JUNIOR LEADER LADDER As of 11 March 2011 "Climbing toward leadership excellence"

Transcription

1 JUNIOR LEADER LADDER As of 11 March 2011 "Climbing toward leadership excellence" The Junior Leader Ladder (JLL) is a self-initiated Troop 54 Scout Leadership Program. It is designed to help our scout leaders improve their leadership skills by making them more active and more directly involved with running the troop. It was first implemented by the Troop 54 Patrol Leader s Council on March, It is reviewed and updated as required at each monthly Patrol Leader s Council meeting. The Totem The Junior Leader Ladder totem is a short leather cord that hangs from the button of the right shirt pocket. The totem symbolizes a rope ladder the type of rope ladder where large knots are tied every foot to help you climb. As each term of office is a new beginning, you start each term of office with an empty JLL totem. You will receive a white bead when you attend Troop Leadership Training at the start of your six-month term of office. The white bead represents a blank piece of paper and a new beginning. Objectives The Junior Leader Ladder gives Troop 54 Junior Leaders the opportunity to grow their leadership skills through projects. JLL projects are called "knots." Each completed knot represents a step up the rope ladder to a higher level of leadership ability a step that the junior leader has pulled himself up. The PLC requires each scout leader to earn 3 knots from the following lists in order to get advancement credit for his leadership position. Brown beads are awarded by the PLC at their monthly meetings to represent these completed knots. Obviously, no one can grow in leadership without facing a challenge. The knots of the Junior Leader Ladder are designed to be challenging. None of them are give-aways and all of them require thought and planning. This is the first lesson of leadership: thought and planning before the event are required. No one in leadership can grow without breaking new ground. The leader needs new territory to cover, not the same-oldsame-old, to grow and sharpen his skills. You will notice that JLL knots are designed to take you and the group you lead into new territory. A venture into new territory entails some risks; without venturing into new territory there are few rewards. As a leader, you are all about service. Being a leader is not about you, it is about where you can take your part of the troop. JLL knots are about service. They help you focus your energy in a way that benefits the group. As the group moves forward, you will grow as a leader. But always remember, it s not about you it s about the scouts you lead. Time is always against you when you are a leader. There is always more that you could have done if you had more time. As a Troop Junior Leader you have a six-month term to accomplish your goals. Your JLL knots must be accomplished within your six-month term. Start planning how and when you will accomplish your JLL knots right away. Wise use of planning will make each of your knots a success. Record Keeping You should keep a record of your progress on JLL knots. This record can be a section of your records you already maintain for your troop leadership position. Each position listed has a box for initialing. The individual scout will initial each of these blocks under the assumption On My Honor holds true. Careful record keeping will help you work efficiently, so carry your leadership folder to meetings and record vital information right away. Report on your progress with JLL knots during your patrol report or status report at the beginning of each PLC meeting. When you complete a knot the PLC will congratulate you and present your bead.

2 and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. Report on the weekend at the next PLC. Senior Patrol Leader Knots monthly reports on your troop to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, ASPLs, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) which theme was executed during the last month, b) which activities went well and which needed improvement, c) what patrols are assigned to what meeting responsibilities during the coming month, and d) what was accomplished by your troop. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Camp Set Up Drills: During a three-month period work with the Quartermaster to run two camp setup drills during the regular troop meeting time. During these drills practice the correct methods of checking in and checking out equipment, as well as setting up an organized, Camp- O-Ree style site. At least three patrols must participate. Record each patrol's time and award a small prize to the patrol with the best combination of time and cooperation. Ensure that all equipment is properly checked in and stored. #5 Run Patrol Outing: With a Venture Patrol or a provisional senior Scout patrol, plan and lead a weekend camp including a high-adventure activity. Get approval from the PLC for your plan. Your weekend activity must be a patrol event, not a troop event, in order to qualify for this knot. Report on your event at the next PLC. #6 Improve Scout Spirit: Meet with the Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can increase Scout Spirit in your troop. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #7 Lead Departure Rehearsal: During a three-month period lead the troop in a departure rehearsal at least two times during regular troop meeting times. Your departure rehearsal must include a) gathering patrols in formation by the shed, b) issuing patrol boxes and equipment, c) grading patrols on the completeness of their equipment, execution time, and orderliness. At least 60% of each of three patrols must be present and participating. #3 Run Troop Meetings: Use the published themes and planning guides in Troop Program Features to run six or more consecutive troop meetings. Get approval for the monthly theme from the PLC. Ensure that every troop meeting makes effective use of the seven meeting parts of the Troop Meeting Plan, and make sure that every patrol has an active role in running the meeting. Report on your program's effectiveness during the next PLC. #4 Run Troop Camping Trip: With the Scoutmaster and the PLC, develop an agenda for a troop weekend camp based on a theme in Troop Program Features. Present your plan to the PLC at least one full month prior to the camp and get the PLC's approval. Assign parts of the agenda to every patrol and to attending Assistant Scoutmasters. Lead the troop in the execution of your program during the camp weekend. You must be present #8 New Facility Slide Show: Create a slide-show of a facility to be used during an upcoming troop activity. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slide-show at a troop meeting at least four weeks before the sign up deadline for the weekend activity. Make your presentation interactive by having the patrols make preliminary plans for the activity. Encourage all Scouts to participate and report how many Scouts signed up at the next PLC. #9 Annual Planning Conference: If your term of office includes the month of May, work with the Scoutmaster to plan the troop's Annual Planning Conference. Assemble a detailed agenda for the conference at least six weeks before it occurs. With the Scoutmaster, conduct a survey of what Scouts most liked during the previous 12 months, and what they would like 2 Junior Leader Ladder

