Whether your troop went fully remote due to unexpected circumstances, or you’re looking to expand your reach with online meetings, leading a virtual Scout troop is more achievable than you think. With the right structure, engagement strategies, and technology tools, virtual troops deliver the same engagement, leadership development, and advancement opportunities as in-person troops—sometimes even better.
This guide is for Scout leaders, Senior Patrol Leaders, and troop committees wondering how to run effective online meetings that keep Scouts excited, help them advance, and build genuine camaraderie despite the distance.
Why Virtual Scouts Matter
Real Need, Real Results
The COVID-19 pandemic proved that virtual Scouting works. Today, some troops use hybrid models (part online, part in-person), while others run fully remote. According to surveys by Scouting America, virtual troops report:
- Higher retention rates for Scouts who can’t attend in-person (working Scouts, those with transportation issues, etc.)
- More inclusive programs (Scouts with disabilities, those in rural areas, etc.)
- Better attendance at meetings (Scouts don’t skip as frequently)
- Increased merit badge completions (flexibility for research and projects)
Before You Launch: Planning Your Virtual Troop
Step 1: Choose Your Format
Fully Virtual Troop
- All meetings conducted online via Zoom, Google Meet, or similar
- Best for: Troops in dispersed geographic areas, adult leaders with limited mobility, experimental programs
- Challenges: Building community, supervised outdoor activities
Hybrid Troop
- Combination of online meetings and periodic in-person campouts/events
- Best for: Established troops adding virtual options, families with mixed schedules
- Sweet spot: Most leaders find hybrid works best
Virtual Supplemental Meetings
- Primarily in-person troop with monthly virtual meetings for flexibility
- Best for: Traditional troops experimenting with online programming
- Benefits: Convenient makeup sessions, remote guest speakers
Step 2: Set Clear Expectations
Before launching, communicate with parents, Scouts, and leadership about:
- Meeting schedule (day, time, duration—keep it consistent!)
- Technology platform (Zoom is most Scout-friendly; avoid platforms requiring complex setup)
- Internet requirements (clear video and audio needed; explain bandwidth considerations)
- Equipment (Scouts just need a computer or tablet; webcam optional but recommended)
- Participation expectations (will cameras be on/off? what constitutes “attending”?)
Step 3: Pick Your Technology
Best Platform: Zoom
- Free version supports groups of up to 100 (enough for most troops)
- Breakout rooms feature is perfect for patrol meetings within the larger meeting
- Screen sharing makes presentations easy
- Recording capability for Scouts who miss the meeting
Good Alternatives:
- Google Meet (works well if your school uses Google Workspace)
- Discord (great for Scout-led communities; slightly steeper learning curve)
- Microsoft Teams (if available through schools or organizations)
Pro Setup:
- Use a laptop/desktop, not just a phone (bigger screen, better camera)
- Invest in a basic webcam ($20-40) if your computer’s built-in camera is poor
- Use a microphone or headset (minimizes background noise)
- Test your setup 10 minutes before every meeting
The Virtual Troop Meeting Structure
Meeting Template (60-75 minutes)
Pre-Opening (5 minutes, 6:50 PM)
- Meeting starts at 7:00 PM, but go live at 6:50 PM
- Scouts join early and chat casually (icebreaker questions on screen)
- “What’s something cool you did this week?”
- This builds community and lets stragglers log in
Opening Ceremony (5 minutes)
- Senior Patrol Leader or designated Scout leads
- Pledge of Allegiance (Scouts stand at home if comfortable)
- Scout Oath & Law (recited together or by turn)
- Flag salute (if Scouts have flags at home; optional)
Announcements & Updates (5 minutes)
- Upcoming events, merit badge opportunities, rank advancements
- Share via screen or verbally
- Keep it punchy—Scouts tune out during long announcements
Meeting Activity 1: Skill Building (15-20 minutes)
- Guest speaker (virtual), skill demonstration, or interactive lesson
- Examples: knot-tying demo, outdoor ethics discussion, merit badge seminar, career exploration
Meeting Activity 2: Advancement Work (15-20 minutes)
- Scouts work on rank requirements or merit badge requirements
- Break into patrol breakout rooms for smaller group work
- Older Scouts mentor younger ones
Scoutmaster Minute (3-5 minutes)
- Reflective talk about values, leadership, or upcoming events
- Connects meeting activities to Scout values
- This is surprisingly impactful—don’t skip it
Closing & Adjournment (2-3 minutes)
- Brief closing words from SPL
- Remind Scouts of next meeting time/date
- Send a follow-up message with resources and homework
Total Time: 65-75 minutes (shorter than in-person meetings work better online)
Virtual Meeting Ideas That Actually Work
1. Guest Speaker Sessions
Why It Works: Scouts stay engaged when hearing from real professionals. Virtual format makes getting speakers easier.
