Transitioning to the New Resources

Q: The BIG QUESTION: Is this a whole new program?

A: No, not at all! The program is the same as you've always done it. There's no change there. However, if your program has drifted away from CSB's best practices, then this may be a good time to hit the 'reset' button. The new resources cover all aspects of running a great Stockade program.
     CSB's new Stockade resources are designed to be used with the way you do Stockade. Because they are modular, you can fit them in as you need.

Q: A leader asked: We're using the old Journeys and Expedition Leaders Guides. How do we move to the new program resources without it costing a pile of money?

A: Great question! There is no need to drop the old in order to transition to the new. They are designed for a gentle transition. The new Leader's Guides (along with their associated Outpost Adventures - together they make a Module) can simply be rolled into your schedule of topics from the Journeys or Expedition Leaders Guide. Just plan a time to slip in a Module, order the materials and do it instead or in addition to the topic listed there. Don't forget that the boys can earn the new patches through this - another cost, but one that the boys will gladly pay.
     Continue to use the Journeys and Expeditions Leaders Guides, but add in one, two or three Modules a year. Even when you make the switch to the new resources, you can continue using the older Journeys and Expeditions Leaders Guides as a source for meeting plans.

Q: The same leader asked: But, what about the boys' Builder and Sentinel Trailbooks? Can we still get Builder and Sentinel Trails or do we have to switch all our boys to the new "Trail Guides"?

A: This is an important consideration. The older Builder Trails and Sentinel Trails should be available for a while, but eventually they will become obsolete. This is no problem, as the new Trail Guides are very, very similar to the old trailbooks. It's not fair to say that CSB just pulled the "How Things Work" and "Adventures in Action" Achievements out of the old trailbooks, but at a quick glance, that's just the way it appears.
     The new Trail Guides have had things tweaked and moved around. Their focus has been tightened and the 'homeworkiness' of their Achievements has been reduced, but one boy can have the old Builder Trails and another can have the new Builder 1 (or 2) Trail Guide and work side-by-side in the same Post. The same goes for Sentinels.
     Of course, boys working in the new Builder or Sentinel 1 or 2 will have to do Outpost Adventures to complete their Blockhouses and Stations.

Q: I have boys who want to do Outpost Adventures but are still using the old Builder and Sentinel Trails, what do I do for them?

A: Another good question. The "Post Choice" option allows the leader to mark any Achievement in the old trailbooks as completed by just writing in the name of the substituted Achievement.
     Outpost Adventures have Achievements of similar complexity as those in Builder and Sentinel Trails. They are of equivalent value. The OA's are made up of "How Things Work" and "Adventures in Action" Achievements - usually two of one and one of the other. Just find the next one of these same topics in the old trailbook, write in the name of the Achievement, and mark it off as completed.

Q: And, what about those Outpost Adventure Patches?  Aren't they another expense that we can do without?

A: First and foremost, you want the boys doing Achievement - it is the most important connection-point that you have with them. Achievement leads to a conversation and that should lead to a wholesome friendship that can last a lifetime. Those little patches - they cost a buck or so - are worth more than their weight in gold. A boy will move heaven and earth to earn the one he wants. It's amazing what a boy will do for a bit of cloth and coloured thread.
     Of course, you the leader, determine how a boy views Achievement. If you make a big deal of it, he will too. If you don't, then you will lose that major opportunity to really disciple the boy for Christ.
     Invest in the patches. CSB and other boys programs have plenty of proof that awards, pins, badges and patches give boys the incentive they need to achieve great things.