3 to do during the coming 12 months. At the PLC before the Conference assign activities to each member of the PLC to research and present. With the Scoutmaster, lead the Annual Planning Conference. Report on the execution of the Conference plan at the next PLC. #10 Community Service: Meet with the Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can perform a new community service with your troop. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #14 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #11 After the Meeting Review: At six or more consecutive troop meetings, lead the ASPLs, Patrol Leaders, APLs, and Guides in a review of the troop meeting immediately following the regular meeting time. Require the Scribe to be present and to keep a log of the discussion. Your "After the Meeting" sessions must be limited to ten minutes, and cover a) what should we start doing to make meetings better, b) what should we stop doing that didn t work for us or got in the way, c) what should we continue doing that worked well tonight, and d) what is the plan for next week s meeting and does everyone have everything they need to do a good job next week. Request the Scribe mail or the results of these "After the Meeting" sessions to the Scoutmaster and the core PLC by the Thursday following the meeting. The core PLC includes the SPL, all ASPLs, all Patrol Leaders, all Assistant Patrol Leaders, and all Troop Guides. #12 Preopening Activities: With an ASPL, plan preopening activities for at least six consecutive troop meetings. Assign each preopening activity to be run by a patrol (assisted by their ASM patrol advisors). Make sure that each patrol has a fair number of assignments. Be present while all the preopening activities are run and provide positive feedback to the team running them. #13 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To Junior Leader Ladder 3

4 of the following patrol offices: a) Patrol Leader, b) Assistant Patrol Leader, c) Patrol Scribe, d) Patrol Cheermaster, e) Patrol Quartermaster, and f) Grubmaster. Your goal is to train nearly every patrol member on all of the patrol positions. Report the positions taught and the number of Scouts instructed at the next PLC. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Knots Some of the below knots are identical to SPL knots. It is the PLC s intent that the ASPL could do these events instead of the SPL. Except for the preopening activities knot, both the SPL and ASPL can not get credit for the events of one knot. Likewise, two ASPLs can not both get credit for the events of one knot. monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include: a) ASPL training and leadership given to the other troop staff leaders (e.g. Scribe, Historian, O/A Rep, Librarian, etc.), b) ASPL assistance and tasks done to help the SPL, c) ASPL troop leadership when the SPL was absent, and d) ASPL leadership duties performed at the PLC. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Troop Uniform Inspection: Once during your term of office, work with the Troop Scribe to plan a troop uniform inspection. Provide inspection forms for each Scout and leader to the assigned inspectors (older Scouts or Assistant Scoutmasters). Tabulate the results and announce them at the end of the troop meeting. Turn in all the inspection forms and a typed report to the Troop Advancement committee member. Also report the results of the inspection at the next PLC. #3 Explain Patrol Leadership Positions: Create a slide-show explaining all of the following patrol offices: a) Patrol Leader, b) Assistant Patrol Leader, c) Patrol Scribe, d) Patrol Cheermaster, e) Patrol Quartermaster, and f) Grubmaster. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slideshow at a troop meeting. Make your presentation interactive by making sure that every patrol has assigned Scouts to cover all of these offices. #4 Teach Patrol Leadership Positions: Within a three-month period, conduct two intensive trainings on all #5 National Honor Patrol: Create a tri-fold board describing the National Honor Patrol program. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity handouts or brochures, as appropriate. Include captions for all photos which include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Then set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #6 Troop Meeting Training: Within a three-month period, conduct two intensive trainings on all of the following seven troop meeting parts: a) Preopening, b) Opening Ceremony, c) Skills Instruction, d) Patrol Meetings, e) Inter-patrol Activity, f) Closing, and g) After the Meeting. Make your training interactive by requiring teams of Scouts to demonstrate meeting parts or explain their understanding of the meeting parts. Report the meeting parts taught and the number of Scouts instructed at the next PLC. #7 Court of Honor Master of Ceremonies: Be the Master of Ceremonies for a Troop 54 Court of Honor during your term of office. Lead the patrols in preparing for and executing that Court of Honor. Begin planning no later than during the PLC prior to the event and have duties firmly assigned no later than one week prior to the Court of Honor. Activities include writing the script, coordinating a program to be handed out, directing assigned patrol members in room set-up, flag ceremony, and room clean-up. Ensure each patrol is actively involved in their portion of the Court of Honor and that the ceremony is run in a smooth and respectful manor. #8 Camp Set Up Drills: During a three-month period work with the Quartermaster to run two camp setup drills during the regular troop meeting time. During these drills practice the correct methods of checking in and checking out equipment, as well as setting up an organized, Camp- O-Ree style site. At least three patrols must participate. Record each patrol's time and award a small prize to the patrol with the best combination of time and cooperation. 4 Junior Leader Ladder

