District PLC rollout
I’m helping start what is essentially a district-wide PLC (Patrol Leaders’ Council) for Scouts BSA and I’m looking for advice from units or districts that have tried something similar.
The idea is NOT to replace troop PLCs or OA, but to create a monthly youth-led gathering where SPLs/ASPLs (or a youth designee) from troops, crews, and ships can:
- share ideas that actually work
- help newer Scouts integrate into patrol life
- plan district activities with youth input
- exchange camping/location ideas
- discuss leadership challenges
- build connections between units
We’re thinking of holding it during Roundtable night once a month.
A few things I’d love feedback on:
- What made something like this succeed or fail?
- How do you keep it truly youth-led instead of adult-run?
- Did attendance become a problem after the first few meetings?
- How do you avoid overlap/conflict with OA?
- What kinds of activities or discussions kept older Scouts engaged?
- Should it be highly structured, loosely structured, or project-based?
- Any pitfalls you didn’t expect?
I’m especially interested in hearing from people that actually attempted this, even if it eventually died out.
Honest lessons learned are welcome. Thanks!