Previous page: Early Ranks

Keeping Interest in Scouting

Scouts who are slow to progress through the ranks may become frustrated and lose interest in scouting. They may need assistance in asking for help with requirements or in finding opportunities to earn merit badges. When a boy has adults in his life who show an interest in his progress and achievements in scouts, he's more likely to stay motivated. Troop leaders, committee members, parents, and guardians should work with scouts to identify their short- and long-term goals and help them plan how to achieve them.

Boys whose parents participate — such as joining the committee, becoming ASMs, working as merit badge counselors for more than just their sons, going on the occasional campout, driving scouts to summer camp, or even just attending meetings once in a while — not only enjoy scouts more, but do better in the program because they see that their parents are interested in them and the program.

Many boys retain an enthusiasm for Boy Scouts throughout their scouting career, while others go through periods of lethargy and may lose interest entirely. Some of the signs that a boy is losing interest in scouts include missed troop meetings and outings, a failure to advance, and a lack of connection with other scouts in the troop.

There are several possible reasons for scouts to lose interest. The first place to look is at the troop calendar. Does it include a variety of fun activities that appeal to all age groups? Because the Scouting program includes boys of many ages, it can be difficult to come up with outings that are fun for every age. One solution to this problem is to plan special opportunities for older scouts on a troop outing, or to plan some separate outings. For example, on a troop tailgate campout a group of older scouts might go rifle shooting or do some High Adventure activities like rock climbing or kayaking. Seeing older scouts participate in challenging activities will give younger scouts something to look forward to.

It's easy for a troop to get into a rut, putting the same activities on the calendar each year and returning to the same campsites again and again. Scouts don't always know about the opportunities available when they plan the troop calendar, so it's up to the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders to present them with new ideas. Roundtables, BSA training, and informal conversations with leaders from other troops are good resources for fresh ideas for troop activities and destinations.

If the troop program is not an issue, another reason for scouts losing interest is that they are overscheduled. Many families try to juggle sports, scouting, and other extracurricular activities — leaving boys feeling like they have no free time. If a boy complains of being too busy, it may be time to choose between activities and simplify his schedule.

When a scout is attending meetings and outings but seems to be stalled with rank advancement, he may need some help with setting priorities. Navigating through all the requirements leading up to First Class is not easy and scouts can get lost (especially in larger troops). If a scout is not advancing as quickly as most of his peers, a parent or troop leader can help him come up with a to do task list that will help him get back on track. For example, a scout may make a 3x5 card with task reminders and take it to his meetings.

If a scout really isn't clicking with the boys and leaders in his troop, it may be time to look for another troop. Switching troops may seem like an extreme measure, but it will allow the boy to give scouting one more chance before he drops out altogether.

Previous page: Early Ranks

Next page: Starting at Older Age

Order the parents and new leaders guide to Boy Scouting

Inside this quick reference you'll learn: how to get started (for the boy, parent, and leader), about significant requirements, how to earn merit badges, to prepare for overnighters and summer camps, what to wear on the uniform, about the boy-led patrols, how to volunteer, steps to complete the Eagle, and lots more!

Order the Book Now

Buy Now from Amazon

Buy Now from Barnes & Noble