What does that term mean? As I've spent the last couple of months in the District, I've noticed that getting back to basics is something we, as Scouters, need to concentrate on. When we use the term Back to Basics as it applies to the youth, we mean a return to basic Scouting skills that the boys learn in their first year. As I mean it, it applies to a return to the basic leadership skills we need to successful deliver the program to the youth. The district staff needs to return to assisting you deliver the program to youth. We are your first and best resource.

By concentrating on some basic Scout leadership skills we can deliver a better program to the youth that we serve. What have we promised the youth? The outdoors, recognition for their achievements, and fun activities just a few of the things we promised.

Let us keep the outing in Scouting - is your unit camping? Packs, how many of your youth are attending Day Camp, Cub Weekender, or Webelos Resident Camp? Has your Pack planned a Family Camping Experience? Do you have at least 6 outdoor events planned in a year? Troops, are all your boys attending Summer Resident Camp? If they can not attend with the Troop, what arrangements have you made to ensure that all scouts are getting the most out their experience?

One of the basic tenets of the advancement system is instant recognition. Are you recognizing your youth monthly for their achievements? We have excellent Courts of Honors and many outstanding Pack meetings in the District. We have the best rates for boys achieving the Eagle rank in the Council. Are we utilizing the many available program aides that the BSA has to help us deliver the promise? The goal is for every Cub to advance on rank per year, not counting Bobcat. Boys Scouts should advance to several ranks in their first year. From Scout to First Class in one year is the goal and taught at SM Specific.

Are your boys having fun? For a Pack, you can help ensure that they are by inviting all the parents to your annual planning meeting. Troops, is the PLC planning the entire year or working around events the adults want or don't want to attend?

The district staff consists of the district committee members and the commissioner staff. We need to get back to our basics. We are here to provide you service and assistance. The advancement committee is ready to answer questions about how soon can a boy earn the Arrow of Light and cross over to Boy Scouts. If you need to know where you to go camping, call the camping committee for information. Do you need training for your leaders? We can bring training to your unit. The commissioners are there to be a mentor to your unit. Feel free to call them with any question you might have. They can not answer every question, but can find the answer and they know who to call. Is there something else you need to help your program excel? Let the district staff know, and we'll do our best to make sure you get what you need.

By working together and getting back to basics, the district staff can help you provide the best possible scouting experience to the youth in Falls District.