5 Ensure that all equipment is properly checked in and stored. #9 Run Troop Camping Trip: With the Scoutmaster and the PLC, develop an agenda for a troop weekend camp based on a theme in Troop Program Features. Present your plan to the PLC at least one full month before the camp and get the PLC's approval. Assign parts of the agenda to every patrol and to attending Assistant Scoutmasters. Lead the troop in the execution of your program during the camp weekend. You must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. Report on the weekend at the next PLC. #10 Lead Departure Rehearsal: During a threemonth period lead the troop in a departure rehearsal at least two times during regular troop meeting times. Your departure rehearsal must include a) gathering patrols in formation by the shed, b) issuing patrol boxes and equipment, c) grading patrols on the completeness of equipment, execution time, and orderliness. At least 60% of each of four patrols must be present and participating. #11 New Facility Slide Show: Create a slide-show of a facility to be used during an upcoming troop activity. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slide-show at a troop meeting at least four weeks before the sign up deadline for the weekend activity. Make your presentation interactive by having the patrols make preliminary plans for the activity. Encourage all Scouts to participate and report how many Scouts signed up at the next PLC. patrol (assisted by their ASM patrol advisors). Make sure that each patrol has a fair number of assignments. Be present while all the preopening activities are run and provide positive feedback to the team running them. #14 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #15 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #12 Community Service: Meet with the Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can perform community service with your troop. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #13 Preopening Activities: With the SPL, plan preopening activities for at least six consecutive troop meetings. Assign each preopening activity to be run by a Junior Leader Ladder 5

6 opening ceremony, d) teach a Scout skill, e) lead an activity only for the New Scout Patrol, and f) run a troop inter-patrol activity. You may run only one of these items during each troop meeting for credit towards this Knot. You should use your patrol members as appropriate to help you accomplish these tasks. Patrol Leader Knots monthly reports on your patrol to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) which patrol members were present and absent at each troop meeting during the month, b) which patrol members attended the weekend activity during the month, c) the current rank of each member and which requirements are needed by each member to achieve their next rank, d) what your patrol has accomplished during the month, and e) what merit badges patrol members are actively working on. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Independent Patrol Meeting: Plan and conduct a patrol Meeting on a day when the troop is not meeting or camping. Plan your program with the Assistant Patrol Leader. Your meeting must include a) a flag ceremony, b) teaching a Scout skill, c) a main activity, and d) a game. Have the SPL and the Scoutmaster initial your written plan before going ahead with your meeting. Record attendance at your meeting. In order for the meeting to count toward this Knot at least 60% of your patrol must be present and all those present must actively participate. #3 Lead Meetings and Camping: Attend the troop meetings leading up to the camping trip including the meal/duty planning troop meeting and then lead your patrol on the camp-out or troop weekend activity that you helped plan. Make sure that your patrol has an assigned Grub Master for the camp-out. Make sure that your patrol has a written duty roster prepared before the camp-out. Post the duty roster in your patrol campsite. You must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. #4 Lead at Troop Meetings: Lead your patrol in running at least 5 of the 6 following events at a troop meeting: a) pre-opening activity, b) service patrol, c) 6 Junior Leader Ladder #5 Patrol Flag: Lead your patrol in creating a patrol flag and pole. You may not create the flag yourself. Display this flag at six consecutive troop meetings and at all weekend activities during the same two calendar months. During weekend activities carry your patrol flag to all activities and post it in your patrol site when you are in camp. #6 Patrol Equipment List: Lead your patrol in creating a patrol equipment list for two monthly campouts. Have the SPL and the Scoutmaster initial your patrol's list. Lead your patrol in assembling the equipment on your list into a patrol box. Clearly mark your patrol box with your patrol's name and a replica of your patrol patch. Take your patrol's box on a weekend camp-out. Make sure that all items in your box are cleaned and neatly packed in your box after the camp-out. #7 Troop Campfire Program: Lead your patrol in organizing and presenting a troop campfire program. Prepare a written plan for the campfire that includes a presentation by each patrol on the camp-out. Have your plan and the selected skits approved by the Scoutmaster or Tour Leader prior to the campfire. Your program must include at least four of the five following items: a) an opening with a fire lighting, b) two songs, c) two or more skits, d) Scoutmaster's or Tour Leader's minute, and e) a wind-down and closing. #8 Court of Honor Master of Ceremonies: Be the Master of Ceremonies for a Troop 54 Court of Honor during your term of office. Lead the patrols in preparing for and executing that Court of Honor. Begin planning no later than during the PLC prior to the event and have duties firmly assigned no later than one week prior to the Court of Honor. Activities include writing the script, coordinating a program to be handed out, directing assigned patrol members in room set-up, flag ceremony, and room clean-up. Ensure each patrol is actively involved in their portion of the Court of Honor and that the ceremony is run in a smooth and respectful manor.

