LONG TERM PROGRAMMING FOR
THE SCOUT TROOP
A tool for the Troop Council & Leaders
Part One
The following templates have been developed to assist the Troop Council to develop an
outstanding program for the year, whilst ensuring the key components of our program
The Areas of Personal Growth and the Scout Method are covered in everything that the
troop and patrols complete during the year.
Use in conjunction with the document, ‘Understanding the Areas of Personal Growth & The Scout
Method’.
© Scouts Australia 2013
1
GUIDELINES FOR LONG TERM TROOP PROGRAM PREPARATION
OVER 12 MONTHS THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:
Major activitythat engages the whole troop, takes several months of preparation, includes areas of the award scheme
and culminates with a camp, or other significant event
Participation in branch, region and district events
Minimum of two troop camps
Minimum of one patrol camp per patrol
Minimum of one patrol activity per term
Has a balance of indoor and outdoor activities
Has a balance of activities at and away from the local meeting place
Minimum two activities with local Venturer Unit to support linking
Minimum two activities with Cub Scouts to support linking
At least two advancement ceremonies
Opportunity for everyone to complete parts of the award scheme
At least one troop council meeting per term
Training for PL’s & APL’s
Balanced program that covers all of the
AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Spiritual Development
Physical Development
Intellectual Development
Emotional Development
Social Development
Character Development
Regular inclusion of all facets of the
SCOUT METHOD
Learning by doing through games & activities
Nature
Promise and Law
Team System
Service
Symbolic Framework - (for Scouts this means exploring new territories with a team of friends)
SUMMARY At all times we need to consider the following with everything that we do -
Is it
challenging?
Is it fun? Is it
rewarding?
Is it useful? Is it safe?
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1. LONG TERM PROGRAMMING Patrol Preparation
Good preparation will make programming simple! Developing the troop program is the responsibility of the Troop Council. Long term
planning should happen at a special Troop Council Meeting at either the beginning of the year or late in the preceding year. Before meeting
PL’s need time to also plan with his/her patrol. Following this process implements the Scout Method and so empowers Patrol Leaders to
take responsibility for their Patrol. Each patrol to complete the template below.
PATROL _______________________ Date completed _______________
TROOP PROGRAM IDEAS - Each patrol to complete the following:
(Major troop activities and camps, areas of the award scheme to cover as a troop, program themes and ideas. Goals for the troop to
achieve over the next 12 months as suggested by each patrol.) Gather ideas from all patrols to then prioritise suggestions and then
determine troop activities and themes for the year.
If not clear, add a brief explanation about each suggestion and some pointers on why the troop should run the activity so you are ready to
‘argue’ your ideas on behalf of your patrol.
TROOP GOALS FOR THE YEAR
1.
2.
3.
4.
PROGRAM THEMES & IDEAS
1.
2.
3.
4.
MAJOR TROOP ACTIVITIES & CAMPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
AREAS OF THE AWARD SCHEME TO COVER
1.
2.
3.
4.
3
LONG TERM PLANNING FOR EACH PATROL FOR THE YEAR:
What does each patrol want to achieve during the year? Patrols to brainstorm key ideas around; Patrol Activity Badge, Patrol Camp
suggestions and areas of the award scheme to be covered by the Patrol. PL’s to bring along to the troop council meeting to share with the
troop, learn what others are doing and to see where patrol activities fit within the troop program.
List when the patrol would like to organise its activities. (Each patrol to complete the template below.)
PATROL GOALS FOR THE YEAR WHEN
1.
2.
3.
4.
PATROL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS WHEN
1.
2.
3.
4.
AWARD SCHEME AREAS TO COVER AS A PATROL WHEN
1.
2.
3.
4.
PATROL ACTIVITY BADGE IDEAS WHEN
1.
2.
3.
4.
OTHER PATROL SUGGESTIONS TO HELP DEVELOP THE TROOP PROGRAM
1.
2.
3.
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2. LONG TERM TROOP PROGRAM IDEAS - Work completed by the Leaders
ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED BY LEADERS
Leaders have good ideas as well! What activities and events would the leaders like the troop to participate in over the next 12 months?
TROOP GOALS FOR THE YEAR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PROGRAM THEMES & IDEAS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
MAJOR TROOP ACTIVITIES & CAMPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
AREAS OF THE AWARD SCHEME TO COVER
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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3. LONG TERM TROOP PROGRAM IDEAS Troop Council Planning
As a Troop Council look at all of the programming ideas suggested by each patrol and then put them into a priority order for the troop.
TROOP GOALS FOR THE YEAR
OUTLINE (What will happen)
WHEN (Term/s)
1.
2.
3.
PROGRAM THEMES & IDEAS
OUTLINE (What will happen)
WHEN (Term/s)
1.
2.
3.
4.
