Planning Without Tears

Much effort is extended by Scoutmasters in training their Youth Leadership the art of planning. Scouts are more likely to leave things to chance not because they are careless or stupid but because they are inexperienced.

They probably will not read a book on planning, nor endure  a long lecture on the subject. They will respond to concise directions and can even be cajoled into following most of them. Guide them with  questions  through a process of discovering how to plan meetings and events.

Define the Task
What has to be done? When does it have to be done?, Who's doing it? Where,When,How?   

Consider Resources.
Time,skills,equipment. What do we have?, What do we need? How will we get it?

Consider Alternatives
Be prepared to respond to changing conditions.

Write the Plan.
Share it with others,maintain focus.

Put the Plan into action.

Evaluate.
Successes, difficulties. What should we do different next time?