Session Two, slide 17 * Reinforce the use of the skill at team meetings and during monthly outings. This reinforcement can occur by incorpo- rating the skill into squad competitions, team projects, and other hands-on events. (The BSA publication Troop Program Resources is a rich collection of games and activ- ities that can be adapted to promote learning.) * Test Varsity Scouts when they feel that they are ready. Role-Play Seven—A Scout Learns Presentation Procedure: This role-play is a conversation between an experienced Varsity Coach and someone new to the position. An instructor can assume each role. Expeniencen Varsity Coach: “Lot's talk a little bit about learning and about advancement. Varsity Scouts can learn by doing— and at their own pace. Signing off on advancement require- ments isn’t a competition. The real goal is to master the skill” New Varsiry Coach: “That makes sense.’ Experience Varsity Coacit: “Take tying a knot, for example. A designated instructor—a squad leader, for example— will give them a demonstration so they can see how it's done correctly New Varsity Coack: “But | thought we taught them to learn by doing” ExpenieNnceo VARSITY Coach: "Absolutely. That's why the next step is asking them to do it themselves. Remember the pre- activity of this session when the participants here were tying knots? It really helped to see someone do it correctly.” New Varsity Coack: "Those who knew the knot could offer help to those who were learning it” Experience Varsity Coaci: “That's right. Not everyone gets it the first time—or the second. The important thing is that they keep trying. And once they do get it, the next step reinforces their knowledge by using the skill in the field and by teach- ing it to others” New Varsity Coaci: “So, would everyone in a group like that sign off on this part of the knot-tying requirement?” ExperieNceD Varsity Coack: "No, only those who have really mastered the skill” New Varsity Coach: “So, you show young men the skill, test them, review their work, and then recognize the ones who have mastered it. That's a lot like what we talked about ear- lier—directing, supporting, and coaching.” Nee em)Experience Varsity Coact: "That's right. But instead of a lead- ership skill, its a manual skill:” New Varsity Coach: "Seems like a good way to learn.” Expeniencen Varsity Coach: “It’s an ideal method of learning and teaching—and one that’s been working for the young men since Scouting began.” WHO CANTEACH SCOUTING SKILLS? Ask participants for their thoughts on who can teach skills to Varsity Scouts. Guide the discussion to this conclusion: Varsity Coach doesn't have to be the one who teaches all these skills. As we have seen, Varsity Scouts can teach one another. There are also adults connected with a Varsity team who can serve in the capacity of instructors —committe members, merit badge counselors, trainers, and some par- ents. Councils can provide listings of local experts for merit badges and other training Step Two: A Scout Is Tested A Scout wanting to complete a requirement to advance in rank must demonstrate to a Scout leader that he has fully mastered a skill at the level expected. ‘A Scout who wants to complete a rank requirement must demonstrate that he has fully mastered a skill at the level expected by the requirement. Varsity Scouts may be tested by adult team leaders or by the team captain, co-captain, or another youth leader, provided that the youth leader has already earned the rank the Varsity Scout is aiming for. When a Varsity Scout successfully demonstrates that he has completed a requirement, his leader acknowledges that fact and records the achievement with the team’s advancement program manager. The manager keeps track of every Scout's advancement progress in a Troop/Team Record Book. Each Varsity Scout's requirement completions may also be recorded on a team wall chart for all to see—an incentive for members to achieve higher ranks. As Varsity Coach, you provide quality control by monitoring the testing that occurs and ensuring that young men have met the requirements Step Three: A Scout Is Reviewed ‘After the Scout has completed all of the requirements for a rank and has been tested, his progress is reviewed in two stages: the Varsity Coach's conference and the board of review. Drawing together methods of Scouting including personal growth, association with adults, and instilling the Nae ee ge mer) 123Session Two, slide 18 values of the BSA, these are critical elements of a Scout's learning process. Role-Play Eight— Varsity Coach's Conference Instructors’ Note: Invite participants to consider one phase of the third of the four steps to advancement—A Scout is tested —by watch- jing a Varsity Coach conducting a Varsity Coach’s conference. The parts in this role-play can be taken by two instructors. Expeniencep Varsity Coach: “By now you can tell that, even though it's a team run by Varsity Scouts, you play a huge role in helping team’s leaders achieve their goals and set new ones” New Varsiry Coach: “That's true. But we haven't talked about working individually with the other members of the team” Expeniencen Varsity Coaci: "You'll have plenty of opportunity for that. Any time a Varsity Scout completes all of the require- ments for any rank, you'll hold a Varsity Coach's conference — a one-on-one meeting to increase his involvement in the troop, and prepare him for the board of review. It's also a great chance to get to know him a little better. “Imagine you are a Varsity Scout who has just completed the requirements for First Class. You've sat down with me, your Varsity Coach, for an advancement conference. Let me begin by asking you how it feels to have finished these chal- lenging requirements” New Varsity Coach: (Acting as a Varsity Scout) “Great. Ive been working really hard on it” ExpEnieNceo Varsity Coaci: “And it shows. You're really getting to be a leader. I'm interested in hearing some of your opin- ions and getting to know you a little bit better. Then we can work together to set some goals for you—and see how you could get more involved in the troop. We'll also make sure you're prepared for the board of review!” New Varsity Cock: (Acting as a Varsity Scout) “That’d be great” Expenienceo Varsity Coach: (Addressing the participants) “It's important to be positive and keep the Coach's conference relaxed. Your job is to reinforce Scouting’s ideals—the Scout NS mee em CTs)