JUNIOR LEADER HANDBOOK
Chapter 1

"THERE ARE SOME LEADERS IN THE TROOP WHICH ARE ELECTED...SOME ARE APPOINTED"

You never know when you'll be called upon to step into a 'Leadership' position. You may or may NOT see it coming. There are times when adults need to promote a Scout to a Staff or Patrol Leader position if the situation calls for the move and there is no time to prepare for it. Adult leaders are constantly reviewing your performance as Scouts. That's why it's a good thing to learn that THERE'S A RIGHT TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING.

Let me share with you a great quote I borrowed from www.kudu.net that I think is important to stress to your Training group any time you feel it appropriate:

While Scouts should not be expected to 'parade' their services, it would be helpful if Scout Leaders, parents, and others would encourage boys in the doing of Good Turns, and recognize the difference between normal household and other chores, and actual Good Turns. Selfishness is almost a universal evil. Certainly it is overcome by the Scout Program, which is based upon the development of service for others, and the Daily Good Turn is an important factor in the development of a habit of service and attitude of mind which offset a tendency to selfishness.
James E. West, 1928

PATROL COOKING AT JLT CAMP

When we camp with our whole Troop every month it's difficult to do true Patrol cooking because we average 30 or more boys at each outing. We're very lucky to have a very good Troop cook whose experience includes full time cook at Cub Scout resident camp. As a rule, the boys eat first, then the adults. AT THE JLT GRADUATION, HOWEVER, the Patrols do cook their own meals and the adult leaders (Trainers) eat first as their guests.

Two days before we go, we take both Patrols shopping for food. We guide them a little bit but mostly let them do it. (We did have to step in once to stop one group from purchasing a prepared shrimp platter they wanted for a snack). Originally, we told them that the cost of the weekend depends on them on what they want to spend. Now, we limit it to about per person and give them more of a suggested menu. Remember we're dealing with 12 and 13 yr olds and although they're capable of a lot they still need guidance.
This year (our graduation campout will be held in early June) they'll be cooking on light weight backpacker stoves. (The one I like right now is the Coleman Feather 442 Dual Fuel stove). A good breakfast would be bacon & eggs, sandwiches for lunch and, perhaps, the just-add-water dehydrated packaged meals. (Mountain House is a brand I like with many to chose from).
One thing we've learned is that you don't want to be wasting too much time on meals especially with a full camp schedule.

We think it's important to take the time in one of your Jr. Leader Training classes to review the position of Troop Guide and use that as an opportunity to show them how they can help build the Troop and make it even stronger. In our case, our Troop went through a rapid growth spurt and following the formula below helped us keep the new boys by going out of our way to make them feel comfortable and welcome. You can use the information below to teach this concept:

TEACHING A JLT CLASS ABOUT THE TROOP GUIDE POSITION:
"The Troop Guide will be at least a First Class Scout. The Scoutmaster, with the advice of an Assistant Scoutmaster for the new Scout Patrol, appoints a Jr. Leader who is mature enough to work with new Scouts. The Scoutmaster expects the Troop guide to be their friend or big brother. Right away, as the Troop Guide, you'll set out to make certain the older Scouts REMEMBER what is what like to be the new guy. You'll want them to help you make the new Scouts feel welcome and part of the Scouting family. This means no teasing or intimidation".
Junior Leader Handbook Chapter 4

REGARDING NEW SCOUTS:
1) Make him feel welcome as soon as possible - Very often a boy will come into the Troop knowing only one or two people or no one at all. No matter who it is, you have to respect the COURAGE of that person.
2) WITH A LARGE GROUP, IT'S EASY TO GET LOST IN THE SHUFFLE - You don't have to be a Troop Guide to make sure this doesn't happen. In the Troop, as in different social situations, people form friendships and sometimes forget about or just don't notice someone new. You have to be AWARE of when someone new joins and do everything you can to make the new Scout feel like he's part of the group right away!
3) IMAGINE YOURSELF COMING TO ONE OF OUR MEETINGS OR CAMPOUTS AND NOT KNOWING ANYBODY - At one time, most of you did. Since this class is mainly made up of Scouts who have been with us for a while...what are some of your memories of when you first joined?

IF YOU DON'T FEEL WELCOME, YOU PROBABLY WON'T LAST LONG
IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT NOT TO FORM CLIQUES
TALK TO THE NEW GUY...HELP HIM ADVANCE.