Planned Program

This is one area where I don't completely agree with the BSA. A planned program is certainly an important quality for a troop, and it is a major factor when it comes to determining whether the troop is a quality troop. Where I differ from the BSA is on the status of this criterion. In my mind, this should be a required item.

Think about it, how much quality could you find in a program that wasn't planned? Unlike some of the other criteria for the NQUA, though, the planned program criterion actually sets a pretty high standard. In order to qualify, a troop's program must not only be planned at an annual program planning conference, but the troop has to publish a program calendar and present the program to parents at a family activity.

Much of my experience as a Scouter involves dealing with troops that, for one reason or another, are either in decline or never managed to ascend. If you could analyze these troops and figure out why they were in decline, the lack of a planned program would be in the top five reasons. If you look at the biggest, most active troops in your district, one of the things you'll find they have in common is an exciting, fun, and well-planned program.

Your goal should be to meet this criterion. It's as simple as that. The standard is high, and it's not required, but this item should be a part of what makes your troop a quality unit.