So Far So Good: A New Scoutmaster’s Story

by Clarke Green

With these words Chuck Grant reflects on his adventure as a new Scoutmaster -If I had a nickel for every time I thought, said or heard the phrase “so far so good” over the past few months I’d be a rich man! I'd served as an assistant Scoutmaster for a few years when our Scoutmaster announced a job relocation that required his family to move. Mark Hacker, our committee chair, took me aside one evening and asked me if I would consider being the new Scoutmaster. I was stunned. I love Scouting, it’s great fun. But, really? My wife Anne and I discussed the commitments involved, she appreciated what Scouts did for our son and believes in the program. She agreed I ought to give it a try. I called Mark and told him I would take the job in the fall. I had three months to prepare, so I started reading everything I could find about Scouting. I felt a combination of excitement and dread. It was like stepping off the edge and jumping into a volcano; no turning back now!

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2015

Reviews

[Joshua Pocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been part of the boy scouts many years. I have seen my scoutmaster do all of the things Clarke Green does. I never understood why he did them. As I have become a leader, I started to understand a little better. Thankfully, Clarke explains the entire process of going back to a Patrol Method Troop from a Troop Led and Leader led troop. He uses Lord Baden Powell's words to help us get there.

He introduced several disagreements and scout shenanigans that he dealt with. Very nice to see different ways to handle those situations. All in all a great book for anyone trying to get into Scouting as a Leader.

[Susie Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simply written overview of the role of the Scoutmaster working to give his Scouts the best program possible! Highly recommend for Scouters new and old!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read! Good for those that are just joining Scouting as well as those that have been involved for years.

[Jereme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Not a magical recipe book for turning a troop into youth-led magic, but it touches on some of the key behaviors needed to get there, and what adult and youth participation looks like. I recommend any adult leader interested in the Scouting program read it.

[S. Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a reader of the Scoutmaster blog or a listener of the Scoutmaster podcast, you'll recognize the ingredients of strong patrols and an active, Scout-led Troop in this story of a new Scoutmaster who understands Baden-Powell's methods.

[Buss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful look at how to keep the patrol method working in a Scout Troop