November PLC Leadership Training

By Miller U.

     On Saturday, November 19, our semi-annual leadership training occurred. Designed to teach
newly elected PLC members the necessary skills for their positions, the training takes place the
month of each troop 48 election. This training is the most basic in a series which progresses
through two workshops to a final scout-affiliated program that marks the most advanced level of
scout-specific leadership training. The first is led by one’s individual troop, the second by one’s
council, and the third by the national scouting program. Each of these trainings holds
importance, but as the troop-led training is often the only one scouts attend, it is imperative that
the workshop be well defined, detailed, and memorable. This particular event was the first in our
new scoutmaster’s career, and it was performed quite well. The teaching of the necessary
leadership techniques for scouting positions was well executed.

     The training itself was composed of three modules, and lasted for three hours. The first
module centered on the command structure of the troop, beginning with the troop committee,
and ending with the individual scouts. The second focused on teamwork within the PLC, and
how it is designed to progress. The third and shortest was based on how leadership applies to
the troop as a whole. This progression helped the scouts to explore the various implications of
their leadership and actions, broaden their perspectives, and prepare for situations that will arise
during their terms.