Loki

A bucket! One of my favorite campfire sketches is "There's a hole in the bucket". Participants can really ham it up. Laura lots of great guitar resources. For a wide variety of 60's 70's, folk and folkish (John Denver, Dan Fogelberg, Eagles) try: www.olga.net You might also look for OAK publications which specializes in traditional, bluegrass and folk. I also like to hit the thrift stores for discarded school music books and sheet music. Something you might consider is the ukelele. Seriously! I found that if I bring out the uke the kids really are curious. It's easy to learn too. If anyone is interested check out www.fleamarketmusic.com

Yoyi Check with the Long Beach Area Council, (CA) Western Region. I believe they developed a High Adventure award for cycling. If I can find the number and contact I'll post it here.

I understand there are a few Scouters that feel they should sing so-low (so low no one hears them) but given some basic training they could step up and still perform. Heck, use a kazoo or a cowbell. Point is the kids will be more enthusiastic if we are enthusiastic. LauraT7 had a great suggestion about familiar tunes. Practice? Maybe even a rehersal before hand?

Ok, I don't get it. What is it with LEADERS and their fear of singing? I have seen at numerous campfires and assemblies the leaders are there of course...in the back...hiding...shuffling their feet...while I end up doing a solo on the guitar. I exaggerate of course, but not much. My question to you all is how can we encourage singing/music elements at activities? Was considering proposing a "Campfires 101" training through our District with emphasis on music storytelling and campfire dynamics. This would be an opportunity for leaders to learn simple tunes, basic music theroy, instruments, characterizations for storytelling, and resources such as Scouter.com for more a vareity of skits. I realize this is an element of other leader training courses but my experience is locally it gets glossed over. (This message has been edited by Loki)

Thank you all for your responses. Excellent ideas but that is to be expected considering the source.

Thanks for the reminder. Our District Training committee has made it a point to refer to G2SS in every training course and unit leaders are instructed to review G2SS prior to calendar planning. Training, training, training.

Howdy Forum A suggestion came up in our troop to create an "Adult Leader" patrol and I am curious if anyone has tried this. The primary reason for considering this is to keep our leaders focused on their roles and try to prevent inserting themselves into the Scout's responsibilities. Specific assignments would be given to the adults, as in a regular Scout patrol. We already have leaders assigned to particular roles but unfortunately we also have several adults that feel compelled to rush in and "help" the troop by doing first and asking later. Additionally, it is hoped this new "identity" may help encourage adult participation in events and outings. Any input?