Here is a typical Stockade meeting schedule:

This standard program allows considerable variety within its framework. The schedule should be thoroughly discussed in planning sessions. Each part of the Stockade meeting is explained in detail below.

Post Check-In 0:00-0:10

Post Check-In provides immediate personal contact between the ranger and boy, as well as the orderly assembly of the total group as each post works independently. A friendly tone is set for the entire meeting when a boy is met by his ranger's smile and personal greeting. For early arrivals, Check-In provides opportunity for conversation about achievement and other interests of the boy.

Rangers should arrive before Post Check-In to meet boys as they arrive and to make final preparation for the swiftly-moving program which follows.

Build the Stockade 0:10-0:20

The opening formation provides a colorful ceremony for assembling the entire group. It can lead to a spirit of cooperation among the ranger and his boys as they work together to meet acceptable standards.

The chief ranger calls out, "Build the Stockade!" At once leaders and boys take their places in formation. The rangers, together with the lookouts and couriers, are the key to quick formations. Then a brief prayer commits the meeting to the Lord. Any announcements and the colors ceremony follow.

The basic formation is a square block with a ranger at each corner and his post standing in line to his left and right (see below).

 As the Stockade assembles, each boy stands at alert (similar to "attention"), then proceeds without further command to make the Stockade Sign (hands folded in front with fingers extended). Then the chief ranger says in conversational tone, "Stockade (pause), silence." This is the signal for prayer and the boys close their fingers to form the prayer sign. The ranger's prayer is simple and direct.

At the call, "Colors," the ranger of the Honor Post (or one of the boys) carries the national flag and the lookout of the Honor Post carries the Stockade flag to the center of the formation. At the call, "Banners," the flag and the banners are returned to their standards.

The Stockade Song can be sung after the colors ceremony and the chief ranger should have a few brief announcements to give the group.

Games and Contests 0:20-0:40

Individual competition, group games and relays provide the robust activity which Stockaders enjoy in the weekly meeting. While some informal games may be played during Post Check-In, the major time for strong, physical activity is during this period. It comes early in the meeting to give boys a chance for action quickly. Games which involve the most physical action are played first. The chief ranger and post rangers are in charge.

Stockade games are divided into two general groups, A and B, depending on the degree of action. Games which involve scattered vigorous action are played first, followed by those with more order and restricted action. This permits a smoother transition to Post Achievements.

During this period the rangers not directly in charge have a significant role. Because games are such an excellent opportunity to build closer relations with boys, all the rangers should be involved. On some occasions, the men should be participants in the game with the boys, although they should exercise self-control.

Many games are conducted on the basis of individual competition rather than between organized teams. However, team games that focus on individual action, such as relays, are excellent for junior-age boys to learn teamwork. Whenever the group is divided into teams, be sure there is a good mixture of ages and activities. Avoid competing as posts (since posts are divided by age) but change the teams each week to allow new friendships to develop.

A variety of games should be planned, but Stockaders enjoy repetition and do not readily tire of games which are repeated. No game should be played for too long, however, even though the boys will naturally want to continue any game they are enjoying. Effective leadership of Stockade games calls for clear, simple explanations, demonstration or trial runs of the game, and consistent authority in enforcing the rules. Scores may be kept, but it is best not to give prizes for winning lest competition becomes the only focus and boys miss the fun aspect of games.

Post Achievements 0:40-1:10

Each post gathers for a half hour of achievement action. As a post, the boys experience the thrill of achievement as they move through various activities from week to week. This gives the ranger an extended time for getting to know the boys in his post. As the man and his boys work together, the ranger has the opportunity to build friendships with the boys in an atmosphere of fun and learning.

To kick off Post Achievements, the chief ranger calls for a formation at the end of the games and dismisses the group, one post at a time, to designated areas. The ranger leads the post in achievement action: practicing, experimenting, demonstrating, dramatizing, learning and completing activities from Builder Trails or Sentinel Trails. These learning experiences draw on the varied aspects of Stockade Achievement. Art, astronomy, Bible study, bicycling, birds, drama, first aid, fishing, handicrafts, hiking, home repairs, knife and axe, music, photography and sports are some of the subjects.

The emphasis on working together is designed to help boys complete many achievements as a group. If a boy participates with the group in an acceptable manner, he should be credited with completion. During this period, a boy may also have the opportunity to review such items as memory work, which requires more personal attention. Achievements which has been completed at home during the previous week should be checked during Post Check-In.

The vast majority of Post achievements can be completed in one meeting; some can be extended to two or three meetings if desired. The projects are simple, inexpensive, and require few tools or supplies.

About five minutes before the end of Post Achievements, the chief ranger calls, "Post Dispatch." Each courier runs to the chief ranger with a written report of post attendance (including latecomers) shares and achievements compleied. The "Post Dispatch" call also alerts posts to gather up supplies, tools and other materials.

Stockade Honors 1:10-1:15

During the five minutes before Honors, the chief ranger compiles the information for Honor Post recognition using the "Honor Post Check List." With the Stockade in formation, the chief ranger announces the Honor Post for the week and presents the Honor Banner. The Honor Banner is awarded to the post with the best performance. At this time, boys will receive achievement awards they have earned.

"Build the Stockade" again calls the group to formation. This should be accomplished quickly and orderly.

Because preadolescent boys need frequent and immediate recognition, Stations or Blockhouses completed during the meeting should be awarded the same night. Appropriate ceremony lends color and excitement to Stockade Honors and demonstrates to the boys that advancing in achievement is important.

Story Circle 1:15-1:30

Following Stockade Honors, men and boys sit in a circle to hear truths from the Word of God. Boys listen eagerly to an exciting story told by a Christian man. It is his opportunity to present important truths to the boys. Men demonstrate their deep concern for boys by careful preparation of story messages. Thoughtful attention by the other men shows their love for the Lord, as well as for the boys.

To make the transition from Honors, the chief ranger calls, "Form Story Circle." The group then quickly forms a rough horseshoe, sitting on the floor or chairs. Rangers sit among boys throughout the group.

The ranger telling the story stands or sits in the gap. After a few minutes of singing or a special feature, the man begins the story without further introductions.

Normally, the Story Circle lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Leaders should develop the ability to get an exciting story across in about 10 minutes. Rely on the Holy Spirit to minister through the story and close with the entire group reciting the Stockade Prayer:

Leader's Huddle (five minutes after dismissal)

The Stockaders are on the way home. Transportation which may be necessary has been arranged by the Brigade chairman or one of his assistants. Leaders then meet for a brief time of discussion, evaluation and prayer. If there are specific problems, they should be considered, but lengthy discussions should be reserved for the monthly planning sessions.