General Troop Structure
General Troop Structure
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Last updated September 13, 2014
Below the Scout Leadership Roles is a general discussion of Troop Organization.
The Scout Leadership Roles are:
Senior Patrol Leader Selected by the Scoutmaster for 6 month term. Represents the scouts as the top junior leader in the troop. The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the troop. 1st Class rank or higher. Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference. Appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster. Assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.
Patrol Leader Selected by the Patrol, SPL and/or Scoutmaster for 6 months. The Patrol Leader is the leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council. The Patrol Leader may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide them. The Patrol Leaders, along with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are the primary members of the Patrol Leaders' Council.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Appointed by the Scoutmaster for 1 year. The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He's appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability. Functions as an Assistant Scoutmaster.
Den Chief Appointed by the Scoutmaster for 1 year. The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. The Den Chief provides a knowledge of games and Scout skills that many Den Leaders lack. The Den Chief is also a recruiter for the troop. This function is important because no troop can thrive without new members and most new members will come from Cub Scouting. Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting, Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks. Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. Assists with activities in the den meetings. Helps out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings.
Instructor Appointed by the Scoutmaster for 1 year. The Instructor teaches Scouting skills. The Instructor will work closely with both the Troop Guide and with the Assistant Scoutmaster for new Scouts. The Instructor does not have to be an expert but should be able to teach the Scoutcraft skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The troop can have more than one instructor.
Troop Guide Appointed by the Scoutmaster for 1 year. The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year.The first year as a Boy Scout is a critical time with new places, new people, new rules, and new activities. The Troop Guide is a friend to the new Scouts and makes first year fun and successful. This is an important position.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster for 6 months The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest ranking patrol leader in the troop. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the SPL or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop. The most important part of the ASPL position is his work with the other junior leaders. The ASPL should be familiar with the other positions and stay current with the work being done.
Assistant Patrol Leader Appointed by the Patrol Leader for 6 months. The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence. Substituting for the Patrol Leader is only part of the Assistant Patrol Leader's job. The APL actively helps run the patrol. Helps the patrol get ready for all troop activities.
Chaplin Aide Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader/Scoutmaster for 6 months. The Chaplin Aide works with the Troop Chaplin to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious awards program. "Duty to God" is one of the core beliefs of Scouting. The Chaplin Aide helps everyone in the troop by preparing short religious observations for campouts and other functions. The Chaplin Aide does not always lead the observation himself and can have other troop members help.
Troop Historian Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for 6 months. The Troop Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities. The true value of a good Historian does not show up until years later. The Historian provides material for displays and presentations of current activities. In addition, the work of the Historian provides a link with the past. Gathers pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook.
Troop Librarian Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for 6 months. The Troop Librarian takes care of troop literature. The library contains books of historical value as well as current materials. All together, the library is a troop resource worth hundreds of dollars. The Librarian manages this resource for the troop. Sets up and takes care of a troop library, Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop. Adds new or replacement items as needed. Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out.
Troop Quartermaster Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for 6 months. The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. The Quartermaster does most of his work around campouts. The Quartermaster has to be available to check equipment in and out. Makes sure equipment is in good working condition, Makes suggestions for new or replacement items, Gets the US, troop, and patrol flags for meetings and ceremonies and puts them away afterwards.
Troop Scribe Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for 6 months. The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. Records individual Scout attendance and dues payments. Works with the Troop Committee members responsible for records and finance.
Bugler From time-to-time the Troop may have a Troop Bugler
An Order of the Arrow Representative can be appointed by the senior patrol leader to be a link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, the representative promotes the OA, urges troop members to take part in resident camping, and encourages older Scouts to seek out opportunities for high adventure. The OA representative assists with leadership skills training in the troop and supports fellow Arrowmen undertaking unit leadership roles: He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader.
Since 1910 the mission of the Boy Scouts of America is
To prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Boy Scouting works toward three aims to accomplish our mission:
To accomplish these aims, Boy Scouting's program uses eight methods.
Boy Scouting has successfully assisted more than 98 million members since 1910 to develop the character and peer group associations to make ethical decisions and become role models in their communities.
The Scouting movement has also developed special programs to educate our youth regarding drugs, child abuse, literacy, the new world of careers, and hunger in America.
Working as a team in support of the troop and its Scoutmaster, you can help your youth members to develop the confidence, skills, character, and mental fitness that will allow them to give quality leadership to a changing society.
The resources listed at end will be especially helpful as your troop committee members begin to understand their role in troop organization and successful troop operation.
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916. Boy Scouting was modeled after the Scouting movement founded by Robert S.S. Baden-Powell in England in 1908.
The BSA's National Council is led by a volunteer board of directors, the National Executive Board. The administration is performed by a staff of professional Scouters.
Among its major functions, the National Council develops programs; sets and maintains quality standards in training, leadership selection, uniforming, registration records, literature development, and advancement requirements; publishes Boy's Life and Scouting magazines.