How to Do It:
- Contact someone in a field related to merit badges, careers, or leadership
- Ask them to present for 15-20 minutes, then answer Scouts’ questions
- Record it (with permission) so absent Scouts can watch later
Example Speakers:
- Software engineer discussing Artificial Intelligence or Programming badges
- Firefighter discussing First Aid and emergency preparedness
- Environmental scientist discussing Environmental Science merit badge
- College admissions counselor discussing how Scouting helps college applications
2. Patrol Breakout Meetings
Why It Works: Lets each patrol maintain identity and do patrol-specific planning.
How to Do It:
- Use Zoom’s “Breakout Rooms” feature to split patrols into separate meetings
- Each Patrol Leader (or designated Scout) leads their breakout room
- Adults can float between rooms
- Bring everyone back together for closing
Agenda for Patrol Room (15 minutes):
- What’s each Scout working on for advancement?
- Plan next patrol activity
- Discuss upcoming campout/event participation
- Quick game or skill practice
3. Virtual Merit Badge Seminar
Why It Works: Multiple Scouts can work on the same badge together under one counselor’s guidance.
How to Do It:
- Recruit a merit badge counselor (or adult with expertise)
- Host a 60-90 minute session where everyone works through 2-3 requirements together
- Counselor presents information; Scouts take notes; questions afterward
- Scouts complete remaining requirements on their own time
Best Badges for Virtual Seminars:
- Programming, Digital Technology, Electronics
- Communication, Public Speaking
- Environmental Science, Astronomy
- Leadership, Citizenship, Entrepreneurship
4. Skill Workshops: Knots, Camping Skills, First Aid
Why It Works: Scouts can learn and practice from home; seeing knots up close on camera is sometimes better than in person.
How to Do It:
- An older Scout or adult demonstrates the skill (camera zoomed in)
- Scouts follow along at home with rope, supplies, or materials
- Walk through step-by-step
- Have Scouts show their attempts on camera
Skills Perfect for Virtual Learning:
- Knot-tying (scouts have rope at home)
- First aid (bandaging demonstrations, CPR talk-throughs)
- Cooking (make the same recipe together)
- Map reading & navigation (everyone has the same digital map)
5. Virtual Campfire
Why It Works: Maintains troop traditions and builds community even when apart.
How to Do It:
- Set a specific time (Friday night is perfect)
- Scouts join with snacks and gather around their computers
- One Scout tells a story, another leads a song, others share jokes
- Open the floor for storytelling
Virtual Campfire Agenda (45 minutes):
- 5 min: Opening song (can be off-key; Scouts love it)
- 5 min: Scout stories (each Scout tells one minute)
- 10 min: Skits or comedy bits
- 10 min: Scoutmaster story (meaningful, usually touching)
- 10 min: Group sing-along
- 5 min: Closing reflection
6. Games & Competitions
Why It Works: Fun breaks up the monotony; Scouts feel invested in patrol spirit.
Games to Try:
- Skribbl.io Pictionary (entire troop plays together)
- Trivia Competition (Scouts compete individually or by patrol)
- Scavenger Hunt (“Find something from the outdoors in 30 seconds”)
- Charades (modified for video)
- 20 Questions (Scout thinks of something, others guess)
7. Rank Advancement Requirements
Why It Works: Many rank requirements can be discussed/completed virtually.
Doable Virtual Requirements:
- Tenderfoot 2c: Explain patrol importance
- Tenderfoot 4d: Assemble first aid kit at home (show on camera)
- Second Class 2a: Discuss camping skills and safety
- First Class 2b: Explain outdoor ethics principles
- Star/Life/Eagle: Leadership discussions, community service planning
Real Scout Stories: Virtual Troop Success
Story #1: Rural Troop That Thrived Online
The Problem: A troop in Montana had Scouts scattered across 200+ miles. Travel to meetings was unrealistic.
The Solution: Switched to hybrid model—virtual meetings twice monthly, plus one big in-person campout/event per season.
The Result: Troop size doubled. Scouts who couldn’t attend in-person meetings before were suddenly participating every week. Advancement accelerated. The troop earned record number of Eagle Scouts in 2024.
Quote from SPL: “Virtual meetings meant I could actually hang out with my troop every week, not just three times a year at events. It changed everything.”
Story #2: Urban Troop Using Virtual for Flexibility
The Problem: New York City troop had busy Scouts with jobs, school commitments, and limited transportation.
The Solution: Kept in-person Sunday meetings but added optional Wednesday virtual meeting for those who couldn’t make it Sunday.
The Result: Participation increased. Scouts who missed Sundays could attend Wednesdays. Merit badge seminars moved online, creating more opportunities. Board of Review attendance improved because meetings were recorded.
Quote from Scoutmaster: “We’re not losing Scouts to busy schedules anymore. Virtual meetings filled a gap we didn’t know we had.”
Story #3: Troop Expanding with Virtual Options
The Problem: Troop was at capacity (45 Scouts) but had waitlist. Couldn’t add more Scouts without overcrowding meetings.
The Solution: Created a “virtual patrol” within the existing troop—15 Scouts who attend meetings online. They participate in all advancement, merit badge opportunities, and even attend one annual in-person campout to meet the main troop.
