Q-SYS Crew

The Crew is a different animal. The motivation for Eagle for both Parent and Scout are over. In the "Q-System" the Eagle rank is earned in the Troop preferably at about age 14 or 15. There are exceptions to the rule and these Scouts have the option of continuing with the Troop, coming into the Crew or doing both. The reason we push for an early Eagle Scout is that you start to lose Scouts at about age 14 or 15. Sometimes they make it to 16 but more often than not, they drop out. By making the Crew another attractive group we can maintain a longer stay in the program.

The Crew consists of male and female Scouts. In the next section we explore the Girl Scouting side of the Scouting family and offer ways to integrate the Programs. Girls are important to the Crew and so their cultivation is also important to "Q-Methods".

The Crew is the reward the Scouts earn for obtaining their Eagle in Boy Scouting and Silver Rank in Girl Scouts. The Crew also offers rank advancement opportunities culminating in the Ranger Award as well as the ability to complete the Gold in Girl Scouts. At the time of this writing there is only one person in our Council (Indianhead) that has a Ranger award. The "Q-System" will change this.

A "Q-Crew" also works with the Troop and Pack in joint outings and events as it is tied financially to the groups and counts on some of the fundraising from the other groups. See the section on "Q-Fundraising" for more detail. Some of the Committee Members should also be members of the sister Units. This helps in continuity and prevents any tenancies to program drift. Remember this is the BSA program and should be run as such. The "Q-Overlay" is simply a collection of Scouting methods compiled into a whole. Many of the ideas are old ideas, many are just common sense and there are some new ideas also.

"Crews" are a bit more lax than a Troop. They are entirely run and led by the Youth. The Advisor or "Crewmaster" simply assists the Scouts in finding their way.

It is also the Crew's job to keep people cognizant and look out for Leader burnout. If everyone does a little bit in any part of the organization, all flows well. If one person does too much they can burn out and get angry and ultimately quit. Old Scouters have seen this or had it happen to them. In the case of Leader Burnout the Crew should assist as they can to keep the organizations going. Remember the Crew relies on the efforts of the Pack and Troop to keep its program successful. In the "Q-Fundraising" section you will learn more how these interrelated concepts help the entire structure and helps equalize the expenses to the parents over a greater period of time.

The Crew should be a fun place where high adventure is done. Go to far away camping areas like Philmont, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Boundary Waters or any other National Park.

While at the Pack and Troop level you should strive to keep the same aged Scouts the same rank, the Crew isn't necessarily focused on advancement and therefore this directive is not as important. Many Crew Members choose to not advance and just come along for the fun and excitement. Other youth choose the advancement trail. Programs should be offered similar to the Boy Scouting methods to accommodate these youth. More is expected of the Scouts for self education at this level.

The Crew should also help with instruction at the Troop level like the Troop helps the Pack through the Den Chief Program. By easing the responsibilities of the Troop Leaders the Crew is thought well of and the financial support from the Pack and Troop is easier to swallow for the Pack and Troop members. Remember these are older kids so they can do more and make more money. The "Q-Fundraising" section also covers this. Teaching is another skill that is developed through this "Q-Process". A person is more successful in life if they can teach a bit as they get moved up in their jobs etc.

At the Crew level more responsibility is turned over to the Scouts, they further their skills in parliamentary procedure, the science of the environment and many other disciplines. See the BSA Crew manuals for information on how to specifically run a Crew.

The major additions to the Crew that the "Q-System" brings is the integration with the Pack and Troop into a complete supplemental educational system for 1st grade through age 21. This can be thought of as a Liberal Arts Education and will enhance a person's development at whatever age they join and whatever age they leave. The full program obviously teaches more, but simple involvement at any level gives a child knowledge of things that are not taught anywhere else. Knowledge like life's lessons, how to lead and how to survive in style outdoors. A standard school system by its nature needs to have control over the students. It is hard to teach leadership this way. Scouting is different in this respect but uses other methods in avoiding chaos. The Crew is similar but by age 14, most of the Youth that have gone through the program are pretty well behaved and stable individuals.

A Crew should have a focus. Ours in camping and canoeing as we are fortunate enough to live in a river town and have our own camp. See "Q- Enhancements".

The Leaders of the Crew should also help the Pack and Troop. Once to the Crew level there is less to do and a good time to work on those ColdFusion pages you have always meant to build.

A Crew can meet at first with the Troop. Starting a Venturing Patrol is a good way to warm the Scouts up to the Crew idea. A Crew in its infancy can be treated almost like another Patrol. Once the Crew is established it can stand alone and be the third leg in the Unit Program.

Crews pick their own uniforms, either the standard Dark Green BSA or anything else they want. Sometimes Tie-dye T-Shirts and sandals are chosen.

The Crew is the temptation to finish the Eagle and the reward of hard work and should be run as such.

"Q-Principle" Fifteen: Follow the Crew Integrated "Q-Scouting" Program in addition to the regular BSA program.

Troop Integrated "Q-Program":

Run a fun and adventurous program at the Crew level integrated slightly with the Pack and Troop.. Demonstrate the exciting adventure of the Crew to the Troop through joint events. Assist the Troop in instructing Borwnsea and Merit Badges.

Invite the Troop to some events, perform skits and song for the Scouts. Help in Join Scouting Night program.

Travel like there is no tomorrow. Go to exotic places.

As an option for some, work towards completing the Ranger Rank by age 21 by maintaining a rotating system and integrating events that coincide with the Ventruing advancement program.

Continue the spiritual program. See also "Spiritual" section.

If you are a Leader, always think about your replacement when you decide to retire or move onto other positons.. Prepare for the future of the organization.

Appoint a "Q-Master", someone with experience in the Pack, Troop and Crew to oversee the entire structure and be the liason between groups.

Develop a Scout led and run Crew. Delegate authority to the Scouts as they can handle.

Know your Audience, make the Crew Program as enjoyable for the Parents as it is for the Scouts.

Encourage the Scouting way to the parents through the delivery of several paths to Ranger for the Scouts.

Begin and end each meeting with a Flag Ceremony and prayer.

Cultivate in the Scouts a good comedy team and singing groups for entertainment at campouts and to help the Troop with Troop Meetings.

Think holistically about the entire Structure of the "Total Program" in decision making processes.

Recruit members of the Troop and Crew Committees for the Troop Committee. Hold joint Committee meetings occasionally with all Groups.

Involve yourself in your local Roundtable and Council Training.

Participate in joint fundraising efforts that support the "Total Program" .

Leader Positions in a Crew should be a longer term commitment. Have your Leaders work towards getting their knots - this insures you are sticking to the BSA Program.

Do really cool ceremonies and make a huge deal about it. Kids (and parents) love this stuff and remember it.

Put the Scouts first (after God and Family).

Integrate the teen with their larger World.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area


							Documentation and Protocol for 21st Century Scouting