Too often we see scouts lose interest in the BSA. In working with our troop, the adult leaders watched meetings to isolate areas that could be improved. Identifying the 2nd year scouts who haven’t reached 1st Class, and the 15+ year old group who haven’t moved from Star to Life as the two highest areas of retention issues, we developed a theory. Simply put, if they lack direction, they become bored. Pretty simple right? Both of these groups voice the same complaints that ‘nothing happens at scouts’, ‘I can’t get anything done’, then finally, ‘I don’t want to go’. These are complaints that can be addressed.
The problem for the younger group is that because, for whatever reason, they didn’t make it to 1st Class when the rest of the first year scouts did, they find themselves left behind. The new first year scouts are getting continual guidance and the ones who made it to first class are now working on loftier, less checklist oriented, skills to achieve Star. The problem(s) for the older group is that often, Merit Badges are only readily available at long term camps and / or they don’t know who to go to within the troop to find a counselor. Well, and of course, gasoline and perfume. Obviously, these aren’t problems that are new to scouting or that have only been seen in our troop, district, or counsel.
I’ve developed a plan to try and help. If it works like I hope it will, I’ll take it to the district level where I am the lead for Retention. The ‘in a nutshell’ version is: The Star and Life rank scouts become more engaged with the younger scouts by checking the board regularly to see who is behind. They take those scouts, look over their books, and make sure they get the experiences necessary for advancement. Next, they coordinate with me to be sure they have the adult leadership available to ensure they have counselors on hand for Merit Badge advancements for themselves. I took each of the older scouts aside and discussed it with them a few months ago and they were very receptive.
Some nights we see it work really well, other nights we don’t. Slowly though, it’s been gaining momentum and the boys are using it more and more. It went further tonight than ever. Examples: A 1st Class had a Scout off to the side assisting him in memorizing the scout oath and promise, the two things he needs to complete to become Tenderfoot. In another corner, another 1st Class was working with a Tenderfoot on requirements for 2nd Class. A Star was helping a young man who has recently rejoined scouting to get him from Tenderfoot up to 2nd Class. Meanwhile, I, as a former committee member, educated a parent on how to conduct a Board of Review to increase our pool of parents who are the final step in advancing the boys to their next rank. Normally, what I did would be handled by the committee, but they were conducting their monthly meeting tonight so I helped her out while no one was looking. 
If tonight was an indicator, I’m encouraged. Many scouts approached the ASMs to sign off in their books after having worked with the higher ranked scouts to finish up lingering requirements. Congratulations go out as four scouts reached the rank of 2nd Class and three reached the rank of Life. We also added three parents to the pool available for Boards of Review. When you add to that a productive committee meeting and our scout master meeting with four potential new scouts and their families, it was a good night!
