This weekend we attended the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Fehrman Training Center at the Boxwell Reservation. This was a very fun weekend filled with activities and education.
The purpose of JLT is to teach Scouts more about the patrol method and how to successful lead a patrol of Scouts. We learned what is expected from us in our troop-elected positions and the importance of proper planning and execution.
We arrived Friday night and setup camp in a field next to the training center. Then we went to the training center and enjoyed chicken fingers, corndogs, sweet tea, and bug juice while we met other Scouts from other districts and watched the movie October Sky. All the cooking all weekend was done by the wonderful quartermaster staff. Mmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
Saturday we got up at the crack of dawn to go to flag raising and another wonderful meal. We were then formed into new patrols and mixed in with Scouts that we didn't know. Then we began our training classes. Between classes we played games that allowed us to practice leadership and team development. Saturday night there was a huge campfire with lots of good entertainment provided by each of the patrols and the staff. "On the first hour of JLT, Dishman said to me..." :)
Did I mention that there were girls at JLT this year? Yes, there was a Venturing crew that attended...
On Sunday, we had a Scout's Own church service that was led by the Scouts. Very good job! We then had a half day of classes and closing where we received our certificates and badges. Then we tore down camp and headed home.
For the leaders, this was a chance to just take it easy and socialize. For the most part, the Scouts were under the supervision and direction of the staff and their Senior Patrol Leader for the weekend and the leaders rarely had the opportunity to interact with them. It was good for the Scouts to have to take supervision from other Scouts and to be part of the leadership of their patrols. The patrols all seemed to function as a team very well. The leaders had meetings to discuss the available outdoor programs, fire building techniques, and to share lessons that we can take back to use to improve our units.
Everyone had a great time and agreed that it was well worth attending. Check out the rest of the photos from the weekend here.