Book Review: Beginning Boy Scouts

In conjunction with this book review, we are giving away a free copy of this book to our readers! See details at the end of the review! Please note that the Authors provided me two copies of the book, one to review and one to give to you - but did not have input or sign-off on the review posted below.

In 2011, authors Jeremy and Heather Reed determined the Scouting community could use a concise resource for getting involved in Scouting. The result is "Beginning Boy Scouts; An Unofficial Practical Guide to Boy Scouting for Parents and New Leaders".

This book - focused on Boy Scouting in America - is not intended to be a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of Scouting. Brief mention of Cub Scouts, Varsity, and Venturing are noted, but the primary audience are those parents, scouts, and new leaders that are just being introduced to Scouting for the first time. Nor does it cover Scouting programs outside the United States, although some may find it useful for beginning Scouting regardless of minor differences. (Keep reading..)



While seasoned Scouts and Scouters may find this book helpful for fine-tuning their Scouting programs, it provides a very cursory look at most aspects of Scouting which are already well understood by most Scouters that have been through their training. Where these may find it most valuable, is helping parents of new Scouts or new Scout leaders in their unit get up to speed more quickly with a general knowledge of the Scouting program.

This book covers the following chapters/topics:

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started
3. The Patrol Method
4. Adult Leadership
5. Meetings, Activities, and Administrivia
6. The Uniform and Scout Supplies
7. Rank Advancements
8. merit Badges
9. Other Awards, Achievements, and Recognitions
10. Setting Goals and Keeping Track
11. Camping and Outdoor Activities
12. Summer Camps, High Adventure, Special Events
13. Earning the Eagle

For new Scouts, Scout parents, and new Scouters just getting started, this book provides a quick way to get up to speed and establish a solid foundation in Scouting to help get you started. Parents with young boys who have not yet started scouting will especially like the Introduction chapter which has some helpful checklists and suggestions for selecting a Boy Scout troop that is a good fit for your son, and has helpful checklists for getting registered, uniformed, and up and running.

Get your copy of Beginning Boy Scouts HERE or if you'd like to win a copy of the book, below are the rules of the contest!

Easy Enter Contest Rules:
Enter before Friday July 12, 2013 to win! To enter, comment on this story, or follow @Latterday_Scout on Twitter and Re-Tweet the tweet regarding this Book Review! One entry possible for leaving a comment on this blog, multiple entries possible for RT's on Twitter. Winner will be selected from all entries at random.

Disclaimer:
Free shipping to winners in the United States. Winners outside the United States may be responsible for shipping charges. Entries after July 12, 2013 will not be eligible to win, but comments are welcome any time.