AAD Parent and Scout Orientation
AAD Parent and Scout Orientation
Kick it off! Best scouting Year Ever!
During this required session, walk parents and Scouts through the full schedule, the retreat requirment, and the Board of Review/awards timeline, so everyone understands the commitment before the program begins. Confirm each Scout has (or can obtain) the AAD Youth Manual, collect registration information, and address any logistics questions about meeting times and location. Use this time to set expectations for attendance and workbook completion, since consistent participation each session is what allows Scouts to finish all requirements before the Board of Review.
Every Scout needs to register to make sure they can get their award.
The program can be divided in any way the counselor wishes. This site provides resources for a 12 session schedule. If the Counselor is interested, the St. John Bosco Award can be earned in conjunction with AAD without added effort.
Have registration materials ready.
Confirm which Scouts are pre-registered and cross-check ages/eligibility (13-14, completed 6th grade, active in troop 6+ months, per the Guide's AAD Instruction requirements)
Have copies of the "Application to Begin Working on the Ad Altare Dei" on hand — the Guide specifies this must be completed with all necessary signatures before a Scout begins, and should not be torn out of the manual until the Board of Review.
Bring or confirm availability of the AAD Youth Manuals for purchase, or have the NCCS online store link ready to share
Confirm your own approval is current: pastor's sign-off, Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting approval, BSA Youth Protection Training, and diocesan background check/training per the USCCB Charter
Be ready to briefly explain Youth Protection expectations to parents (the Guide is emphatic that these policies must be followed)
Know the full schedule (dates, locations, retreat details) so you can answer scheduling questions confidently
Be prepared to explain the program's purpose accurately — it's a supplement to formal religious education (like CCD/PSR), not a substitute, and the goal is faith growth, not just faith knowledge
Have a clear explanation ready for the retreat requriement
Know the workbook audit checkpoints (Nov 16, Dec 14, Jan 11) and what "complete" looks like, so you can set expectations about pacing and homework between sessions
Reflect on the Guide's self-check for counselors — are you comfortable being knowledgeable, communicative, and a spiritual example? The Guide is blunt that if you don't feel equipped, it's better to say so now than partway through
Have your own contact information ready to share for questions between sessions
Your first “Kick off” meeting is also the first day of class for the Scouts. This meeting is for BOTH the Scouts and their parents to attend. Plan to introduce each counselor giving a brief description of their Scouting experience and qualifications for teaching the course.
This meeting is important as it sets the “tone” for all of the classes. Counselors should all be in Class “A” Uniform. Each counselor should have a part in the presentation. Start by explaining the program to everyone present, and then pass out the course schedule and program workbooks. All of the parents and Scouts must agree to commit to the time schedule presented and to make sure Scouts arrive on time. Go over expectations of the Scouts regarding behavior, attendance, and attire. We suggest that a Class “A” Uniform should be required of the Scouts during each session. This sets the proper tone for the program and allows for work on the St John Bosco award. The Scouts should be told to bring their Boy Scout Handbook, AAD program workbook, Bible, notepad, pens, and/or pencils to each session.
Explain that parents are encouraged to attend the sessions, but are not allowed to participate. If the decide to stay, they will be expected to sit quietly “in the back” and observe. You will have enough trouble keeping the Scout's attention without trying to manage and deal with parents as well. You might want to have the family's share refreshment duties for the sessions. Having coffee and juice available during the session is a nice amenity, and having a few minutes of juice and donuts to end the meeting is a real hit with the Scouts. This becomes a great time for the Scouts and counselors to answer any unresolved questions in a more relaxed atmosphere and have some fun.
Emphasize that Ad Altare Dei is a very special award that very few Scouts achieve. It will help bring each Scout closer to Jesus Christ and help them fulfill the 12th point of the Scout Law. This course will teach them about their Catholic Faith and what it means to be a Catholic Christian.
Keep this first meeting under an hour. End the meeting by going over the first chapter to help the Scouts begin their workbooks. Let them know that all questions in the chapter need to be completely filled out before the next session. Also hand out the form from the front of the workbook and instruct the Scouts have their Scoutmaster, parents and Parish Priest sign it and bring it to the next session.