Communication Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

BSA has created updated versions of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Communication program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

The Communication feature helps youth leaders learn how to give and receive information. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• What is communication?
• Verbal communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Body language

Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

• Learn and practice the EDGE method (essential)
• Review the EDGE method (challenging)
• Discuss communication methods in the unit (advanced)
• Play charades (essential)
• Work on Communications merit badge requirement 4 (challenging)
• Plan a campfire program or interfaith (Scouts Own) worship service (advanced)
• Review Cyber Chip requirements (essential or challenging)
• Teach internet safety to a Webelos den or a patrol (advanced)
• Work on one of the communications related merit badges (essential or challenging)

There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings

• Who Am I?
• Signaling
• Follow My Voice

The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

• Visit a television studio, radio station, newspaper office, etc (essential)
• Take a “communication hike” (challenging)
• Plan a camping weekend and work on the Communication merit badge (advanced)

Find some related helps and achievements for the Communication Troop Program Feature below.

Banana Bandanna Skit

The idea behind the skit is that the Scouter with the banana has misunderstood the announcer. Every time the announcer says to do something with the bandana, the Scouter does it with a banana instead.

I Can Do That With One Hand Tied Behind My Back Game

The goal of this game is for two Scouts to work together to make a simple lunch. The challenge is that they each have one hand tied behind their back.

Guide Me Game for Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers

This game makes a fun break in a meeting. It is appropriate for Webelos, Scouts BSA, or Venturers. The will have to work together to accomplish their goal.

Picture Telephone Game

Picture Telephone is a visual version of the classic telephone game. Our Crew recently played this during the Communication section of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews course.

Program Planning for Scouts BSA

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

Snapper Fishing Game

This is a traditional Scout game which might date back to Baden-Powell himself. It practices Scoutcraft (lashings) as well as cooperation and problem solving.

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.

Communication Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about oral, written, visual, and digital methods of sharing information while working on the Communication merit badge. They share stories and information, participate in an interview, attend a public meeting, and plan a Court of Honor or campfire program. They also explore careers in the field of communication.

Journalism Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Journalism merit badge, Scouts learn about freedom of the press and ethics issues for reporters. They investigate print and live journalism. They also conduct an interview and explore careers related to this field.

Digital Technology Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn how digital information is stored and transmitted while working on the Digital Technology merit badge. They explore how digital technology has changed over the years. They also investigate the practical aspects of digital technology and explore careers in the field.

Public Speaking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to present themselves and their ideas with confidence while doing the requirements for the Public Speaking merit badge. They give talks to introduce themselves and on topics of their choosing. They also learn how to give an impromptu talk and to lead a discussion.

Communications Ranger Core Requirement Helps and Documents

To complete the Communications core requirement for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn and practice communications skills. Then they must share their knowledge of communications with others.

Radio Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts who are working on the Radio merit badge discover the world of broadcast radio and hobby radio. They learn how radio waves make it possible for people around the world to communicate. Scouts learn about the different components in a radio. The en they put their knowledge to use The requirements for this badge can be fulfilled by exploring amateur radio, radio broadcasting, or shortwave radio.