I too was a Roundtable Commissioner and Scoutmaster, and had some of the same problems that you and your attendees have.

I had semi-annual meetings with the parents while the Scouts were with the Assistant Scoutmasters. We requested that at least one parent attend as this was a "stockholders'" meeting. This did more for communications than anything else. We discussed everything from troop program to dues, uniforming, camping policies (e.g., no electronic games), etc. And we didn't even have to provide drinks or refreshments. We also promised that the meeting would not last more than an hour, and the parents were already there to take their sons home.

We also held information meetings with Dens of 2nd year WEBELOS ready to cross over. We would hand out our Troop Nerwsletters, Troop Bylaws, Troop Calendar, and Troop rooster.

As for running the roundtable, I don't know your style. I found overhead questions worked well and did stimulate conversation. I would ask how many provide newsletters? Then have some of those who raise their hands describe theirs (if they didn't bring copies that is). I would ask at the August Roundtable that Troops provide enough copies to hand out to each troop in attendance.

But do not go through them at the roundtable. This is for their use later. I would also ask what should go into a newsletter, and have some answers ready yourself. How about a camping checklist for new parents, a list of outfitters in the local area for equipment, a short column on first aid tips. Have the boys write an article on their last campout. Pick one boy per event. How about a Scoutmaster's corner, Commissioner's corner, Troop Committee Chair corner, or SPL corner. How about a Scoutmaster's Minute column written by a different SM/ASM each edition. There are any number of things that can go into a newsletter.

Who is the audience? Is it the boy or the parents. Target the articles appropriately

Obviously phone callouts and who handles that for the troop can be a topic of discussion. Questions here would include:

• What are apropriate items to use a callout for?. For instance, we have an ASM call a Troop Committee Person when we break camp. The Troop Committee than call parents with where and what time the parents can pick up their Scouts.
• Who makes the callouts?
• When is the best time for a callout (I have found Sunday late afternoon and evening the best)?

Another set of questions: Along with the message (newsletter, written announcement poster, calendar, etc, what is the best delivery method? Mail, send home with the Scout, give to parents as they pick up their Scouts after the meeting, etc?

Hope this helps, and good luck!

YiS,

Bob Jacober