7 #9 Independent Patrol Camping Trip: Plan and lead an independent camping trip for your patrol. Choose a date that does not conflict with previously scheduled troop events. Choose an appropriate Scouting theme for your camping trip and follow that theme for the overnight trip. Make sure your patrol has an assigned grubmaster and that a written menu and duty roster is prepared prior to the trip. Post the duty roster in the campsite. Arrange the required tour permit and adult supervision. Coordinate with the Troop Quartermaster to check out your patrol gear prior to the event. The Patrol Leader must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. Report the results and any Scout advancement that occurred on this trip at the next PLC meeting. #10 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #11 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and Junior Leader Ladder 7

8 #5 Historian Report: Present a report to the PLC describing the troop's collection of trophies, keepsakes, ribbons, plaques, certificates, display boards, and flags. Describe the location and condition of each item and discuss any problems relating to storing the items. Give an oral summary of your report to the PLC and bring copies of the full report to hand out to everyone at the PLC. Historian Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) status of pictures, facts, and scrapbooks recording troop events, b) status of troop trophies and keepsakes, and c) changes to alumni records. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Troop Scrapbook: Create layouts for the troop scrapbook for three troop meetings and two weekend activities. Use photographs, handouts from the event, clip-art, and text as appropriate. Each layout should provide enough text to describe the event for members who were not present. Include captions for all photos that include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present each layout to the PLC for review as you complete it. #3 Three month Slide Show: Create a slide-show of troop activities that covers several of the troop's scheduled activities over a three-month period. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slide-show at the Court of Honor that ends the three-month period. #4 Outing Tri-fold: Create a tri-fold board describing a troop weekend activity. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity handouts or brochures, as appropriate. The board should provide enough text to describe the event for members who were not present. Include captions for all photos that include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #6 Former Member Letters: Write letters (not e- mails) to at least five former members of Troop 54 that are no longer active participants and are over 21 years of age. Your letter must describe some of the troop's recent activities. Ask the former members to reply with a letter describing their current location, employment, and activities. Read the replies that you receive to the troop during a troop meeting. Distribute photocopies of the letters and replies to the PLC and place the originals in the troop's alumni historical file. #7 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #8 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and 8 Junior Leader Ladder

9 copies of your report for everyone attending the PLC. Recommend which pamphlets should be replaced and provide the cost of this replacement. Encourage the PLC to vote to recommend this purchase to the Troop Committee. Librarian Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) which Scouts have checked out items, b) which Scouts have past-due items from the troop library, and c) which items are out-of-date and need to be replaced. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Library Presentation: Give a presentation on the troop library to the troop during the troop meeting. Describe procedures for checking out material and what you will do to follow-up on past-due items. Provide a handout after your presentation that summarizes your presentation and includes a typed list of what is in the library. If the inventory and procedures are current on the troop website, provide the Internet address on the handout. #6 Merit Badge Changes Presentation: Give a presentation on merit badge requirement changes to the troop during the troop meeting. Tell which merit badge requirements have changed during the previous 24 months. Tell where to find the latest requirement changes and requirements on-line and in print. Use a PowerPoint presentation, overhead transparencies, or a flip chart during your presentation. Provide a handout after your presentation that summarizes your presentation. #7 Merit Badge Pamphlet On-Line Inventory: Update the Merit Badge pamphlet on-line inventory in either Microsoft Excel or Word at least once a quarter. Present a summary report to the PLC twice during your term of office and forward a soft copy of the inventory to the troop webmaster so that it can be posted to the troop website. Review and make any necessary changes at least once a quarter to the Check-in/Check-out library procedures. Report any changes made to the PLC. These changed procedures should be documented in a Microsoft Word document and forwarded to the troop webmaster for posting on the troop website. #3 Inventory Report: Provide a report to the PLC of every item in the troop library. Include the location of each item in your report. Include recommendations of new materials to purchase for the troop library. Give an oral summary of your report to the PLC and bring copies of the full report to hand out to everyone at the PLC. #4 Merit Badge Pamphlets Display: Bring the troop's merit badge pamphlets to three consecutive troop meetings. Create a display of the pamphlets at the entrance to the meeting location. Have the display ready 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Man the display until the flag ceremony and encourage troop members to check out pamphlets. #5 Merit Badge Pamphlet Report: Find out which merit badge pamphlets in the troop library are out of date. Give an oral summary of your report to the PLC and bring #8 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #9 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and Junior Leader Ladder 9