MAJOR TROOP ACTIVITIES & CAMPS
OUTLINE (What will happen)
WHEN (Term/s)
1.
2.
AREAS OF THE AWARD SCHEME TO COVER
OUTLINE (What will happen)
WHEN (Term/s)
1.
2.
3.
4.
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4. CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR YEAR
It is important to know all events that might support or hinder programming over the year. Before the meeting PL’s& Leaders need to find
out what is happening for each of the dot points listed (share the tasks). Including:
School holidays
Public holidays
Community events
Leadership Courses and
other training for Scouts
Leader Training
International, National,
Branch, Region, District and
Group events
Leader holidays
Major events in the schools
of scouts
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5
JAN
FEB
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
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4. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST YEAR?
The Troop Council has now looked at their patrol and leader suggestions for the year but what else could also influence the program?
LAST YEARS PROGRAM
Bring along a copy of last year’s program.
Check it for key dates and events that might be happening again.
Check it to list what parts of the award scheme were covered.
Check it to make sure the new program is totally different, so that you have new and interesting challenges for the year.
5. LONG TERM PROGRAM Finally the Planning
Once all of the background information has been collected it is then time to start prioritising everything using the information that you
collected.
Firstly list everything that is non negotiable and must happen
Prioritise major events over the year
o What training will be required to achieve these events?
o How much time will be needed to skill everyone to participate?
Ensure all Areas of Personal Growth are balanced over 12 months
Ensure all parts of the Scout Method are utilised
Ensure the needs and interests of all members have been met (will all scouts be happy with most aspects of the program?)
Make sure Patrol Activities either assist in preparing for a major event or, provide alternate activities to the troop so that patrol
members remain interested
LONG TERM PROGRAM FOR THE _______________________ TROOP
PREPARED BY THE TROOP COUNCIL
DEVELOPED BY:
(List the Troop Council members outlining the long term plan): DATE: _______________
Leaders: _____________________________________________________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
PL/APL _____________________________________ Patrol _________________________________________
TROOP DESCRIPTION
(A summary of the troop over the next 12 months to aid planning):
No. of members _______ Male ____ Female _____ Average age of troop ________ No. of leaders _______
No. progressing to Venturers __________ No progressing from Cubs ____________
Target Awards to achieve Pioneer ____ Explorer _____ Adventurer _____ Scout Medallions to achieve _____
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TROOP GOAL/MAJOR PROJECT FOR THE YEAR - The big picture outline that will help the Troop Council outline the activity to the rest of the troop and parents. This outline will help you develop the detailed plan.
What will the troop do? _________________________________________ Why have you chosen this activity? ________________________________________________
Where will it happen? ________________________________________ When will it happen? ________________________________________________
Who can participate? _________________________________________ How much money will be required? (Estimate) ______________________________________
Target amount for the troop to fundraise for the activity ______________
How will you know you have been successful? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
What parts of the Award Scheme will be covered? __________________________________________________________________________________________________
AWARD SCHEME
Highlight the areas of the award scheme you plan to cover during the year and what term this will happen.
Highlight the Areas of Personal Growth that can be covered by completing this part of the award scheme.
KEY TROOP AWARD SCHEME AREAS TO COVER OVER THE YEAR (Highlight areas to be covered)
TARGET AREAS
WHEN
(TERM)
TROOP or
PATROL(S)
AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
COVERED (tick/click on or highlight)
COMMENTS
Campcraft
Citizenship
Air Activities
Construction
Emergencies
Environment
Water Activities
Water Safety
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SPECIALIST BADGES TO COVER OVER THE YEAR AS A TROOP OR PATROL (Highlight areas to be covered)
SPECIALIST BADGE
WHEN
(TERM)
TROOP or
PATROL(S)
AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
COVERED (tick/click on or highlight)
COMMENTS
Radio Operator
Anchor
Deaf Sign Language
Faith awareness
First aid/Life Saving
Land Care
Language Emblem
Their Service Our
Heritage
World Scout
Environment Badge
Other
PROFICIENCY BADGES TO COVER AS A TROOP OR PATROL OVER THE YEAR (List badges to be covered)
PROFICIENCY BADGE WHEN
(TERM)
TROOP or
PATROL(S)
AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
COVERED (tick/click on or highlight)
COMMENTS
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ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES
What Adventurous Activities will the troop participate in during the year and how does it fit into the award scheme and cover the Areas of Personal Growth?
Activities could include: Caving, Gliding, Flying, Canoeing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Sailing and many more
ADVENTUROUS
ACTIVITY
WHEN
(TERM)
TROOP or
PATROL(S)
AREAS OF AWARD
SCHEME COVERED
AREA OF PERSONAL GROWTH
COVERED (tick/click on or highlight)
RESOURCE (
PEOPLE/EQUIPMENT)
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PATROL ACTIVITY BADGES
List how each patrol proposes to complete the Patrol Activity Badge
PATROL WHAT THE PATROL WILL DO HOW IT WILL BE ACHIEVED
WHEN IT WILL
HAPPEN
WHY IT WILL BE DONE
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6. LONG TERM PROGRAMMING The overview (or, putting it all together)
Now map everything out for the year so that you have an overview of everything that will happen to ensure a balanced, challenging and fun program that everyone in the troop will enjoy.
