Click on your avatar
and choose
to Change your
notification
settings

88. When are you notified?
๏ Options
๏ Only notified on mentions (the @ symbol) and PINGs
๏ You can get an email or just push notifications (the
mobile app is great for this)
๏ You can set a schedule when you want to be reached
(like after work)

89. Basecamp Resources
๏ NCAC Basecamp Champions » bit.ly/BCCHAMPS
๏ Overview » bit.ly/BCRAPID
๏ Help Home » bit.ly/BCHELPS
๏ How-to Guides » bit.ly/BCHTG
๏ The Manual » bit.ly/BCMAN
๏ Training Videos » bit.ly/BCBASICS
๏ Live Webinars » bit.ly/BCCLASSES

90. Basecamp for
Advancement

91. What is Basecamp?
๏ Open collaboration software
๏ A way to communicate with the scouts
๏ A way to share resources
๏ A way to collect files
๏ A record of what’s been accomplished
๏ A way to build templates for repeat work
๏ Compliant with Youth Protection policies

92. Use template projects

93. Merit Badge: Badge Name | MBC Name Session #

94. Merit Badge: Photography | MBC Harrington Session 2

95. Aaron Chusid
Chief Communications Officer
National Capital Area Council
Aaron.Chusid@scouting.org

96. Basecamp Pings
๏ Instruct youth NOT to use Pings, use messages
between counselor and student (these are public)
๏ For chat, use Campfire (also public)
๏ If a PING comes in, do not reply to PING, but move
content to a message with Scout.
๏ Just like when you get an email from a Scout

97. Copy and reuse as needed

98. Learn Basecamp Live Classes
basecamp.com/learn basecamp.com/
classes
Guides
3.basecamp-
help.com

99. Launching a Class
How to get your class online

100. Be approved as a counselor by your district/council

101. Join Basecamp project – https://bit.ly/ncacmbc

102. Send a message to Tanesha (Polk) Siggers
or visit https://www.ncacbsa.org/merit-badges-at-home/

103. Get your class scheduled on Black Pug

104. Setup a Basecamp project

105. If available use a TEMPLATE project

106. Confirm your Zoom meetings

107. Send Invitation

108. Group Instruction

109. Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide
Per topic 7.0.3.2 of the Guide to Advancement, it is acceptable to provide group
instruction for merit badges, but “group instruction should be focused on those scenarios
where the benefits are compelling.” The term “group” is left open-ended in the Guide to
Advancement, as merit badges, resources, circumstances, and counselor experience can
lend themselves to a wide range of instructional scenarios. In some cases, a group may be
as small as three or four Scouts, while in other cases, groups may be larger. Regardless of
group size, each Scout must still “actually and personally” fulfill each requirement. This
guidance makes clear that the focus must be on the quality of each Scout’s counseling
experience, and not on the number of Scouts who can take a class or complete a badge.

110. Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide
In instances where group instruction is necessary or attractive as part of the learning
process, care must be taken to ensure that each Scout still receives personal counseling
to support individual efforts. Simply taking notes, completing a workbook, or listening
during a group instruction session does not constitute completing a requirement. To
award merit badges in such a manner takes away from the Scout’s opportunity for
learning and personal growth through exploring the merit badge topic.

111. Introduction
This document is designed to help Scouting volunteers and approved community organizations apply the characteristics
of a high-quality merit badge program when planning any merit badge event where group instruction will take place.
A careful reading of section 7 of the Guide to Advancement, No. 33088, will provide further information and will support
compliance with BSA merit badge policies and safety guidelines. Additional resources, such as information on how to be
an effective merit badge counselor, are available online at www.scouting.org/advancement, and through local district
and council advancement committees.
Per topic 7.0.3.2 of the Guide to Advancement, it is acceptable to provide group instruction for merit badges, but “group
in the Guide to Advancement, as merit badges, resources, circumstances, and counselor experience can lend themselves
to a wide range of instructional scenarios. In some cases, a group may be as small as three or four Scouts, while in
requirement. This guidance makes clear that the focus must be on the quality of each Scout’s counseling experience,
and not on the number of Scouts who can take a class or complete a badge.
In instances where group instruction is necessary or attractive as part of the learning process, care must be taken to
ensure that each Scout still receives personal counseling to support individual efforts. Simply taking notes, completing
a workbook, or listening during a group instruction session does not constitute completing a requirement. To award merit
badges in such a manner takes away from the Scout’s opportunity for learning and personal growth through exploring
the merit badge topic.
It is important to note that outside organizations and businesses are not allowed to present classes, events, or similar
activities that are largely for the purpose of offering merit badges—even if no fee is involved—without approval from the
local council. See the Guide to Advancement, topic 7.0.4.9, for details.
Planning a Merit Badge Event
Below are several points that event organizers should consider carefully while planning a high-quality merit badge event.
Volunteers are encouraged to think critically about each topic, and consider which approach would provide the highest
quality of experience to the Scouts.
• Event Planning. Carefully consider the purpose of the event, which merit badges will be offered, and whether
instead of through direct counseling. Factors to consider in determining which badges to offer may include strong
of special resources that enhance the learning experience, or simply badges needed by Scouts to continue their
Scouting journey.
• Facilities and Materials. Assess what facilities, special materials, or resources are needed and available to support
instruction of the selected badges. Understand how many Scouts the facilities and resources can appropriately
support for each badge.
• Securing Experienced Counselors. Group instruction is best done by experienced counselors who are
comfortable in such a setting. Experience is valuable in determining which requirements to address, estimating how
much time is required for instruction, and managing individual testing. The only persons authorized to sign off
on a merit badge are adult members of the BSA who are registered as merit badge counselors (registration
Additional experts or
support volunteers may serve as instructors under the direction of the merit badge counselor to facilitate greater
personal attention to each Scout, if needed. Offering the national BSA advancement education presentation,
group merit badge functions. See www.scouting.org/advancement.
Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide
A Guide for Units, Districts, and Councils

