GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MENTORS

Introduction

Eleven mini classes will be used to help the scouts prepare for, and complete, the requirements for their badge. The requirements are given in the radio merit badge pamphlet as is most of the information the scout will need to complete the requirements. The scouts will have a copy of the pamphlet and will have read it before they arrive. We have about a dozen handouts which provide additional information (and information organized differently) which will help the scouts learn the required information. The classes are organized to group related material rather than in the order of the requirements given in the pamphlet.

The badge requirements given in the pamphlet have been divided into bite-size pieces and an 8.5 X 11 record sheet showing these will be given to each scout to carry throughout the day. When a scout completes each bite-size requirement, the class mentor will sign the sheet in the space provided. The merit badge counselor supervising our event will review this record sheet and complete the scout’s official merit badge blue card record. The record sheet has also been printed on an 11 X 17 sheet with additional information including applicable pages of the pamphlet, applicable handouts and the associated class; you will have a copy of this for reference.

Written guides have been prepared for each class. These guides list the badge requirements, applicable pages in the pamphlet, associated handouts, suggested activities for you to do with the scouts, and documenting a scout’s fulfillment of the requirements.

Mini-Class Plan

Take these four classes in order shown.

Remember

· To successfully complete a requirement, the scout has to do what it says, nothing more or less.

· When passing off a requirement (except for visiting the station), it should be done on a one-on-one basis rather than in a group.

· Scouts can move to another class (or return to a previous mentor to pass off a requirement) while waiting to pass off a requirements for a just completed class.

· Mentors should pitch in and help teach other classes and verify scouts’ fulfillment of requirements when they have free time.

· Provide one-on-one mentoring when a scout needs some extra instruction.

· Time will not allow us to go into as much detail as our Ham Radio excitement would want us to.

· Boy scouts are not adults, so putting some zip and demonstrations into our explanations will help keep their interest and firm the information in their minds.

· ASK QUESTIONS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS RATHER THAN LECTURE.

· Have fun helping the scouts have an enjoyable introduction to Amateur Radio.