The Result: Addressed waitlist. Main troop wasn’t overcrowded. Virtual patrol felt genuinely part of troop community. Several virtual patrol Scouts transitioned to in-person as schedules allowed.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge #1: Screen Fatigue
Why It’s Hard: Sitting in front of a screen for 60+ minutes is exhausting, especially for teenagers.
Solution:
- Keep meetings under 75 minutes
- Include movement breaks (“Stand up and stretch!”)
- Use varied activities (not just lecture)
- Encourage Scouts to use breakout rooms (smaller feels less draining)
Challenge #2: Building Community
Why It’s Hard: It’s harder to develop relationships online. Campfire conversations don’t happen.
Solution:
- Start meetings 5-10 minutes early for casual chat
- Use Zoom chat for side conversations
- Host occasional social events (virtual pizza night, video game competition)
- Do one big in-person gathering per quarter if possible
- Encourage Scouts to connect outside meetings via WhatsApp/Discord
Challenge #3: Technology Issues
Why It’s Hard: Bad internet, camera problems, audio glitches interrupt meetings.
Solution:
- Have a backup technology (if Zoom fails, use Google Meet)
- Test everything 10-15 minutes before meeting starts
- Keep participation flexible (if Scout’s wifi drops, they can call in on phone)
- Have a backup meeting time/date for technical disasters
Challenge #4: Adult Leader Burnout
Why It’s Hard: Running virtual meetings requires different skills than in-person. Tech setup takes more planning.
Solution:
- Rotate who leads meetings (SPL can run some, Scoutmaster others, ASPL leads some)
- Create a simple template so everyone runs meetings consistently
- Have younger, tech-savvy adults help with tech setup
- Build in easier weeks (guest speaker does the work, troop just listens)
Best Practices for Virtual Troop Leaders
DO: Keep Consistent Schedule
Same day, same time every week. Scouts will plan around it.
DO: Use Patrol Breakout Rooms
This maintains patrol structure and lets older Scouts lead.
DO: Combine Online with In-Person
Hybrid is ideal. One campout or event per quarter keeps troop bonded.
DO: Record Meetings
Post recordings in Scoutbook or shared folder so absent Scouts can catch up.
DO: Empower Scout Leaders
Make SPL and Patrol Leaders run the meeting; adults coach from sideline.
DO: Mix Activities
Combine skill-building, advancement work, games, and reflection.
DO: Use Chat & Polls
Keep Scouts engaged by typing in chat, responding to polls, using reaction emojis.
DON’T: Run Meetings Like School Classes
Long lectures bore Scouts. Interaction and engagement matter more.
DON’T: Require Cameras Always On
Some Scouts have bandwidth issues or prefer cameras off. Respect this.
DON’T: Abandon In-Person Entirely
Video meetings are great, but Scouts need in-person bonding and outdoor experiences.
DON’T: Over-Complicate the Tech
Use simple platforms (Zoom) that everyone knows. Avoid multiple apps.
DON’T: Let Meetings Run Over Time
Respect Scouts’ time. End on time, every time.
DON’T: Forget the Scout Oath/Law
Virtual meetings still reflect Scouting values. Start every meeting intentionally.
Tech Setup Checklist for Leaders
- Zoom account created (free version fine)
- Meeting link bookmarked in Scoutbook
- Backup internet (mobile hotspot if your wifi fails)
- Webcam tested (do you look good? can Scouts see you clearly?)
- Microphone tested (can everyone hear clearly? minimal echo?)
- Background checked (tidy, professional, or intentional Scout-themed)
- Screen sharing practiced (how do you share announcements/slides?)
- Breakout rooms tested (can you create and assign patrol groups?)
- Chat monitored (you’ll monitor for questions and keep chat on-topic)
- Recording enabled (with permission)
- Phone number for dial-in (for Scouts with internet issues)
Virtual Troop Meeting Template (Copy & Use)
Meeting Link: [Your Zoom URL]
Meeting Time: [Day & Time]
Duration: 70 minutes
Meeting Agenda:
- Pre-Opening (6:50-7:00 PM) — Casual chat, Scouts arriving
- Opening Ceremony (7:00-7:05 PM) — Pledge, Scout Oath, Scout Law
- Announcements (7:05-7:10 PM) — Upcoming events, opportunities
- Activity 1 (7:10-7:30 PM) — Skill or merit badge content [TOPIC]
- Activity 2 (7:30-7:50 PM) — Advancement work or patrol meetings
- Scoutmaster Minute (7:50-7:55 PM) — Reflection
- Closing (7:55-8:00 PM) — Final announcements, see you next week
Next Steps: Launch Your Virtual Troop
- This Week: Get leadership buy-in (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair)
- Week 2: Set meeting time and choose technology platform
- Week 3: Send families information about joining
- Week 4: Test technology with leaders
- Week 5: Launch first virtual meeting!
- Ongoing: Gather feedback from Scouts and adjust as needed
