Trail to First Class

Once a scout joins a troop, either by bridging from Arrow of Light or having no cubscout experience, their should be a "New Patrol" to welcome them.

A New Scout Patrol focuses on incoming scouts, teaching them how a troop works and on the first 4 ranks through First Class. A goal should be to provide the opportunity for new scouts to earn First Class with the first 12-14 months of their scouting career.

The New Scout Patrol is led by a Troop Guide appointed by the SPL and approved by the Scoutmaster. The scouts in the patrol will vote for the New Patrol Leader, who assists the Troop Guide with the running of the patrol. There is no Assistant Patrol Leader. The Troop Guide is responsible for the training plan and execution with the help of other Scout Instructors. The Troop Guide is part of PLC. A dedicated ASM can be associated to the New Patrol to provide advice and guidance to the Troop Guide.

Plan your work and work the plan

In order to meet the goal of 12-14 months to cover all of the requirements of the first four ranks, the Troop Guide should make a plan (that can be re-worked as time goes by). Also keeping track of the scouts' accomplishments to see what topics need to be covered or revisited. There are guides (referenced below) that may suggest how to cover various skills.

Sample plan.

Resources

• https://ppcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Scouts-Path-To-First-Class-2020.pdf

• https://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/1st-scout-schedule.asp

• https://troopleader.scouting.org/program-features/

• https://troopresources.scouting.org/how-to-campcraft-skill-videos/

• https://scoutermom.com/24623/scout-rank-requirements-scouts-bsa/

• https://scoutermom.com/19723/scouts-bsa-tenderfoot-rank/

• https://scoutermom.com/19795/scouts-bsa-second-class-rank/

• https://scoutermom.com/19833/scouts-bsa-first-class-rank/