Project Planning Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

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

The Project Planning feature helps youth leaders learn how to accomplish their goals, whether that be a service project or a troop campout or planning other activities together. The troop does a group exercise of planning and carrying out a recycle regatta. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• Learn the principles of project management
• Explore the stages of team planning
• Learn about the roles of project manager, stakeholder, sponsor, and team member
• Understand that goals must be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based
• Evaluate the project

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

• Brainstorm designs and ideas (essential)
• Brainstorm propulsion ideas (challenging)
• Brainstorm a more complicated course (advanced)
• Think about safety and materials needed (essential)
• Assemble the boats (essential)
• Add propulsion elements (challenging)
• Create an enhanced raingutter course (advanced)
• Prepare for the competition (essential)
• Carry out the Recycle Regatta

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

• Pasta Jelly Bean Tower
• Ice Accident
• Overtake

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.

• Complete a project management course (essential)
• Do a big service project (challenging)
• Plan and carry out a memorable multi-day activity (advanced)

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

National Youth Leadership Training

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an intense week long leadership training class for youth

Family Life Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Family Life merit badge, Scouts learn about how families work together for the better of themselves and for their community. They do service projects together and have family meetings. Scouts also learn about how parents are responsible for their families.

What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours?

A reader asks what types of service projects can be used as service hours to fulfill requirements.

Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Working on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge helps Scouts learn about things like erosion, watersheds, aquifers, water pollution, and water treatment. They also learn about the importance of plants in soil and water conservation.

Troop Meeting Plan Worksheet

Help your youth leadership plan ahead by giving them a blank troop meeting plan worksheet template to fill in during their PLC meetings. Download a printable copy here.