Scouting Program Archives: Cultural Awareness Troop Program Feature

The history of every community in the United States has been influenced by many different groups: the Native Americans who lived here first, the various peoples who have immigrated to this country over the past 500 years, and those who continue to come to
this country today. Each nationality brings its own language and customs. Initially these peoples settled near their friends and family, forming neighborhoods with a predominant single-ethnic heritage.

By the time the Scouts in the troop reach midlife, most communities will no longer have a predominant single ethnic heritage, and many communities in the United States will reflect the cultural diversity of the world. Help Scouts to better understand the different ethnic groups represented in their communities.

Related Articles:

Indian Lore Merit Badge for Boy Scouts  The Indian Lore merit badge is a favorite for our first year Boy Scouts at summer camp. I can always tell which Scouts are working on the badge because they are usually walking around with a necklace with beads on.

Sleeping Pirate Game  This month I am featuring the Cultural Awareness Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts. The meeting plan for week two suggests playing Sleeping Pirate as a opening activity while the Scouts are gathering. This works well for this purpose since it doesn't require much equipment and additional Scouts can join in as they arrive.

Tent Pitching Contest (Standard or Blindfolded)  Tent pitching contests are an inter-patrol activity staple. To make it a blindfolded tent pitching contest, just add blindfolds. If you want, let one team member keep his vision, but he can only participate by giving verbal instructions to the others. This makes a good communications exercise also.

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge for Boy Scouts  The Citizenship in the World merit badge is required for Boy Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle Scout

Cultural Diversity/Disability Awareness Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts  The focus of this program feature is on respecting different cultures. The big feature for the program theme is either a cultural awareness campout or a cultural fair.

Native American Prayer  Native American lore is an important part of the Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs. This prayer is attributed to Chief Sealth (for whom Seattle is named).

Troop Program Features - Program Planning  The Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader work together to develop long term plans for a Boy Scout troop. One thing which can help with this is the BSA troop program features.

Troop Program Features for Meetings and Outings  Boy Scout program features let a troop to plan its meetings around a theme.