The Story of "Q"
A history of the beginnings
of Scouting's "Q" movement.
Q.docs means Quality Documentation. The genesis of
"Q" came from Jay Kuivinen when he named an event proposal
document in the spring of 2004, Q-something.doc because he was in
a Quandary about bringing it off. The event did, however, occur.
It was a success, due mainly to the power of "Q(mail)".
The documentation process began, and the concept switched from Quandary
to Quick to Quality. Don Starr then concieved and built the "Q-Doc"
Server and officially called the documents "Q-Docs". The
intent of this documentation was so that we could verify that we
were carrying out a program that would allow us to earn "Quality
Unit".
The "Quick" name did not last long, it was
used as we began to produce documents that were easier to fill out
and could be filled out by Scouts, for our own internal use. We
had some fun with the Scouts with "Quick Documents". The
term "Quality" came about while the "Q-SYS"
was being conceived.
Using the parameters for the "Quality Unit" award as a
benchmark, particularly in regard to leader training and our Outdoor
program, a guide was developed to assure that we were, indeed, providing
a "better-than" quality program.
We began by thinking about how the outdoor program might assist
Scouts to fulfill Merit Badge and Brownsea Requirements. A "Qidea"
document resulted. This document utilized the past knowledge that
Jay Kuivinen's Father, a deceased Scoutmaster, had used in running
his Troop many years ago, and placed these concepts into a present
context. Thus the History of "Q" has it's roots in Scouting's
past.
Historical documents were developed as events unfolded to illustrate
how fun events did cause Scouts to fulfill requirements, and to
provide a historical reference for those who wished to plan similar
events or look back on which requirements they fulfilled.
These documents are, also, true to the overall Scout program as
described in the Scoutmaster's Handbook, but are indexed in a rational
and concise way that they can be "digested" in small "bites."
Next, documents were created to explain "how to" do certain
Scouting Skills. Other things like program outlines, equipment lists,
song sheets, diagrams and maps were then added.
Alec Irwin at that point conceived and built the ColdFusion
test pages for District Training Procedures as part of his WoodBadge
ticket. These pages were the first portions of the "Q-System"
automation processes as described in the "Q-SYS"
documentation.
What resulted was a fulfillment cycle that caused plans to be made
and carried out, with success. It became a driving force that compelled
our cadre of adult leaders into lots of training. For example, we
of Troop 344 now have 7 leaders with CPR Certification and Safe
Swim Defense/Safety Afloat certification, which means that we could
mount a canoe trip with 70 participants! We also have a number of
Scouts who have completed a substantial portion of their Camping
Merit Badge requirements all within a year.
Such is the power of a unified repository of Scout thinking, and
we dare compare it to the ancient Library at Alexandria.
Other things that have resulted from this root idea are a rebuilt
District Training focus directed by one of our Assistant Leaders,
and a monthly Swim event, which draws participants even from other
Districts, directed by another of our Assistant Leaders
The "Q-System" has grown into a totally integrated method
of Scouting which includes boys and girls in the equation. This
system is coupled with a State of the Art Web Server and Programming
Structure. The "Q-System" is efficient in it's processes
and produces remarkable results in the youth that it serves.
We all owe Alec Irwin, Jay Kuivinen and Don Starr a debt of gratitude
for bringing this idea from conception to a sharp reality. We also
owe the other Leaders of the 344 Units for their inspiration, creativity
and support of conceiving this system.
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