Embedded Files
First Day to First Class
First Day to First Class
ASM First to First: Shane Clinton sclinton@troop431.org
ASM First to First: Shane Clinton sclinton@troop431.org
Troop Guide -
Troop Guide -
First to first sounds strange, we'll admit that. What does it really mean anyway? Simply put its covers the Scout from their first day with the Troop until they reach the rank of First Class. How long does that take, well that depends on the Scout. On average it takes around a year for a Scout to make First Class. Some take longer and there is no need to be concerned if yours does.
The Boy Scout program is very different from Cub Scouts - mostly in the fact that it is Scout-Led. If scouts are coming from a well-run Webelos program where they were given responsibilities and decision-making opportunities, they will shift into a troop environment easily. If their Webelos leader did all the planning and operational work, then they will have a rougher time taking on responsibility for their scouting activities.
There are 7 ranks in Boy Scouting, culminating with the Eagle Scout rank. A boy completes the Joining Requirements and earns the Scout rank first. The first 4 ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, & 1st Class) are a time for a scout to learn skills for outdoors, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. The last 3 ranks (Star, Life, Eagle) are earned by completion of merit badges, service efforts, and leadership. As a scout advances in rank, he shifts from being a 'learner' to a 'leader' and is expected to teach new scouts.
Either the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or higher ranking scout will sign off on scout advancements - depending on the troop policy. We allow Troop Guides to sign off for scouts in the patrol they are mentoring and Star, Life, or Eagle scouts to sign-off any Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, or 1st Class requirements. We encourage younger scouts to go to higher ranking scouts for sign-off rather than to the same adult every time. This helps build relationships with the troop leadership and turns their handbook into an autograph book of other scouts' initials.
An active boy scout can easily reach First Class rank in 10 to 12 months and really should reach First Class within 18 to 20 months. This program schedule offers an example of activities that will have scouts meet that time schedule. The advancement activities listed for Troop Meetings occur during the 'Patrol Time' in each meeting.
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans
The idea of the plans is to give the Troop Guides and all of the New Scouts some structure for the first year. Troop Guides will use them to organize each meeting and look ahead with the boys to see the next lesson to be accomplished. Scouts will learn better if they have a chance to look over the material before the Troop Guides teach the lesson. Most lesson plans are set up for a one, half-hour period, but some are longer like the first two lessons which are an hour long only because you will have a lot to accomplish at those two meetings. You may certainly do more than one plan if you have time at a Troop meeting, campout or a patrol meeting. You will have at least a half-hour at every Troop meeting, but Troop Guides will need to coordinate with the Senior Patrol Leader if you need more time. This should be done in the Patrol Leaders Council meetings because that is when the Troop meetings are planned. The Troop Guides will utilize the Troop Instructors as much as possible because they are great resources.
Patrol Leader
Patrol Leader
The Patrol Leader will hold his position for one term (generally 6-months). He will help the Troop Guide have the lesson ready for each meeting. He will help run the Patrol Meetings and be in charge of his Patrol on Troop outings or separate Patrol outings. Each boy will have a chance to be Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. This will help prepare them for the leadership positions they may hold in the Troop later. Troop Guides will help them and guide them because they will be uncertain about what to do. We want this to be a positive first learning experience.
Scout Rank
Scout Rank
Some of the New Scouts will have already learned the requirements for Scout because they have earned the Arrow of Light. These boys can help teach the others and inspire them all to work together to move up in Rank. Scout Rank should be completed by Lesson 2, when they should have their Scoutmaster Conference.
Tenderfoot Rank
Tenderfoot Rank
The Tenderfoot Rank goes from Lesson 1 through Lesson 7. These lesson numbers are not set in stone. Troop Guides will adapt the lessons to the Troop events and will plan see the best way to teach the material.
Second Class
Second Class
Second Class basically goes from Lesson 8 to Lesson 13. As with Tenderfoot, Troop Guides will adapt the plans to the Troop and Patrol activities. The only requirement that is not included in the lessons is S4. The S4 requirement is a one-hour service project. The service project can be done at any time. It is up to the New Scout to be sure they take advantage of Eagle projects or Troop service project opportunities.
First Class
First Class
First Class goes from Lesson 14 to Lesson 18. Troop Guides should know the boys very well by this point and this will finish the First Year to First Class Program, with the exception of requirement F11. F11 requires the New Scout to talk with a friend about the troop and try to get them to visit. Alternately, they can try to get an inactive scout to start participating again. Successful advancement to First Class Rank is one of the basis goals of the Boy Scouts Program. At this point the Scouts are ready to take on their role as future leaders in the Troop.
Summary
Summary
As you will have already realized, a scout will benefit the most if he attends all of the troop meetings. When the New Scouts have completed this program they should know the material covered through the ranks. Feel free to look back and give us feedback on how this program can be done better. The adult leaders of Troop 431 look to you for your opinions and we greatly appreciate your hard work.
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