10 #5 Scout s Own Service: Work with the Troop Chaplain to prepare a "Scout's Own" service agenda at least two weeks prior to a troop weekend camp. During the weekend camp work with the Troop Chaplain or a designated leader to conduct the service. You and at least two other Scouts must have speaking parts in the service. Chaplain Aide Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) dates of upcoming religious holidays that may affect troop scheduling, b) status of planned religious activities at troop events, c) status of Scout s Own Services at recent and upcoming troop outings, and d) status of Scouts earning their religious emblems. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Religious Emblem Presentation: Give a presentation on religious emblem requirements to the troop during the troop meeting. Describe the religious emblem program and the various awards for each faith. Describe the specific requirements for the emblem of the church that sponsors your troop. Tell where to find the latest requirement changes and requirements on-line and in print. Provide a handout after your presentation that summarizes your presentation. #3 Earn Religious Emblem: Earn the religious emblem that is applicable to your faith and age. #4 Chaplain Aide Binder: Collect a binder of worship-related materials. Your binder may contain songs, devotions, prayers, graces for meals, meaningful stories, or other appropriate items for conducting interfaith worship activities. Your materials must be appropriate for use in an inter-faith meeting, and must be related to Scouting. Your binder must contain at least twenty documents, of which at least five must be written by you during this term of office. Have your binder initialed by the Scoutmaster and the SPL. Then show your binder to the PLC and explain what it contains. #6 Closing Messages: Attend four or more consecutive troop meetings and offer a meaningful closing message of one paragraph in length. Then lead the troop in the Scoutmaster's Benediction to conclude the meeting. You must be wearing the complete Scout uniform when you meet this requirement. #7 A Scout is Reverent Plan: Meet with the Troop Chaplain outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that the troop can better reflect the twelfth point of the Scout Law in its activities. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #8 Scout Sunday: If your term of office includes the month of February, work with the Troop Chaplain or assigned adult leader and the chartered organization representative to plan the agenda for Scout Sunday services at Tabernacle. Recruit Scouts to participate in the service, and take a speaking part at both services. #9 Court of Honor Presentation: Create a slideshow showing what is meant by the twelfth point of the Scout Law. Include at least two of the troop's scheduled activities within a three-month period in your presentation. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slide-show at the Court of Honor which ends the three-month period. #10 A Scout is Reverent Tri-fold: Create a tri-fold board describing part of a troop weekend activity which demonstrates the twelfth point of the Scout Law. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity handouts or brochures, as appropriate. The board should provide enough text to describe the event for members who were not present. Include captions for all photos 10 Junior Leader Ladder

11 which include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Have the Troop Historian store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #11 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #12 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and Junior Leader Ladder 11

12 PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. Den Chief Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Include in your report a description of the Pack's monthly theme and describe which activities from the published Program Helps your Den Leader has asked you to lead. Also describe how what you helped with last month and how it turned out. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #5 Den Chief Training: Attend Den Chief training sponsored by your Pack's district or council. Provide a written description of this training of not less than one paragraph in length to the PLC. #6 Den Activity Plan: Meet with your Den Leader outside of the regular Den meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can lead some of the scheduled activities for your Den. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #2 Webelos Camp Equipment: Arrange with the Troop Quartermaster for the loan of camping equipment to your Den for a weekend camp. With the Quartermaster, inspect and check out the equipment. Transport the equipment to the Den Leader's home prior to the weekend event and provide relevant instructions for its use. After the weekend obtain the equipment from the Den Leader, make sure that it is clean and complete, and check it back in with the Quartermaster. Write a thankyou note to the Scoutmaster on behalf of the Den and have all the members sign it. #3 Active in Den and Pack Meetings: Attend four or more consecutive Den Meetings and all Pack meetings and activities during those weeks. Wear your complete Scout uniform during all of these meetings. Take an active part in each meeting. Run a gathering activity or game from the published Program Helps at each of the four Den Meetings. Help with clean-up after the meeting, and find out what is needed for the following meeting. #7 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #8 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #4 Den Scout Spirit: Meet with the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can demonstrate Scout Spirit for your Den. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the 12 Junior Leader Ladder

