The Scoutmaster's Other Handbook (Paperback)

~ Mark A. Ray (Author) "But Scouting was never intended to turn boys into soldiers..." (more)
Key Phrases: assistant senior patrol leader, patrol award, patrol advisor, Boy Scout, Eagle Scout, First Class (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With his first book Mark Ray revolutionized the Eagle Scout court of honor, showing tens of thousands of readers how to make Scouting’s greatest moment truly great. Now, he turns his attention to an even bigger task: building great Boy Scout troops.

In this unique and highly personal book, Ray offers hundreds of proven ideas for building strong, successful, sustainable troops that truly achieve the promise of Scouting. Beginning with Scouting’s aims and methods, the book moves quickly through every aspect of the program, from troop meetings and outings to fundraising and administration.

About the Author

In a Scouting career spanning more than a quarter of a century, Mark Ray has participated in the program at almost every level: as a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, a district executive, a Scout parent, a Wood Badge and National Jamboree staff member, and a Scoutmaster. Ray is an Eagle Scout, a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, and a recipient of the Silver Beaver.

Currently, Ray is Scoutmaster of Troop 317, chartered to Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville, Kentucky.

When he's not participating in Scouting activities, Ray is a freelance writer based in Louisville, Kentucky. His specialties include technology writing and corporate communications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Ray Publishing (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965120732
• ISBN-13: 978-0965120739
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,860 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Scoutmaster's Other Handbook by Mark A. Ray, February 26, 2004

By	George M. Mulvey "gmulvey" (Seattle, Washington United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mark Ray has written an absolute fabulous book and a MUST read by every Scouter! As an ADC, many times I am asked what is the correct way to do some aspect of Scouting. This book answers those questions. I found I couldn't put it down!

Mr. Ray offers a practical, common sense insight to Troop life, from someone who's has been there and done that. The current BSA Scoutmaster Specifics course is an 8 1/2 x 11 three ring book. Somewhat impractical to bring on camp out. However, this softcover 6 x 9 inch book can fit nicely in any backpack(along with the new Field Book)!

If you have questions on Boards of Review, the how to's of: Scoutmaster Conferences; Troop meetings; Ceremonies; Budgets, FOS, Advancements, Scoutmaster's minute, Patrols, etc., then this book is for you! Haven't been to Philmont yet? Don't worry, Mr. Ray has the answers to those "High Adventure" questions. He also includes a helpful resource section with Web addresses.

For some, there hasn't been a well written Scout book since "Green Bar Bill" passed. Well, then the torch has been passed to a new generation.

Weather you're a "Newbie" or a "four-beader", this book is a MUST read!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Common Sense Guide for Scoutmaster Survival, August 13, 2005

By	James A. Davidson "Lightfoot" (Grandview, Washington) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a Scoutmaster of a successful Troop for over 16 years, I am always looking for fresh ideas. My own ideas have ofetn been used by others to build their programs, but the author gives a whole new perspective to common problems in Troop operations.

I read this book during a day and a half at Summer Camp and found myself noting new ideas to implement in my own Troop. In other areas, I found myself getting confirmation that the subtle changes I have made in our Troop were being suggested by someone else.

I consider this book to be an essential addition to your Scouting library to join the official publications of the Boy Scouts. You will see a different method to deliver a high-quality program to youth.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, must read, July 31, 2004

By	L. Murphy (Washington State) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book explains many practical and challenging opportunities faced with the management of a boy scout troop. It offers great resources and advice. I don't know what else to say, this book is worth adding to any scouters library. Read it and pass it around if you dare (you might not get it back).

The committee chair should make it required reading for all Scout Masters, ASM's and even all committee members.

As we grow our troop the managment becomes more complicated and this book helps outline the things we need to cover.

Thanks Mark Ray!