The program is still flexible just in case other ideas or changes occur.
The final columns can be completed at the start of each term to determine what exactly will happen, when it will happen, who will be responsible to organise the activity and what equipment will be
required.
TERM ONE
Theme/Priorities:
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONE TERM BEFORE
MONTH
DATE
TROOP ACTIVITIES
GROUP, DISTRICT, REGION,
BRANCH, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
PATROL ACTIVITIES
AWARD SCHEME
COVERED
WHEN &
WHERE
WHO
EQUIPMENT & OTHER
PLANNING
JANUARY
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
FEBRUARY
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
MARCH
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
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TERM TWO Theme/Priorities:
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONE TERM BEFORE
MONTH DATE TROOP ACTIVITIES GROUP, DISTRICT, REGION,
BRANCH, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
PATROL ACTIVITIES AWARD SCHEME
COVERED
WHEN &
WHERE
WHO EQUIPMENT & OTHER
PLANNING
APRIL
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
MAY
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
JUNE
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
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TERM THREE Theme/Priorities:
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONE TERM BEFORE
MONTH DATE TROOP ACTIVITIES GROUP, DISTRICT, REGION,
BRANCH, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
PATROL ACTIVITIES AWARD SCHEME
COVERED
WHEN &
WHERE
WHO EQUIPMENT & OTHER
PLANNING
JULY
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
AUGUST
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
SEPTEMBER
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
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TERM FOUR Theme/Priorities:
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONE TERM BEFORE
MONTH DATE TROOP ACTIVITIES GROUP, DISTRICT, REGION,
BRANCH, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
PATROL ACTIVITIES AWARD SCHEME
COVERED
WHEN &
WHERE
WHO EQUIPMENT & OTHER
PLANNING
OCTOBER
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
NOVEMBER
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
DECEMBER
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
________________ Patrol
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7. DO YOU HAVE A BALANCED PROGRAM?
At last, an overview of the troop program has been developed! Well done. But, how does it rate? Go through the
program and rate it against the following checklist.
PLANNING
The Troop Council developed the program
All patrols submitted ideas
Leaders contributed ideas
All aspects of the program planning tool
have been completed
At least 1 Troop Council meeting planned
per term
Patrol Leaders have responsibility for
implementing parts of the program
PROGRAM CONTENT
An outline for a major event has been
developed
Minimum of one troop camp planned
All patrols have a camp planned
Planned participation in district events
Planned participation in Region or Branch
events
Minimum of 2 activities with local Venturer
Unit
Minimum of 2 activities with Cub Pack
Advancement ceremonies programmed
The program has a balance of indoor and
outdoor activities
The program has a balance of activities at
and away from the local meeting place
The troop will participate in at least 1
community event
Every member of the troop has the
opportunity to camp out for a minimum of
10 nights
Planned participation in at least 4
Adventurous Activities
There is variation in the program from the
previous year
All leaders & scouts are excited about the
content of the program
AWARD SCHEME
Program allows for all scouts to achieve a
Target Award
All patrols have an outline to achieve Patrol
Activity Badge
The program covers all levels of the award
scheme
AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Over the year all facets of the Areas of
Personal Growth are covered
Spiritual
Physical
Intellectual
Emotional
Social
Character
TRAINING
Planned participation in Scout Leadership
Training
Leaders participating in leader training
VARIETY - (SCOUT METHOD)
A variety of different activities and games
have been planned
A variety of activities occur in nature and the
troop will participate in at least 1
environmental activity
All aspects of the program reflect the values
of both the Scout Promise and Scout Laws
The Patrol Method is incorporated into
every meeting
Service is incorporated into the program
every term
Over the year scouts will explore new
territories with a team of friends
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VARIETY (AREAS OF PERSONAL GROWTH)
How is Spiritual Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual De
velopment is covered in a different manner every term
How
is Physical Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Physical Development is covered in a different manner every term
How is Intellectual Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Intellectual Development is covered in a different manner every term
How is Emotional Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Emotional Development is covered in a different manner every term
How is Social Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Social Development is covered in a different manner every term
How is Character Development covered each term? (List how)
Term One _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Two _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Three _________________________________________________________________________________
Term Four _________________________________________________________________________________
Character Development is covered in a different manner every term
How did you go?
Have you developed a balanced and exciting program that will be both fun and challenging plus; included
heaps of new learning? Congratulations if you ticked a lot of boxes. If not many boxes are ticked, is it worth
going back through your program to see what changes can be made?