112. Strategies to
Encourage
Participation

113. I get the best participation/interactivity
in my classes by using…

114. When I give the chance for Scouts to get to know each
other first.
– Alexandra Calloway

115. • Both chat and raise your hand feature. I have them put some
work in folders and some are for discussion. Some Scouts will
talk; others won’t.
• I use an Agenda so they always know what we are covering
and what their homework is. It helps me make sure I don’t
miss anything important.
– Alexis Owens

116. By keeping my class size to a dozen or less. There is a reason why
a patrol size is less than 12, it is more manageable and allows
more youth interaction. Youth interaction with the instructor and
other scouts is the greatest value merit badges have to offer our
scouts and why it is better than going to school where larger sizes
are managed.
– James Chaplin

117. When scouts are within the same age range.
Otherwise, work at the different levels so no one is left behind
– Lola Arjona

118. • A mix of chat, getting volunteers and going around the
"room" for responses and also mixing in videos and games
like Kahoot! Some kids like to talk and some don't. And the
wide range of ages makes for a challenge.
• I also make it clear when a verbal response is required for
credit and that I expect to hear from everyone in every class.
If the requirement says, "Discuss," I make sure everyone
offers a response, even if they submitted work in Basecamp.
– Cyndy Hogan

119. • Sending a syllabus that clearly states what Scouts are to
have completed prior to each class, then using the class to
have each Scout review their work.
• Using Kahoot for fun quizzes during the class on relevant
subject matter
– Irwin lazar

120. Participation
๏ Virtual tours
๏ Virtual events
๏ Merit badges
๏ Campfires
๏ Games
๏ Joint meetings
๏ Breakout rooms (adult coverage)

121. Think outside the Zoom
๏ Kahoot
๏ A website that many scouts may have already used
at school
๏ Guest Speakers
๏ Can be friends or family of scouts
๏ Educational, Scout-made games

122. Counseling Online
Best practices

123. Suggested Class Structure
๏ Classes meet online for 50 minutes via a Zoom Meeting
๏ You can choose to meet longer but 90 minutes seems
to be maximum scouts can pay attention
๏ Standard classes meet 4 times
๏ Adjust class number as needed
๏ Do not try to rush the process
๏ If the badge requires group discussions, please limit
class size to accommodate this is a reasonable way

124. Sample Class Structure
๏ Class One
๏ Overview of the topic
๏ Review requirements
๏ Assign 1/3 requirements to be worked on
๏ Review Basecamp
๏ Class Two
๏ Submit some work via Basecamp
(show Scouts how to do so)
๏ Group discussion
๏ Teach additional skills
๏ Assign 2/3 requirements to be worked on
๏ Class Three
๏ Collect work
๏ Presentations as needed
๏ Group discussions
๏ Final assignments
๏ Class Four
๏ Wrap up loose ends
๏ Group presentations
๏ Congratulate scouts
๏ Review any missing items

125. Collect work
๏ Use of a basecamp project for each section of a badge
๏ Add scouts to the group
๏ Setup a folder per scout to turn in items
๏ Be clear on your deadlines and how long you will accept
work after the completion of class

126. After registration
๏ Send welcome email to review requirements
๏ Get message from unit leader confirming participation
and Cyber Chip status
๏ Add them to Basecamp
๏ Use the template email, adapt as needed
https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/
w6xaPk65nmRiTABEoKxuXr9b

127. The most important advice I can offer is…

128. Be ready to be challenged by the Scouts. They are curious
and look at things from a different perspective.
– Alexandra Calloway

129. Use the Basecamp group to your advantage. I post a quick
recap of each session in basecamp. And I also post the
assignments for next time so everyone has the same
information.
– Doug Goldring

130. • Be aware at all times of who enters and leaves the classroom
sessions, monitor the participant list and listen to the scouts.
• Also be willing to offer some form of office hours, some
scouts will need more guiding than others and they may not
want to do this in front of others during the regular sessions.
– James Chaplin

131. • Be prepared. In addition to a detailed syllabus, I set a
spreadsheet ahead of time for each Scout and each
requirement so I can check off requirements and take
attendance.
• Take advantage of Basecamp, it's a wonderful tool.
– Irwin lazar

132. Each class often has many different ages, ranks, and skill levels.
It can be a challenge to engage them all at the same time, so I
try to have a variety of different techniques in each session. I
might use a game for one thing, a video for another, and a
discussion for a third.
– Doug Goldring

133. Be willing to learn from your Scouts.
One Scout showed me how to make the sound come from the
computer and be more clear. He was very kind and helpful. I
appreciated learning something new.
– Alexis Owens

134. Try to relax.
If something happens and I get flustered or distracted I am
honest with the kids about it and we move on.
– Cyndy Hogan

136. Richard Harrington
P 703.608.4852
www.NCACBSA.org
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
rich@rhedpixel.com
www.BeAScout.org

137. weownadventure.com/submit