The Support Visit – A Touch Point Scouter Al and the Visit The “Tickle Trunk” Approach

Hi. I’m Scouter AL

The Support Visit – A Touch Point Touch Point (In Scouting Context) Those times when there is an interaction between the Support Scouter and the section Leadership. Other Touch Points – Phone Call – Special Event – Training – Area Meetings

Touch Points Are Opportunities To Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Gather information

Scouter Al – Support Scouter Showed Interest Called ahead to let the team know he was coming out to help out. Personally greeted each leader and spent some time one-to-one with them. Greeted and talked to the parents who were around. Engaged the youth in conversation, got down to the youth level to connect Sought Feedback on how the volunteers were feeling Gave his time - was there for the start, the finish and clean-up to! Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership

Participated Brought and led a game, craft or song – something relevant to the program Helped to supervise Was engaged with both the youth and leader activity Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

Brought The Technical “How-To” Made sure the section was equipped with the handbooks Brought a few jumpstart program outlines New Scouter Welcome Kit Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

Brought the “Know-how” Shared and explained traditions – why we do things the way we do Shared his bag of tricks – openers, closers, teaching tricks, games, crafts, campfire circle games, etc. Shared his perspective ScoutWiki, Scouts.ca Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

Brought the News Talked about upcoming program and training events Shared news from Area, the Council and beyond. Gave list of support team so that leaders were more aware and could build their own network Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

Was a Cheerleader Provided praise and encouragement to youth and volunteers alike. Scouter Al made sure he had fun – brought enthusiasm Provided positive reinforcement Validated the efforts of the volunteers in the lives of the youth Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

A few more things Provided contact info Showed up wearing Scouting gear and was less intimidating, officious Inviting groups to co-mingle to get ideas from each other Connected leaders from other groups so that there is backup Described himself a support Scouter, not a service Provided some after meeting coaching and feedback Was humble but confident in his approach Didn’t ignore the youth – was engaged in the entire section. Provide instantaneous support to section Leadership Scouter Al – Support Scouter

Gather Information The Support Visit, using the “tickle trunk” approach, provides Scouter Al an opportunity to observe and verify without appearing to be evaluating, policing or supervising the section Leadership.

Touch Point to Benchmarks Critical Benchmarks All youth and volunteers are registered The section meets youth- to-leader ratio There is 2-deep leadership at every activity Each volunteer received orientation and New Scouter Welcome Kit Gathering Information

Touch Point to Benchmarks Health Benchmarks Leadership is enthusiastically engaged Leaders appear confident and in control Meeting seemed organized, planned. Section working towards earning the Quality Standard Award? Gathering Information

Touch Point to Benchmark Noteworthy Benchmarks Parents receive regular communication from the section Leader innovation is apparent in the delivery of the program. Overall you support the group’s program and would suggest others to join? Gathering Information

The Support Visit – A Touch Point Based on the benchmarks, Scouter Al know can customize his next touch point with the section Leadership. Still using the “tickle trunk” approach.

Customize the Touch Point Benchmark Scouter Al identifies “weak rating benchmarks” and knows the section needs help. He knows just where to find it! Tri-Shores Council’s Support Scouter Guide to Improving Section Benchmarks or “Scouter Al’s Guide to Support Visists” This is a collection of resources, ideas, processes and personnel compiled for easily connecting a solution to the weak rating benchmark Introducing