John “Jack” Hay Region V Scouting and Youth Service Chair

To talk about various Service projects that the Chapters can do with the Scouts. To talk about how to recruit future Alpha Phi Omega members within Scouting.

As we learned in the pledging process APO was founded on the Scouting values. Because of that we should look for opportunities to provide service to Scouting and to also recruit from Scouting.

A Scout service project that works for one chapter may not work for another chapter. What are some that worked for your chapters and why? What are some that didn’t work for your chapters and why?

Camp Conservation Days This is an event on the calendar that has a lot of Scouters getting together to do camp improvement projects. Merit Badge Universities & Girl Scout Journey Days This are projects that the chapters run to help the Scouts earn merit badges or rank badges.

Order of the Arrow Service Projects These are like camp conservation projects but they are with scouting's fraternal, the Order of the Arrow. These are boys that are really into Service Leadership and Fellowship….Sound familiar? Eagle Scout Projects These are projects that have to be youth led. The Eagle Candidate has to contact the chapter not the other way around.

District Camporee’s (typically there is a theme) This would be a camp out where you may have anywhere from 50 to 300+ Scouts and you would help with the events of the Camporee. General Camp Service Projects You can hold a retreat at a Scout camp and request that you work a service project for staying at the camp for free or at a reduced cost.

Alpha Phi Omega, as mentioned before, was founded on the Boy Scout principles so they are one of our partner organizations. Scouts: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venture Scouts, etc.…already believe in Service, Leadership and Fellowship. So our values have a familiar feel. In Scouting you have the same Family feel that you get in Alpha Phi Omega.

We can recruit the Scouts and recruit the Scouts through their parents. Sammy the Scout may want to join an org like APhiO because it mirrors the Service, Leadership, and Fellowship he gets in Scouting. Sammy’s parents may feel more comfortable knowing that he can be a part of an org like APhiO, especially if Sammy is going away to school. In APhiO he will find people that share is core values.

Recruiting can be done at any scout function. Make sure to wear your letters and to act appropriately. When talking about APhiO speak with passion and enthusiasm. Also remember that our National Office has brochures that can be given out to Scouts and their parents. You can also point out that Alpha Phi Omega is in the Boy Scout handbook, on page 437.

District or Council Camporee’s Some will be small 50 to 300, some will be large (like Dan Beard’s Peterloon where there are Scouts). Order of the Arrow Lodge Leadership Events This is like an Executive Retreat for the new Youth Leaders (ages 14 to 21) in the Lodge and for the Adult Advisor of the Lodge.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) This is where the youth leaders of various Troops get trained to in leadership styles. It would be similar to APO L.E.A.D.S.. It is held over the summer. Council Eagle Courts of Honor This is where all of the Eagle Scouts of the prior calendar year get recognized. Working with the District Advancement Chair to send out the APO Eagle Certificate You need to work with the Advancement Chair to get the names and addresses..

Several college football coaches used to recruit an athlete by getting their parents interested in the program first. We can do that in scouting. Scouting has several events for adult training, recognition of their leadership, and places to share information.

District Dinners – held once a year This is where the volunteer leaders of the local district get together and recognize the service of their peers. My chapter has given a speech at the local dinner over the last few years. District Roundtables – normally held monthly This is where Scouters get information about the future programs going on in the District and Council. Youth and Adults may be there. It may be good to have an APhiO booth there at least once a year.

Scouting Universities – held once a year This is a large training event for Adult leaders. Over the last 2 years APhiO has had an information booth and a workshop at Dan Beard’s Scouting University. Woodbadge – held once or twice a year This is a training event for Adult leaders that is the equivalent of APO L.E.A.D.S.. It is held over the course of 2 weekends or a for a full week. Council office Having a spot at the council office that has either APO brochures or fliers is a great way to get the information out to Scouts and Scouters.

Boy Scout Council Locator Web Address: Boy Scout Unit Locator Web Address: With the Boy Scout Unit Locator you can find any type of BSA unit you would like: Cub Packs, Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, or Volunteering. Girl Scout Council Locator Web Address: scouts/join/council-finder.html