Reaching and Communicating with Boys in a Classroom Environment (Cub Scout Recruitment Boot Camp)

What: With School access each year becoming more and more limited, we need to maximize our time, method, and approach in the schools and classrooms where we still have access.

Who: Utilize our vast resources and networks of Schools, Principals, Administrators, Parents, and Teachers who support our position and program

Human Resources: Have teachers who work with these students each day share tips, and suggestions with DE’s on how to better communicate with 1 – 5 grade boys. One teacher from each of the following grades- 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade should be included. A Principal will make suggestions to the group on how to get access to the school.

How: A one day (six hour) “Cub Scout Recruiting Boot Camp” to drill all Area Field Staff on the Basics of Face to Face recruiting/communicating with boys in a classroom setting. Having several Professional staff together in the same room is important and facilitates dialogue and sharing.

The “Boy Talk” presentation: The teachers, experts in the field on communication with elementary age boys, gave us tips and suggestions to refine our “Boy Talk”. Rehearse 10,000 times so when the lights come on and the bullets start flying we are the best we can be. We have to reach the boy to get him to come back to school with his parents.

When: The time of year is important. The training should be held in the first week of August on an Area wide basis. Boot Camp is most effective in an Area wide setting. The Boot Camp gives the DE the tools to refine the presentation and put it into practice as soon as school begins.

Where: Boot Camp should be held in an Elementary School Environment, set up for a School Night, posters in classroom, water fountains, rest rooms etc.

Supplies: Have posters and samples of quality flyers with information to share with DE’s and information on BeAScout.

Quick Tips-Improve your Acting in the Classroom to Communicate with Cub Scout Age Boys

·  Know your script. Memorize, re-read and then read again. From this foundation you can go on to identify the reason for your lines. This will help you react with the right lines and make remembering easier.

·  Listen actively. You should give the impression that what your character is sharing is purely of that moment. Resist the temptation to be quick with your lines just to prove you know them. It is a conversation, after all.

·  Be Brave!!!! The quickest way to improve your acting is to realize that your first choice will usually be the easiest for you to do - not the best one for the part. Look beyond your initial choice.

·  Learn to breathe. Practice relaxation breathing 20 minutes a day. Inhale as deeply as possible and exhale for twice the amount of time you spent inhaling (i.e. inhale 15 seconds exhale 30 seconds). This will help stress and stage fright.

·  Be professional- Showing up early will give you the opportunity to become familiar with the layout of your environment.

·  If the group is undisciplined, hold your nerve and avoid the melodrama. Your performance will stand out like the calm in the eye of the storm.

·  Act! The more you act, the better you should get. Practice makes perfect. The more acting you do, the greater the number of Cub Scouts you should recruit

·  Improve your acting by rehearsing in front of your colleagues. It might sound odd but getting constructive criticism from colleagues will enhance your performance and help you develop your skills.

·  Finally, be thick skinned. You have to have the courage to understand you are just acting in front of Elementary School Children.