13 requirements the Scout needs to achieve his next rank and make a plan to accomplish them. Make a log of what is discussed during each call. Have the Scoutmaster and the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster initial your log at the end of each month. Troop Guide Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) which patrol members were present and absent at each troop meeting during the month, b) which patrol members attended the weekend activity during the month, c) the current rank of each member and which requirements are needed by each member to achieve their next rank, d) what skills and troop procedures you have taught the new Scouts this month, and e) whether any new Scouts were harassed this month and the results of your shielding. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 New Scout Skill Plan: Meet with the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can demonstrate Scout skills for your New Scout Patrol. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #3 Lead Meetings and Camping: Attend the troop meetings leading up to the camping trip including the meal/duty planning troop meeting and then lead your patrol on the camp-out or troop weekend activity that you helped plan. Make sure that your patrol has an assigned Grub Master for the camp-out. Make sure that your patrol has a written duty roster prepared before the camp-out. Post the duty roster in your patrol campsite. You must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. #5 New Scout Name Challenge: Conduct the New Scout Name Challenge as part of the troop meeting opening for four or more consecutive weeks. Call all the members of the PLC to the front. Draft a representative from each patrol if any patrols are not represented by PLs or APLs. Give each PLC member a tablet and give them all 60 seconds to write the full names of five New Scouts that you select, plus one other Scout. The winner gets immunity for the following week. #6 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #7 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #4 Keep-in-touch Log: During a three-month period phone each Scout in the New Scout Patrol at least once each month. Find out what the Scout likes and dislikes about the troop's meetings and activities. Find out what Junior Leader Ladder 13

14 to the presentation. Present this slide-show at a troop meeting, and then reinforce the instruction with a related activity. Instructor Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Include in your report which scouting skills you have taught to the troop and patrol, how well the lesson went due to your advance preparation and your plans for future lessons. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 New Scout Skill Plan: Meet with the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can teach some Scout skills from the first four ranks to some New Scouts. Offer suggestions for reinforcing woods tools and fire safety skills. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #3 Advance Scout Skill Tri-fold: Create a tri-fold board describing an advanced Scout skill such as Camping, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, or Hiking. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity hand-outs or brochures, as appropriate. Include captions for all photos which include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #4 Scout Skill Slide-Show and Activity: Create a slide-show of troop activities that demonstrates a Scout skill. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, 14 Junior Leader Ladder #5 Totin Chip and Firem n Chit Training: Conduct an intensive training on woods tools and fire safety during the regular troop meeting. Outdoor demonstrations of the skills taught must be part of the training in order to qualify for this knot. Report the skills taught and the number of Scouts instructed at the next PLC. #6 Merit Badge Class: Work with a troop leader or other adult to plan and deliver a merit badge class that meets outside of the normal troop meeting time. You must be present and actively participate in every class meeting in order to qualify for this knot. Report the number of Scouts attending the class at following PLC meetings and report how many Scouts get their blue card signed off. #7 New Scout Campout Planning: Work with the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster to plan Scout skill activities for a New Scouts weekend camp. You must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. Run the Scout skill activities you plan during the New Scout camp. Report on the number of Scouts taught at the next PLC and which Scouts advanced in rank as a result of the activity. #8 Participate in Overnight Camp Outs: Participate in at least three separate Troop Campouts. Remaining at the camp out for the entire time. Provide instruction for your assigned instructor area at two of the camp outs to five or more scouts using the EDGE teaching format. #9 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point.

15 #10 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and Junior Leader Ladder 15

16 New Scout camp. Report on the number of Scouts taught at the next PLC and which Scouts advanced in rank as a result of the activity. Order of the Arrow Troop Representative Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) description of your efforts to share OA information with OA members in the troop, b) attendance reports for troop members at OA activities, c) attendance reports for OA members in troop activities, d) status of older-scout participation in highadventure programs, e) troop participation in service projects during the past month, and f) leadership training opportunities offered to the troop. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Troop OA Elections: If the troop has not yet had its annual OA Election, work with the Scoutmaster and your OA Chapter to plan the troop's annual OA election and Call-Out Ceremony. At least four weeks prior to the election remind the Scouts about the election and the requirements for being included on the ballot. Encourage qualified Scouts to consult with the Scoutmaster about being included on the OA ballot. Welcome and support the OA Election Team on the night of the election. Ensure a Call-Out Ceremony is scheduled in a reasonable amount of time from the election. #3 New Camping Locations Report: Using resources available through the OA lodge, present a report to the PLC describing at least six camping locations that the troop has not used before (or within the last three years). Provide a hand-out to all PLC attendees with basic information on all the sites you describe. Encourage the PLC to plan a weekend activity at one of these sites. #5 High-Adventure Facility Slide-show: Create a slide-show describing a high-adventure facility that the troop has not visited. Add a musical soundtrack or written script, or both, to the presentation. Present this slide-show at a troop meeting, then find out how many Scouts would like to give the facility you described a try. Report this information at the next PLC. #6 Camping Skill Tri-fold: Create a tri-fold board describing a camping skill. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity hand-outs or brochures, as appropriate. Include captions for all photos which include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #7 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #8 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #4 New Scout Campout Planning: Work with the New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster to plan Scout skill activities for a New Scouts weekend camp. You must be present and camp for the entire event to qualify for this knot. Run the Scout skill activities you plan during the 16 Junior Leader Ladder

