Challenge Mentor Print

Our Scouts have the opportunity to develop positive relationships with Challenge Mentors.  Challenge Mentors provide our Scouts with information, actual experience and access to contacts.  Mentors can help our Scouts complete Challenges. 

 

The Challenge Mentors also provide encouragement, motivation and challenge our Scouts to Give their Best while on their adventures.  They also serve as positive role models for our Scouts.  This enables our Scouts to see how good character can play a positive role in their own lives.  Our Scouts also have the opportunity, by interacting with their Challenge, Mentor to acquire a depth of experience, which enables them to make better decisions.

  

Below is a basic script for the Scout to follow when contacting a potential Mentor:

Proper planning must be made prior to meeting with a potential Mentor.  girl with mentor and telescopeProper planning includes making an appointment with the appropriate person.Making an appointment includes:  generating the contact information for a selected individual by conducting research via the internet, telephone book, or personal referral.  Be sure to ask your parents, teachers, Counselors, Team Leaders, fellow scouts, and your friends for referrals. Get your parents’ permission before deciding on a Mentor or going to an appointment. Get parental permission regarding your appointment time and meeting place.  Be certain your parents know the exact address of where you are going, the route you will use, the name of the person you are meeting with, your departure time, and your expected return time. Remember no Scout is permitted to enter the home or garage of anyone unless accompanied by their parent or guardian or are otherwise following the safety practices of Adventure Scouts USA.   

Contacting the selected individual:

After obtaining the telephone number and dialing it, it is possible you may initially reach a receptionist in which case you need to tell them the name of whom you wish to speak with.

  • It will then be necessary to say your name, and identify that you are a Scout of Adventure Scouts USA or of the specific Scout program you are a member of;
  • Explain the purpose of your call.
  • It is possible you may then be connected with the assistant or secretary of the person you are trying to contact rather than the person you seek directly.  It may then be necessary to repeat your name, and again identify that you are a Scout of Adventure Scouts USA or of the specific Scout program you are a member of;
  • Explain the purpose of your call and why you wish to speak to the person you have been referred to, or are interested in talking with.
  • When you get to the person you are trying to contact, greet them;
  • Say your name;
  • Identify that you are a Scout of Adventure Scouts USA or of the specific Scout program you are a member of;
  • Explain why you would like meet with them in order to find a Mentor;
  • It is possible that individual may refer you to someone else either in their company, office, or department to work with in order to complete your Challenge.  If this happens, you will need to introduce yourself again and explain the purpose of your call again.
  • Once they have agreed to assist you;
  • Schedule an appointment on a specific day and time; therefore you should be prepared to know when you have some free time and if you need a ride, when the driver will be available.
  • You will need to know the exact address, directions, and the approximate amount of time the person will be able to spend with you.
  • Then remember to thank the person for agreeing to meet with you.

 Not everyone you speak with will have the time or desire to help you.  If this happens, ask them if they can refer you to someone who can help you.  If they are unable to refer you to someone, then ask your parents, teachers, Team Leaders, fellow scouts, and your friends for another referral.  Keep trying until you are successful at finding a Ment or.  Perseverance is a strength that will help you to successfully reach your goals. Never be discouraged when you encounter obstacles.  Like the story of the rabbit and the turtle, it is not the fastest, but rather it is the one who sticks with it, who succeeds. 

Remember to:

  • Call the day before your scheduled meeting to re-confirm your appointment.
  • Prepare whatever you need to know;
  • Bring with you necessary materials;
  • Arrive early for your scheduled appointment;
  • Be properly dressed in uniform unless damage to your uniform will occur.
 Remember you are an ambassador of the Scout Program you are a member of within the Scout Programs of Adventure Scouts USA.  Do what you promise and promise only what you can do.  After the meeting, remember to send a handwritten thank you note to your Challenge Mentor.