A few years ago I joined a group of scouts who gathered for a march in a July 4 parade that took place in West Jordan, Utah. I was impressed by the group of explorers who were excited to walk a few miles in hot weather, carrying the banner of the exploration program. The scouts enjoyed marching alongside their scout leaders. The march was great: thousands of people lined the street to applaud and, in some cases, greet the scouts as they passed. The scouts had a wonderful experience. I envisioned that many of these explorers would become future leaders in 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 today has a population of more than 300 million people. America should produce more leaders. I believe that the exploration program is the source to produce America’s future great leaders. I have been a part of the exploration program for more than four decades and I would 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 dropping out of school is dramatic. The number of young people going to college is shrinking rapidly. Many young people are more attracted to gangs, pornography, and violent video games. The population of our prisons is 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 exploration movement in America, observed: “The spirit is in every child; it must be discovered and brought to light. Today’s explorers need energetic leaders who will provide them with the tools they need to realize. your potential. “
Second, develop a strategic plan that includes specific goals for each Scout.
Taking the time to plan is taking the time to be successful. A few years ago I visited a cub scout den in Albany, Georgia. The leader of the scouts was a very busy medic. Although this doctor was busy, he took the 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 that detailed each scout’s progress toward badges.
The scouts in this program were highly motivated and expected to attend each week. Powell observed: “Be prepared … the meaning of the motto is that a Scout should prepare himself by thinking and practicing 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 Scouts today requires the latest information. Every Scout Leader has many resources and training activities online. Albert Einstein said, “The real genius is access to information. The genius behind successful programs lies in leaders who are lifelong learners and are motivated to learn the latest program or activity available to their explorers. One way to To see how things have changed is to take a look at a Boy’s Life magazine from twenty years ago and a copy of today’s magazine.
The latest magazine focuses on new technologies, interesting scout topics and innovative programs. Powell urged leaders to: “See things from the boys’ point of view.” Survey your explorers and find audience-focused activities that increase their motivation and enthusiasm.
Fourth, find the one.
Successful leaders take the time to survey scouts and work with them to develop scout-centered activities. Successful leaders have individual interviews with each Scout to assess their personal needs and interests. Successful leaders watch out for the one scout who doesn’t participate or doesn’t seem to fit in. Sir Robert Baden Powell said: “If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can speak.”
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 that are asked. Today’s meetings should focus on how to increase retention. Too many children find 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 don’t.”
Sixth, stay up to date.
Leaders need regular readers of current issues of Boys’ Life. This magazine is a great example of “cutting edge” articles, humor, and games. For example, a recent month featured articles on innovations in automobiles, GPS technology, and paper airplanes. I attended a scout meeting in Deland, Florida, where each scout made their own rocket. The competition was fair. Cutting edge contests encourage the scout (not the parents) to build the project, earn the badge, complete the job. State-of-the-art programs encourage Scouts to go to college and become lifelong learners. State-of-the-art programs include the latest technologies and inventions. State-of-the-art programs teach Scouts leadership skills and effective interpersonal communication. Powell observed: “I have always believed: that if there is the right spirit, we can get the ‘im’ out of ‘impossible’.
Seventh, promote a proactive strategic vision.
The 21st century presents a number of challenges for Scout leaders. How do you deal with the competitive distractions kids face: electronic video games, local team sports, the internet? The old days of exploration are gone. It is 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 bring success to 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 explorers, adult leaders must be cutting-edge, great role models, and move with innovation and flexibility in developing an exciting and strategic program for their explorers. Baden Powell concluded: “The most valuable thing is to put happiness in the lives of others.” The opportunity to bring happiness into the lives of explorers has never been greater.
Reed markham
Eagle Scout
Former speechwriter for the US Supreme Court.
College, Daytona State College