17 of the items, locations, and conditions of every item and property stored by the troop or its leaders. Have the adult Committee Member Equipment Coordinator verify the accuracy of your inventory. Have your binder initialed by the Scoutmaster and the SPL. Then show your binder to the PLC and explain what it contains. Quartermaster Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) the status of patrol and troop equipment (i.e. what equipment has been checked out, returned, or not returned) during the last month, b) the condition of troop equipment, c) the condition of the Scout shed, d) a review of the last outing s trailer packing (i.e. check-out and check-in of patrol and troop equipment), and f) any suggestions for any new or replacement items. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 Equipment Plan: Meet with the adult Committee Member Equipment Coordinator outside of the regular troop meeting time and discuss possible ways that you can better organize equipment for the troop. Offer suggestions for improving the checking out and checking in of equipment. Write a plan of not less than 250 words describing your suggestions. Make an oral presentation of your plan at the PLC and provide copies of your proposal to all those attending. Encourage the PLC to adopt your plan. Report to the PLC both verbally and in writing on the results of your plan at the next two consecutive PLC Meetings. #3 Camp Setup Drills: During a three-month period work with the SPL or an ASPL to run two camp setup drills during the regular troop meeting time. During these drills practice the correct methods of checking in and checking out equipment, as well as setting up an organized, Camp-O-Ree style site. At least four patrols must participate. Record each patrol's time and award a small prize to the patrol with the best combination of time and cooperation. Ensure that all equipment is properly checked in and stored. #5 Control Equipment: During a three-month period, be present when the troop meets to load and unloading of equipment for at least two weekend activities. Check out equipment to each Patrol Quartermaster and the troop s senior Scout leader, keeping a written record of what is checked out. Provide a form for each Patrol Quartermaster and the senior Scout leader to use when checking equipment in at the end of the weekend. Tally the equipment check-in forms at the next troop meeting. Follow-up to ensure that all equipment (such as wet tents) is returned. #6 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #7 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #4 Equipment Inventory Binder: Take a complete inventory of the troop s equipment and create or update a Quartermaster s Binder. Your binder must contain a list Junior Leader Ladder 17

18 way, c) what should we continue doing that worked well tonight, and d) what is the plan for next week s meeting and does everyone have everything they need to do a good job next week. Mail or the results of all these "After the Meeting" sessions to the Scoutmaster and the core members of the PLC by the Thursday following the meeting. The core PLC includes the SPL, all ASPLs, all Patrol Leaders, all Assistant Patrol Leaders, and all Troop Guides. Scribe Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your report to the SPL and Scoutmaster and keep one for your own records. Your monthly reports must include a) an attendance report for the month s troop meetings, b) an attendance report for the last PLC meeting, c) a list of rank advancements for the last month including making sure the advancement board is correct, d) a list of Scouts delinquent in dues (if any), and e) a report of any correspondence handled since the last PLC Meeting. Present your oral reports to the PLC quickly and efficiently. #2 PLC Log: Attend the PLC and keep a log of PLC business and discussions for three consecutive months. Type your log and or mail copies of it to the Scoutmaster and all members of the PLC by the Thursday following the PLC. Add a copy of the log to your troop Scribe binder. Place an updated troop calendar in your Troop Scribe binder. Place copies of all reports presented to the PLC in your Troop Scribe binder. Have your binder initialed by the SPL and the Scoutmaster at the end of the three-month period. #3 Troop Uniform Inspection: Once during your term of office, work with the ASPL to plan a troop uniform inspection. Provide inspection forms for each Scout and leader to the assigned inspectors (older Scouts or Assistant Scoutmasters). Tabulate the results and announce them at the end of the troop meeting. Turn in all the inspection forms and a typed report to the Troop Advancement committee member. Also report the results of the inspection at the next PLC. #4 After the Meeting Meeting Support: At six or more consecutive troop meetings, attend the After the Meeting Meeting called by the SPL (or ASPL). Keep a log of the discussion and record the highlights: a) what should we start doing to make meetings better, b) what should we stop doing that didn t work for us or got in the 18 Junior Leader Ladder #5 Medical Forms Report: Meet with the adult Committee Member for Membership and Medical Records outside of the regular troop meeting time and review the troop's medical forms. Compile a report of which records are expired or missing. Make an oral presentation of your report at the PLC and provide written copies of your report to the Patrol Leaders, SPL, and Scoutmaster. #6 Dues Report: If your term of office includes the month of November, meet with the Troop Treasurer outside of the regular troop meeting time and review the troop's dues records. Compile a report of which Scouts have and have not paid their dues. Make an oral presentation of your report at the PLC and provide written copies of your report to the Patrol Leaders, SPL and Scoutmaster. #7 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #8 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and

