New Leader Success Challenge

Why take the challenge?

Thank you for stepping forward to serve. Your first year can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We picked these eight activities because they consistently help new leaders get comfortable, meet people who can help, and run a great program for their Scouts.

The 8 steps

You can do the steps in any order. Keep track of dates and places as you go, because you’ll be asked for them when you submit.

1. Complete training for your position

   The best leaders are trained leaders. Every leader position has a short set of required online courses called a “learning plan.”

   How to find it: Sign in at my.scouting.org, then click ScoutingU. Your learning plan appears based on the position you registered for. When you finish, download your completion certificate.

   You’ll submit: the date you finished and your completion certificate.

2. Get your uniform

   Get the official Scout uniform for your position and wear it to unit meetings and other Scouting activities. It shows your Scouts you’re part of the team.

   Where to buy: Any Scout Shop, including the Narragansett Scout Shop at 575 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI. The staff can help you figure out which uniform and patches you need.

   You’ll submit: a photo of you in your uniform. We use it to announce your achievement.

3. Attend a Roundtable

   Roundtable is a regular get-together where experienced leaders share ideas, solve problems, and hear about upcoming events. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people who’ve been where you are.

   Find one: Dates, times, and locations are at ncscouts.org/roundtable. Bring another leader from your unit along.

   You’ll submit: the date and location.

4. Meet your commissioner

   Think of a commissioner as your Scouting coach. Commissioners are experienced volunteers who help unit leaders solve problems, answer questions, and connect with resources.

   Who to meet: Either your Unit Commissioner (assigned to help your specific unit) or your District Commissioner (who leads the commissioners in your area). Not sure who yours is? Ask at Roundtable or ask your unit’s Committee Chair.

   You’ll submit: your commissioner’s name and the date you met.

5. Attend Leaderpalooza

   Spend a day learning practical skills, best practices, and ideas you can use with your unit right away.

   When: Offered twice a year, in the fall and spring. Find dates on the council calendar by searching “Leaderpalooza.” Invite other leaders from your unit.

   You’ll submit: the date and location.

6. Get outdoors

   Take part in and actively help lead at least one outdoor activity with your unit. Outdoor adventure is at the heart of Scouting.

   What counts: A hike, campout, council activity, service project, or other outdoor event. Helping plan, teaching a skill, or leading a group all count as “helping lead.”

   You’ll submit: the name of the activity, location, and date.

7. Attend a council leadership event

   These events focus on program planning, leadership development, and sharing ideas that work.

   Attend one or more of these events: THRIVE in January, BOOM! in June, or BASE in August. Invite other leaders from your unit.

   You’ll submit: which event you attended and the date.

8. Help your unit pursue the Unit Lighthouse Award

   The Unit Lighthouse Award recognizes units that run strong programs. Each area of focus is called a “Beacon.”

   What to do: Learn about the award at ncscouts.org/lighthouse, review the criteria with your unit committee, and discuss at least three Beacons your unit could work toward.

   You’ll submit: the date of the committee meeting and where you discussed the Lighthouse Award.

Planning your year

Some steps happen only at certain times of year. Here’s when to look for them so nothing sneaks up on you.

Roundtables are held September through April. Starting your ScoutingU training, getting your uniform, meeting your commissioner, outdoor activities, and the Lighthouse discussion can happen at any time of the year.