Show me a well-read troop leader, and I’ll show you a well-run troop.
No, I’m not talking about a Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster versed in Tolstoy or Twain.
I mean a leader who has read up on all things Scouting. So today, let’s do an inventory of your troop library. Is it fully stocked with the 14 Scouting essentials I list below?
Your library could be physical, or it could be virtual. Either way, a well-stocked one helps make your troop the best it can be.
1. Boy Scout Handbook
The primary resource for Boy Scouts (and for Scout leaders who need to learn basic Scouting skills).
$12 (perfect-bound) or $17 (coil-bound) at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org.
2. Fieldbook
A companion volume to the Boy Scout Handbook that covers advanced outdoor skills.
$20 (perfect-bound) or $27 (coil-bound) at Scout Shops, ScoutStuff.org or Amazon.
3. Troop Leader Guidebook (Volumes 1 and 2)
The primary resource for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, committee members and involved parents. Volume 1 is out now, and Volume 2 is due out this winter.
$13 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org.
4. Troop Committee Guidebook
The primary resource for troop committee members. Topics include the organization of Scouting, recruiting adult leaders, troop finances, running committee meetings and more.
$7 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org.
5. Troop Program Resources
Games, ceremonies, Scoutmaster’s minutes and more
Free, via this PDF.
6. Program Features (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)
Complete monthly program features, including meeting plans, outing ideas and resources. I previewed these here.
$15 for Volume 1 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org. Volumes 2 and 3 are expected later this year.
In the meantime, you can use the existing Program Features: Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3.
7. Boy Scout Requirements (current year)
Requirements for ranks, merit badges, and special awards. Updated annually.
$6 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org or available online.
8. Guide to Awards and Insignia
A comprehensive guide to wearing uniforms and badges correctly.
$7 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org or available online.
9. Guide to Advancement
The official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America program phases. (Read about the big changes in the 2015 edition.)
$12 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org or available online.
10. Guide to Safe Scouting
The primary source for information on conducting Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner.
Regularly updated and available online.
11. Patrol Leader Handbook
The official guide for patrol leaders.
$12 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org.
12. Senior Patrol Leader Handbook
The official guide for senior patrol leaders and other troop-level youth leaders.
$12 at Scout Shops and ScoutStuff.org.
13. Scouting magazine
The official magazine for Scout leaders; published five times a year.
Registered adult leaders automatically get Scouting magazine. We publish five times a year on this schedule: January-February, March-April, May-June, September-October and November-December. You can also read our stories online.
14. Boys’ Life magazine
The BSA’s official youth magazine; published monthly.
Scouts can get Boys’ Life for just $12 a year. That’s a dollar a month! Contact your council for details.
Those who aren’t members can get Boys’ Life for just $24 a year, or $2 a month. Still a great bargain.
What’s missing?
What did I leave off the list? Let me know in the comments section below.
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