The Boy led Troop and Annual Planning

[ScoutmasterJerry]

This thread is a result of another discussion in which we got into the roles of leadership, adult v. boy etc....
In the Boy led Troop the Scouts are given responsibilty for their program. They run their meetings, lead on outings, make decisions that effect the program and each other. This is the way it was meant to be.
So, during your annual planning sessions (Conference or whatever format you use) what roles does your Boy led Troop have in the plan?

When our Troop first started, we (Adults) put together the plan, but as the Scout grew older and knew what direction they wanted to go, we gave them more and more responsibilty for the planning. We are now in the throws of our annual planning and we have given them the entire plan. The SPL has all the tools, he knows the dates of major District, Council, and OA events and the PLC has gone to their respective Patrols, set goals, and gathered the input from their Patrol members. Together the PLC has a goal for the coming year as a Troop. From that the Committee can set its goals of providing the resources to meet the needs of the Troop.

I am curious to see the different ways this is done? It may be helpful to others to get an idea or two about how to do their annual planning, and how to incorporate the Boy led troop into that plan.. after all, it is their Troop.

Lets discuss...

[FRUSTRATED SCOUTMASTER]

Jerry:

I too when I was first Scoutmaster, I planned everything with little input from the boys. This also was a result of a big gap in ages of the boys.
I started to show them how to plan activities based on the District and Council Calender. Also, the PLC started to give input on what they wanted to do. Last year, the Troop Committee started to task the boys with investigating where they wanted to go for Summer Camp for the next three years to also include a High Adventure Trip.
Unfortunately, after I left, the new Scoutmaster again took over the Planning for 2007-08. The boys in the Troop told me everything that they wanted to do was overruled by the Scoutmaster. They wanted to go to a specific Camp we have been to 2 times before, but the Scoutmaster said no "because he heard it was to hot and humid at that camp." Mind you ,though, the boys had a great time at this camp.
Also, the Scoutmaster is going to present the program to the Troop Committee, NOT the Senior Patrol Leader.
I left the Troop knowing that the boys had all the ability to plan their own program. They have grown into thier roles as they have gotten older.
I hope that other Troops,also are letting the boys plan their own program and not the Leaders.
Jerry, you said right IT IS THE BOYS TROOP. We as adults are there to serve as advisors and role models.

Yours In Scouting,

Bob Klimas
Former Scoutmaster
Concord, N.C.

[Sugar Hill Scouter]

Sounds like we are on the same page.
As scoutmaster, I provide the PLC with a calendar that shows the district and council events throughout the 12 month period they are planning for. Also, school holidays are noted.
The PLC gathers input prior to the planning conference. Then, all the ideas for outings are put on the table. From there, the PLC decides what they want to do and when they want to do it. Then, the troop committee and adult leaders get together and check for availability of facilities, costs, and reservations, etc.
Once everything is confirmed, it is put on the troop calendar for all to see.