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Announcing a Newly Published Book: Keys to Successful Scouting and Youth Leadership

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Kevin the Scout Blogger

ANNOUNCING A NEW BOOK: KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL

SCOUTING AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP

By Kevin V. Hunt

Keys to Successful Scouting and Youth Leadership book

It is with great pleasure that I announce another of my Scouting Trails books now available to you on Amazon.com.  Check out “Keys to Successful Scouting and Youth Leadership”.

Amazon Kindle Version:  Kindle Version: Keys to Scouting and Youth Leadership

Paperback Edition:  Paperback Edition: Keys to Scouting and Youth Leadership

Link to all Amazon books by Kevin Hunt:  All Amazon Books by Kevin Hunt

A few years ago, I was conducting a Scout board of review.  As was my practice at the end of such boards, I asked a question of the Scout being reviewed.  I invited him to question us, “Do you have any questions for us?” I asked.   He just looked at me for a few seconds and then his answer surprised me.  He said, “How OLD are you?”  I don’t know how old he thought I was but from the look on his face, he must have thought that I camped with Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island.  Sometimes it feels as if that was the case.

While I admit that I am not old enough to have camped with Baden-Powell, I have definitely been around the block a bit in Scouting.  With my veteran status, I can look back and say that I have held almost every Scouting position.  And that equates to a lot of Scouting.  And with that, along my Scouting Trail, I have gained a lot of experience.  Sometimes knowledge and wisdom come best with experience.

Along with my own personal Scouting service, I have also had opportunity to view a whole lot of Scouting boys, units and leaders as they have played the game of Scouting.  I have seen some bad units that didn’t quite have the vision of Scouting and were thus quite under-whelming.  I have seen mediocre units that just kind of skipped from one program or event to another.  And I have also been honored to see some Scouting packs, troops, teams and crews (and even districts) that have really known how to do it up right.  So, with that opportunity I’ve had to view Scouting and how it is best accomplished, I have come up with my own top ten things – keys – that seem to be a common denominator for success in the program.  (And experience also tells me that these same principles or keys can be applied to make any youth program (church, school, etc. successful).  For years, I have taught these principles, but now have compiled them into my new book.  I hope that you will check them out, purchase the new book, and give these keys a try.  I think that they will work well for you and the youth under your charge.  So, get the keys and go for it – unlock a world of limitless exciting programs, activities, and joy as you implement the vision of Scouting!

And now, I would like to share with you those “10 Keys to Successful Scouting and Youth Leadership.”   In the book, I expound a bit (or maybe a lot) on each of the keys to success, but Here is a summary of those keys:

  1. “THE KEY OF TRAINING” — Become trained so that you can function properly and effectively. A trained leader generally is a good leader.
  2. “THE KEY OF TEAMWORK” — Realize that you can’t do it alone. Develop a capable team of parents and others to support and assist you.
  3. “THE KEY OF RESOURCES” – There is a lot of support and help out there for you. Use the many resources that are available to you.
  4. “THE KEY OF CALENDARING” — An effective program is best planned at least a year in advance. With your youth leaders and adult team, plan a fun-filled calendar of Scouting activities for the next twelve months.
  5. “THE KEY OF YOUTH MOTIVATION” — Inspire and train your boy leaders to rise to their full leadership potential. Give them opportunities for growth through service in your unit.
  6. “THE KEY OF SCOUTING IDEALS” — Constantly teach the ideals of Scouting. Make the Scout Oath, the Law, Motto, and Slogan come to life with real meaning in the lives of your boys.
  7. “THE PATROL METHOD, THE KEY OF SCOUTING” — Utilize the patrol method in all phases of the program — the den and pack, the patrol and troop, the squad and team. Be the inspiration and motivation for patrol spirit.
  8. “THE KEY OF EXAMPLE” — Always wear your complete uniform and encourage your boys to do the same. Speak and act as you want your boys to become.
  9. “THE KEY OF FRIENDSHIP” — Show a genuine love and concern for your young men. Take time to be a friend and hero to them.
  10. “THE KEY OF JOY IN SERVICE” — Put your whole heart into the job. Enjoy each scouting moment as it comes and too soon passes.

Well, there you have them:  Ten keys, which when used, can open limitless doors to effective programs, eternal friendships and pride in the strength of true Christ-like service through Scouting or other youth groups.  I know that these leadership principles will wok for you.  I have seen them in action and have seen some truly great Scouting leaders and groups who have applied the keys in their programs.  Any success that I have enjoyed has been through my own application of these keys – seeing the full vision and potential of the great Scouting program.

Give the keys a try … With them, I know that you will have much success and joy along your Scouting trails!

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