Potential Events
Plan special events or activities to make your Report to the State a full experience for everyone involved. Here are some ideas.
To see what other councils are doing, also review Examples: A Sampling of States. See Sample Scripts: Delegate Breakfast and Sample Scripts: Report to the State, for a more detailed breakdown of how those specific events might proceed.
The president of the host council gives a brief welcome. After breakfast is served, an inspirational speaker may give a 15- to 20-minute talk to the delegates. The master of ceremonies then provides instructions and directions for the rest of the day’s activities.
- A Scout parade celebrates the anniversary of Scouting and provides a visual report to the public. Youth delegates from the councils lead the parade to the capitol grounds. Choose a theme and allow local units to participate in the parade with floats and displays.
- The presentation of the report may begin with the governor or other high elected official meeting each council delegation in the governor’s reception room for a photo opportunity. The delegation then proceeds to the house of representatives or legislative chamber, where preselected members of each delegation (based on space available) take their seats. Other youth delegates and adult leaders are seated in the gallery. Each council has one youth member of its delegation prepared to make its report, which is given from the floor of the chamber. After each council gives its report, a preselected youth delegate presents a report on the overall program in the state. The state official then gives a response. Once that is complete, the master of ceremonies thanks those in attendance and leads them in the Scout Oath as a reaffirmation of Scouting’s values and mission; the dignitaries are escorted from the chamber and the assembly is adjourned.
- A visit to the state supreme court gives youth delegates at look at the judicial as well as the executive and legislative branches of state government. Delegates may tour the courtroom and meet with supreme court justices.
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Job shadowing allows the youth delegates to shadow (accompany and observe) state leaders throughout the day. The delegates might first participate in an election, in which they elect the youths to shadow the state officers (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, secretary of state). The other delegates could then be assigned to groups to shadow state legislators. Work with your state government to arrange this opportunity for youth members.
- An opening dinner is similar to a delegate breakfast. It serves the same purposes and follows a similar format: The president of the host council gives a brief welcome. After dinner is served, an inspirational speaker may give a 15- to 20-minute talk to the delegates. The master of ceremonies then provides instructions and directions for the rest of the activities.
- A closing dinner may be a fund-raising dinner. Invite your state government and key business leaders, highlight the delegates from across the state, and present the Report to the State. If possible, show pictures or video of the youth delegates shadowing state officials, presenting the report, etc.
- Any council may also conduct a fund-raising dinner. Highlight your council delegates and present your council report to your local government officials and key business leaders. Include pictures or video of your council youth delegates participating in the Report to the State activities.
- A 5K run is an additional avenue to create awareness of Scouting, as well as an additional fund-raising opportunity. Open registration to members and to the general public. For more information on conducting a 5K run, please see the Stars & Strides 5K Council Handbook.