Re: A couple of exploring (HA) questions

Dan,
Welcome to Exploring. I think you will have a fine time. In answer to
your questions:

Is a post supposed to operate the same as a Troop with elected youth
> leadership running meetings and planning activities?

Most definitly. Even more so than in BSA. We advisors still have to
guide and advise, but the name Advisor is chosen advisedly. <G> In my
post, the President is a High School Junior, and does quite well at
running things, as long as I take the time to sit down whith her
beforehand and go over what needs to be accomplished at the meeting.
The younger officers, who are only 14 (we are a new post) need much more
advising, but they, too, are very capable. They just need a bit more
patience.

> Is there a training program for youth and adults similar to what > exists for Troop operations, fundamentals or JLT? As a wood badge > trained SM I have a pretty good idea, of Troop operations but would > like to know what is supposed to be happening here before I open my > big mouth.

Yes, and no. Exploring is low on the DE's list, because the numbers
are low (fewer members). So, I have found it necessary to do my own
training. There is a very good sylabus in the Explorer Leader Handbook
for adults that can be fleshed out depending on your situation. There
is also a good sylabus on youth leadership training in the same book.

Exploring is not Boy Scouts. Some of the tricks of the trade in BSA
are not appropriate for Exploring, just as some of the stuff we did in
Cub Scouts is not appropriate for BSA, but I suspect that you already
knew that. Our youth officers consist of President, Vice President
(Outdoors), Vice President (Indoors), Secretary, Treasurer. You may
notice that the two VP slots are divided differently than in the
Handbook. This is what seems to us to be a more natural division of
labor, and works well for us. We are considering establishing Crews for
cooking and such, but not completely along the Patrol Method line of
BSA.

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your name for "Your name"

Hope this is of some help.

Steve Featherkile
EA Post 319 (High Adventure)
Apple Valley District Commissioner
Wenatchee, WA
I usta be a Bobwhite

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