Summer Camp SPL Advising

[curious_scouter]

What are some "leading questions" you keep in your mind to help point the SPL in the right direction and get them digging in on leading the Scouts at summer camp?  Some that I've been noodling:

• Gear check at arrival, any initial concerns about what you have seen?
• Review of cabin/tent mates, any personalities to be aware of?  Any concerns?
• Any goals for the Troop this week?  Spirit award?  Campsite inspection goals?
  • RE: those goals, do you have a plan and people lined up in your head to lead tasks (share the load)
• How do you want to organize the move-in?
• Any projects you have in mind for downtime?  Any activities?
  • Board game night
  • Troop basketball
  • Swimming?
  • Service project for camp?
  • Sign to hang in pavilion?
  • etc.
• Have you reviewed the schedule for the week?  What camp activities do we need to prep for?
  • Do we know the dining hall process?
  • What time are flags and does everyone know proper dress and prep (troop flag?)
  • Campfire programs?
  • Competitions?
  • etc
• What's the plan for general campsite hygiene?
  • Trash?
  • Sweep/clean bunks?
  • Bathhouse restock / cleaning?
  • Showers?
  • Buddy system, check in/out of camp so we have a general idea who's with who and where (clothespins?  Notebook?)
• PLC First Day Topics
  • Do you know what Patrols are present and who the PL or acting PLs are for each?
  • Make sure PLs and acting PLs know their responsibilities, set expectations with them early and often.
  • Remind PLs to set example with uniform wearing for meals / campfires
    • THEY should be primarily responsible to ensure their Patrol shows up proper and ready
  • Remind PLs to keep an eye on their patrol members for any concerns and bring discreetly to SPL and/or Leaders when needed
    • Homesickness
    • Illness
    • Personality Conflicts
  • Remind PLs they are responsible (first line) for ensuring their Patrol bunks/tents are livable
  • Any plans to have a PLC daily to share info, discuss concerns?
  • Review camp policies, discuss with PLC and get approval for in-camp time at night and hard lights out time
    • Final sign off required by SM
  • How do you guys plan to ensure everyone's up on time and ready?
  • Does everyone know where the first aid kit is? 
  • Does everyone know what to do in case of lightning or bad weather?
• Big Siblings
  • Maybe go around and talk to older scouts discreetly.  Remind them a lot of younger and first year scouts may get homesick.  Encourage them to be supportive of each other, but let's also not make "missing home" be a broadcast topic.  If a younger scout says they miss home, it's great to engage them, share that it's normal, share your own experience and how it turned out okay and that everyone is here for you.  But, don't go up to the first year and say things like "I bet you're pretty homesick", etc.  Be tactful.

[MattR]

Make it less complicated. No adult, much less a scout, will remember all that.

Have fun, look out for everyone, the scout law is your filter for success, let's talk often, listen to the scouts. Have fun. Did I mention having fun?

[DuctTape]

What MattR said!

 

I would encourage the SPL to do two things:

1. A quick morning check-in (5-10 minutes max)with the rest of the PLC to help. set the stage for the rest pf the day. This also ensures they are up, dressed and ready first.

2. Evening check-in (5-10 minutes max) after all is done and other  scouts are readying for bed. This is to reflect on the day and put it all to rest.

Note: The SPL and PLC dictate the topics based on their needs.  These check-ins should be adult free. The SPL can conference with the SM before or after.

Edited July 10, 2023 by DuctTape

[OaklandAndy]

Also, I would think that all summer camps, like ours, hold daily SPL meetings throughout the week and that could provide more direction for that SPL.