Reddit reviews I Thought Scout Uniforms Were Fireproof!: Putting the Fun in Scouting

For what it's worth, I was an SPL twenty-one-ish years ago. But, I remember my experience (and my shortcomings) clearly.

1. Delegate some responsibilities to your ASPL: I had an awesome ASPL, and I didn't give him enough to do. I didn't realize that until four or five months into my stint as SPL, and I couldn't really fix it.
   
   
   
2. Don't plan in a vacuum: get your PLC together and plan themes for each upcoming month. Then find good Troop Meeting activities (discussions, demonstrations, etc.) that fit with the month's theme. There is a balance to be had here - also don't have PLC meetings drag on for too long - be efficient, and come prepared with ideas.
   
   
   
3. Focus on making scouting fun: Every BSA unit is different in it's character, and some units are just more fun to be a part of than others. Troops that have more fun (and are welcoming to new scouts) recruit more Webelos, and therefore have (eventually) a stronger Troop. Recruitment is very important for the long-term health of your unit - do not ignore your part in this. A good resource (or at least a set of ideas) for making scouting fun is the book I Thought Scout Uniforms Were Fireproof! by Shane Barker. Give it a read.
   
   
   Edit: added note about book