The National Council issues a charter to each local council. The United States and its territories is divided into 327 local councils. Each council administers the Scouting program within its geographical boundaries. Like the National Council, the local council is led by volunteers, with administration performed by a staff of professional Scouters. The council president is the top volunteer, and the Scout Executive is the top professional.
The local council's responsibilities include:
A Scouting District is a geographical area within the local council. District leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of Scouting Units within the District's territory.
Each district has a District Committee composed of key Scouters. This committee does not make policy, but rather works through chartered organizations to assure the success of troops. A district committee does this by forming a number of sub-committees, each specializing in an area of concern:
Members of the District Committee are volunteers. The district trains adult volunteers, provides district programs for troops such as camporees and Scouting shows, assists in the formation of new troops, and helps coordinate the annual giving campaign.
The district also provides the Troop with a Unit Commissioner. The Chartered Organization Representative gives direct coaching and consultation to the Troop Committee and to the Scoutmaster.
The Scouting professional who provides district service is the District Executive. The Committee Chairman for the Troop and the Scoutmaster should make a point to get to know the District Executive. He can be very helpful in demonstrating how to accomplish the troop's program goals.
Troop 28 is "owned" by a Chartered Organization. It receives a national charter which must be renewed yearly to be part of use the Scouting. These groups which have goals compatible with those of the Boy Scouts of America, include religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, governmental bodies, and professional organizations.
Each chartered organization using the Scouting program provides a meeting place, selects a Scoutmaster, appoints a troop committee of at least three adults, and chooses a Chartered Organization Representative whose duties include:
As the Troop Committee works on behalf of the chartered organization, your troop must be operated within the organization's policies.
The chartered organization must also approve all adult leaders. The Chartered Organization Representative is your liaison to the troop's operating organization. As a member of the chartered organization, that person will guide you on the organization's policy. The representative will also know the most effective ways to get the organization's assistance and maintain a mutually satisfactory working relationship with the chartered organization.
In the chartered organization relationship, the Boy Scouts of America provides the program and support services, and the chartered organization provides the adult leadership and uses the program to accomplish its goals for youth.
The Troop Committee's primary responsibilities are supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program and handling troop administration. How to accomplish them will be explained in the remaining chapters of this guidebook.
The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult.
The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered organization.
The Scoutmaster's duties include:
To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America. An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he can serve in the Scoutmaster's absence.
A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. it has been found that many successful troop have three or more.
The flow of new Scouts is an essential element of a healthy Scout troop. Boys joining a troop bring fresh enthusiasm and energy to the entire program. Many troops assign an assistant Scoutmaster to be responsible for troop membership growth such as the Webelos-to-Scout plan, recruiting new Scouts, and troop rallies for new members.
Membership should be a shared concern of all adult leaders, but someone should have the specific responsibility of steady new boy recruitment. If there is no assistant Scoutmaster handling this important duty, a troop committee member should be responsible.
The Scout troop is made up of patrols. A patrol is a grouping of six to eight boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader.
The new Scout patrol is composed of new members who have not entered the seventh grade.
The experienced Scout patrol is for those boys who are age 12 and older.
Venture patrols are made up of boys who are age 13 or older who want more challenging high-adventure experiences.
The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers.
The patrol leaders' council (PLC), not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The PLC is composed of the following voting members: senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leaders, patrol leaders, troop guide, and Venture patrol leaders.
At its monthly meetings, the PLC organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the patrol leaders' council through the Scoutmaster.
The troop's activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. Submit the troop's yearly plan to the troop committee for its support. At this time, the troop committee may make alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders' council to consider. To avoid conflicts between troop plans and activities of the chartered organization, clear the program calendar in advance with the chartered organization representative.
The Troop Committee is the troop's board of directors and supports the troop program. The troop committee does the following:
The first five positions are essential for quality troop operation. There is no maximum limit to the number of troop committee members. The minimum number is three adults ages 21 or older.
When the committee has more members than positions listed, each additional member will be assigned to assist in one of the areas. The more support each position has, the better that area will function. Needless to say, there is a job for everyone the committee approves.
The video presentation, The Barbecue: Working with the Troop Committee, and accompanying viewer's guide is the single best introduction to troop committee operations. It explains the various committee positions and duties in detail. The Barbecue should be reviewed by all new and old members of the troop committee. It is available from your local service center.
A key function of the troop committee is assisting in the selection of the best possible person to be the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster is a role model for the boys and will reflect the character of the chartered organization. The Scoutmaster must be the kind of person you would want you own sons to be influenced by and whose judgment will always be in their best interest.
To find the right person, we use the following steps.
Step 4 Call on the prospect as a group. Gather at a convenient place and arrive at the prospect's home as a group. Review the steps that have been taken, explain how the qualifications were reviewed, and let the prospect know that he or she was considered by all to be the number one prospect to do the job.
Give the prospect a true and realistic picture of the job: time demands, adult leadership support, special problems the troop is facing, and other relevant information. After all the questions have been answered, a member of the committee extends the invitation to serve the organization as its Scoutmaster (subject to approval) and pledges the organization's full support.
