Requirement 6
Note: Some of the issues surrounding requirement 6 for the family meeting could be considered of a personal nature. Use discretion when reviewing this requirement with the Scout. Discussion of each of these subjects will very likely carry over to more than one family meeting.
Requirement
Prepare a meeting agenda that includes the following topics, review it with your parent or guardian, and then carry out one or more family meetings:
Check out the family meetings of fellow Scouts
Family Meeting Agenda Form
What topics are important for your family to discuss? Build your next family meeting agenda:
Now that you know how to carry out a family meeting
Let’s explore the topics that will be discussed during family meetings.
6.B – Prepare a meeting agenda that includes the following topics, review it with your parent or guardian, and then carry out one or more family meetings:
Requirement
The greatest dangers and addictions facing youth in today’s society (examples include mental health challenges, use of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs and other items such as debts, social media, etc.)
Topics of discussion
The greatest dangers and addictions facing youth in today’s society (examples include mental health challenges, use of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs and other items such as debts, social media, etc.)
Suggested Family Activity: Identify Challenges Young People Face Today
STEP 1: On a piece of paper, list some of the main challenges young people face today. Take a few minutes to write down as many specific examples as you can for each category.
Some ideas to get you started:
Teens and Social Media
Social media has increased our accessibility and visibility, especially for teenagers. It can be hard not to get consumed by using social media platforms, but with a healthy balance and remembering that social media does not show us the full picture, we allow ourselves space to disconnect and live fully offline.
Unhealthy Relationships
Unhealthy relationships are caused by emotional, physical, or psychological mistreatment. Relationships should be fun and safe. If you are in an unhealthy relationship, talk to a trusted family member or friend.
Mental Health
Your mental health matters. Mental health is how you feel. Through the highs and lows of life, your mental health may change. Paying attention to changes in your mental health will allow you to notice and share your thoughts and feelings with those who love and support you.
Drugs and Alcohol Addictions
Substance use affects people’s behavior differently. While extreme cases like heroin addiction are obvious, many signs are not. Watch for physical changes (tired appearance or dilated pupils) and behavior changes (mood swings, isolation, new friends, poor grades, memory issues, or using drug paraphernalia). If you think someone is using drugs, talk to a trusted adult for help.
Debt
Learning how much to borrow for big purchases like college or a car is key to managing money wisely. Too much debt can hurt your future financial stability. Plan how to repay loans and avoid unnecessary debt. Find ways to earn and save money, apply for scholarships and grants when preparing for college, and be sure to complete the FAFSA each year.
Did you know:
Organizations like the National Eagle Scout Association offer scholarships to Scouts who excel in academics, Scouting, and service.
Tobacco: It’s Poison
Cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that damage organs and cause cancers like mouth, lung, and kidney cancer. Smoking also raises the risk of heart disease and stroke, and weakens the immune system.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes produce vapor that may contain nicotine, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens. Nicotine is highly addictive and can increase heart risks. Vaping can damage lungs, cause serious conditions like VALI, and may lead to tobacco use.
Did You Know: Marijuana, also known as weed or pot, can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or eating.
Though often used recreationally or medically, it remains the most commonly used illegal drug worldwide, and is still illegal for minors, even where adult use is permitted.
Step 2: Family Meeting: Creating Our Support Plan
As a family, work together to talk about the challenges you face and create a plan to support one another
Choose a challenge:
As a family, pick one of the challenges from your list to work on together.
Brainstorm solutions:
Think of three specific, actionable ways you can support each other with this challenge.
Write it down:
Create a “Family Support List” and hang it somewhere everyone can see it.