19 planning meetings for the camp-out. Sound at least five of the required Bugler Merit Badge calls during the longterm camping event and play at least two different bugle calls each day. Coordinate uniform requirements with Scoutmaster prior to the event. Bugler Knots The Bugler is encouraged to learn the following bugle calls: "First Call," "Reveille," "Assembly," "Mess," "Drill," "Fatigue," "Officers," "Recall," "Church," "Swimming," "Fire," "Retreat," "To the Colors," "Call to Quarters," and "Taps." This is the same list required for the Bugling Merit Badge. #1 Troop Meeting Support: While in complete scout uniform, provide bugler support to six troop meetings during your term of office. Coordinate your participation during the PLC. Sound at least two of the required Bugler Merit Badge calls during each of the six troop meetings. For example, the bugler may play assembly prior to the opening flag ceremony and he may play recall before the closing ceremonies. #2 Community Service: While in complete scout uniform, and after receiving prior permission from the Scoutmaster, provide bugler support to a civil ceremony or other public event. Examples of these events may be a funeral, a community flag ceremony, or support to local fire and police departments. Upon completion of the event, write a short description of what you did and why it was important and provide this report to the Troop Historian, Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Make a short oral presentation to the PLC based on your written report. #3 Troop Camping Support: Provide bugler support during a regular troop campout. Coordinate your support during the PLC and during the planning meetings for the camp-out. Sound at least four of the required Bugler Merit Badge calls during the camping event and play at least two different bugle calls each day. Coordinate uniform requirements with Scoutmaster prior to the event. #4 Long-Term Camp Support: Provide bugler support during a long-term campout. This may be during summer camp or during a long-term troop event. Coordinate your support during the PLC and during the #5 Bugler Information Display: Create a tri-fold board describing a troop weekend activity that included bugling. Include text, photos, clip-art, maps, duty rosters, activity handouts or brochures, as appropriate. The board should provide enough text to describe the event for members who were not present. Include captions for all photos that include the full names of the scouts in the photo. Present the board to the PLC for approval. Set up the board near the entrance to the troop meeting location and display the board during three consecutive troop meetings. Store the board for use at future troop recruiting activities and Courts of Honor. #6 Court of Honor Support: While in complete Scout uniform, provide bugler support during a Court of Honor. Coordinate your support during the PLC and with the Master of Ceremonies for the Court of Honor. Sound at least two of the required Bugler Merit Badge calls during the Court of Honor. #7 Council or District Support: While in complete scout uniform, and after receiving prior permission from the Scoutmaster, provide bugler support to an event sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay District or the Colonial Virginia Council. Examples of these events may be Camporees, Pinewood Derbies, or other special events. Upon completion of the event, write a short description of what you did and why it was important and provide this report to the Troop Historian, Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Make a short oral presentation to the PLC based on your written report. #8 Bugler Binder: Collect a binder of Bugler-related materials. Your binder may contain the required bugle calls, additional bugle calls, bugler history, audio files of the bugle calls, and a list of appropriate bugle calls for specific scout events. Your binder must contain at least twenty documents, of which at least five must be written by you during this term of office. Have your binder initialed by the Scoutmaster and the SPL. Then show your binder to the PLC and explain what it contains. Junior Leader Ladder 19

20 #9 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. #10 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and 20 Junior Leader Ladder

21 #5 Complete Scout Uniform: Set a good example for your troop by wearing the Scout uniform correctly. Wear the troop neckerchief with an appropriate slide, uniform shirt with red/green shoulder tabs, official uniform pants, official uniform belt, official socks, and appropriate shoes at four consecutive troop meetings. To qualify for this Knot you must do more than what our troop's by-laws describe as a minimum uniform. That's the point. Webmaster Knots monthly reports to the PLC. Provide written copies of your reports to the Troop Scribe, SPL, and Scoutmaster. Your monthly reports must include a) updates to the Troop Web Page, b) file documents uploaded or deleted from the files tab, and c) problems with the web page. #6 PLC-Assigned Leadership Project: Plan and #2 Web Page Presentation: Give a presentation on the Troop Web Page to the troop during the troop meeting. Describe procedures for adding pictures and other information. Provide a handout after your presentation that summarizes your presentation and includes a typed list of what is in the library. If the inventory and procedures are current on the troop website, provide the Internet address on the handout. #3 Photo Page: The webmaster must create at least two new photo folders in order to add new pictures for two separate outdoor troop events. These photos should come from the Troop Historian, but may come from any scout or adult who provides pictures of an event. In addition to publishing the pictures, the webmaster will send out a brief article to the Troop alerting scouts and families that new pictures are available for viewing. Doing this will allow the Webmaster to complete communication merit badge requirement 7b, upon a communication merit badge advisors approval. #4 Scoutmaster Minute: Get with the Scoutmaster and have him provide three Scoutmaster Minutes that you will update the Troop Web Page with during three separate months. Provide a written report at each PLC when the Scoutmaster Minute has been updated. Junior Leader Ladder 21