• HOME
  • SHOP ONLINE
  • CALENDAR
  • CAMP TUCKAHOE
  • PROGRAMS
  • ACTIVITIES
  • GIVING
  • ABOUT US
  • CAMPING
  • RESOURCES
  • TRAINING
Service Center and Scout Shop About Us
  • - Staff Directory
  • - National Council
  • - Official BSA Web Sites
  • - Career Opportunities
Districts
  • - First Capital
  • - Blue and Grey
  • - Indian Steps
Programs
  • - Cub Scouting
  • - Boy Scouting
  • - Varsity Scouting
  • - Venturing
Camping
  • - Camp Tuckahoe
  • - Camp Conewago
  • - Wizard Ranch
  • - National Jamboree 2010
Activities
  • - General Information
  • - Cub Scout Day Camps
  • - Scouting for Food
  • - GTFA Blood Drive
  • - Shelter Collection
  • - Gettysburg Trails
Giving
  • - General Information
  • - York Dist. Citizen Celebration
  • - Boy Scout Golf Outing
  • - Sporting Clays Event
Popcorn Sale
  • - General Information
  • - Products
  • - Unit Commissions
  • - Prize Program
  • - Unit Kernel Tools & Forms
Resources
  • - The YAAC - Current Issue
  • - News Briefs
  • - Forms and Publications
  • - RSS Feeds
Training
  • - General Information
  • - Current Course Schedule
BSA 100th Anniversary
  • - Year of Celebration
  • - Generations Connection
  • - Local Events
  • - National Hall of Leadership
  • - BSA Alumni Connection

Unit Program Planning:
The Key to Successful Scouting

Why an Annual Plan?

Planning is the first step to a successful pack, troop, or crew program. "Planning" means that a group of people from your unit "thinks" about general flow, themes, and activities before the start of the program year. The two key factors are: 1) involving the right individuals in the planning process (those who will be carrying out the activities) and 2) holding the annual unit-planning meeting between June 1 and August 15.

How to Plan

At the annual planning meeting, key leaders will want to follow the following format:

  1. Consider the specific needs of the unit.
  2. Review available resources.
  3. Plan unit’s calendar.

Consider the Specific Needs of Your Unit

Using a poster or dry-erase board, the unit committee should brainstorm and reach consensus on the following questions:

  1. What were the activities we did last year that we want to repeat? Why?
  2. What were some of the mistakes and problems last year that we do not want to repeat?
  3. What new themes or activities do we want to incorporate into next year's program?
  4. What are the special needs of unit? Tenure? Advancement? Fundraising? Membership? Parental Help?
  5. How can we meet these needs?

Things to Include on Unit Calendars

The list below notes several items that should be included in a unit's annual calendar.

  • Fall and Spring Round-Up: The unit's membership chairman, with the assistance of the district executive and district volunteer leaders, recruit boys and adult membership out of the schools, churches, and other youth centers in the area.
  • Training Courses: A variety of high quality training courses are available to adult leadership during the year. Basic training for all varieties of leaders is available.  Be sure to anticipate dates for New Leader Essentials and position specific training.  Additional training like University of Scouting and Wood Badge should also be considered.
  • District Roundtable: Held once a month, the pack, troop, and crew leaders in the district gather to discuss the following month's Program Helps, get the latest announcements, share helpful ideas, and plan specific details of unit level activities.
  • Council and District Activities: Note the variety of activities that the council and district organizes in support of unit program: Good Turn for America, Camporees, Camp Tuckahoe Events, and Mall Show.
  • Charter Renewal: All units must reregister their youth and adult membership at the end of the year. Charter renewal workshops are held in each district in the fall to assist with this important annual event.
  • Friends of Scouting (FOS): Kicking off in January, Friends of Scouting provides the council with the financial resources  needed to operate. The objective of the Family FOS campaign is to give every family in Scouting the opportunity to make a financial contribution at the level of their interest, commitment and ability.
  • Summer Camps: Cub Scout Day Camp, Cub Scout and Webelos Resident Camp, and Boy Scout Resident Camp provide a yearly highlight for many packs and troops and give youth the outdoor experience of a lifetime.
  • Council and District Dinners: Recognize key leaders in units as well as in the district and council. These events help to say thank you to the many supporters of Scouting.

Additional Resources

  • Program Helps: This resource gives unit leaders ideas for monthly themes and activities (skills, games, crafts, and ceremonies).
  • Boys' Life Magazine: This monthly resource is the best reading that Scouts could ask for at an unbeatable price. It supports unit programs in countless ways.
  • Scouting Magazine: This publication is filled with resources to develop a successful pack, troop, and crew program.
  • People - A Unit's Most Valuable Asset: Parents, neighbors, commissioners, district committee, and community leadership.

Some Materials to Remember

  • Planning Reference Materials: Council Calendar, Unit Program Helps, Centennial Quality Unit Goals, and Popcorn Sale/Fundraiser Guidelines.
  • Calendar of local activities: personal, community, and school calendars.
  • Supplies: poster paper/dry erase board, pens, blank paper, and masking tape.

Be sure to attend Program Launch on June 3 at Camp Tuckahoe to get the latest information.

  • HOME
  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • PRIVACY STATEMENT
  • SITEMAP
  • FAQ