If for some reason the prospect is unable to accept the position, you should repeat the process with the number two prospect (who now becomes number one).
Step 5 Have the prospect complete an application to join the Boy Scouts of America. It is the responsibility of the committee to review and screen the application. Individuals who have lived in the community for three or more years and are known to members of the committee well enough for them to serve as a reference should require little additional screening.
Conduct a reference check on those who are new to the community as well as those who may be new to volunteer Scouting. References should be checked in a discrete, non-threatening manner, and previous Scouting experience should be confirmed.
Upon approval, the application is signed by the chartered organization head of the chartered organization representative, and is submitted tot he local council. All leaders registered with the Boy Scouts of America must meet its standards for leadership.
The same standards used to determine the best prospect for Scoutmaster should also be used to qualify assistant Scoutmasters. The majority of successful troops have three or more assistant Scoutmasters. This is not an unrealistic goal. The guide Selecting Quality Leaders can help you through the selection process. The video presentation Selecting Quality Leaders is also a useful tool.
Troop committees of seven or more members work more effectively and provide better troop program support. The minimum number of committee members required is three adults ages 21 or older.
As with securing a Scoutmaster, qualified adults involvement in troop, starts by first identifying good people, select and rank the top prospects, and then use all available influence to recruit them.
Where do you find new committee members? The best source is parents of troop members. Parents have a natural interest in their sons having a successful Scouting experience. They are also an excellent resource for troop program assistance. The Troop Resource Survey should be completed by every troop member's parents. This task is the responsibility of the assistant Scoutmaster of the new-Scout patrol.
The survey will inform the committee what professions, special interests, skills, and resources are available to your troop. For example, a parent who works at a printing shop could help the troop produce a first-rate newsletter. Another parent might be a banker. Obviously, this person would likely be considered for the position of the committee treasurer. But their hobbies may be cycling and fishing. If asked, they may well be more than willing to work with the boys in either of these activities.
The troop committee secretary should have a copy of every troop resource survey conducted by the assistant Scoutmaster for new Scouts or by other committee members. At the monthly committee meeting, the Scoutmaster should be consulted as to what adult help and talents are needed for the coming month's program. A careful review of the collected resource surveys should begin the committee's search.
Not every parent will be able to serve on the troop committee or make a similar long-term task, but every parent should have the responsibility to perform a short-term task sometime during the year. Baking cookies for a bake sale, providing transportation to campouts, giving skill demonstrations at troop meetings, and accompanying the troop on a hike are all examples of help that is expected of troop members' parents. Let the parents know that the troop will call on them occasionally for help. Keep the parents involved!
Troop committee members should also use the troop resource survey with interested members of the charted organization, personal friends, Eagle Scouts, and Scouting supporters in your community. Once your resources are identified, don't hesitate to use them.
Proper management of the troop's finances will allow your troop to achieve its program goals. The recording, disbursing, and budgeting of troop funds, along with unit money-earning project assistance, is the responsibility of the troop committee and its treasurer.
The troop has a checking account at a local bank.. Troop funds need to be recorded and deposited weekly into the troop's checking account. The Troop/Team Record Book is an indispensable tool for this purpose. Disbursements from the checking account are made on the recommendations of the Scoutmaster with the authorization of your troop committee.
The troop budget is a plan for receiving and spending the troop funds. Immediately after approval of the troop's annual program plan, the Scoutmaster and the committee treasurer should start the preparation of the annual budget. The Unit Budget Plan and the Troop/Team Record Book are useful guides.
Troop expenses will include:
When the cost estimates for expenses have been calculated, the next step is to identify sources of income. These include:
These projects can be large or small, depending on the amount of money that is needed. We currently:
Other ideas include
Project selection should begin with the patrol leaders' council and the Scoutmaster. They will bring their ideas to the troop committee.
Here are some guidelines which determine whether the project conforms to Scouting standards.
Local councils use every opportunity and means available to keep summer camp cost to a minimum. But despite their best efforts, many boys and their families will have difficulty paying the average camp fee at one time. The Boy Scouts of America has devised a systematic savings plan that will allow most boys to have their camp fee paid when it is due.
By depositing money weekly or monthly toward the camp fee, the majority of the fee will be paid by camp time.
The local council provides services to make the Scouting program possible for the troop. These services include program, support materials, training, advancement program, activities, camping facilities, high-adventure opportunities, and personnel readily available to assist in making possible a better program for your troop.
Friends of Scouting, or FOS (called Sustaining Membership Enrollment, or SME in some councils), is a primary source of operating income for the council. Friends are those individuals with an interest in the Boy Scouts of America and a desire to support the program financially. When properly informed and given the opportunity, many families of youth members wish to become Friends of Scouting.
Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience. This means providing your boys a stimulating and active troop program!
Education and fun are functions of Scouting, and they are the basis of the advancement program. In the Scouting program, recognition is gained through leadership in the unit; attending and participating in the activities; living the ideals of Scouting; and developing a proficiency in outdoor living and useful skills.
No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add or subtract from any advancement requirement. The advancement requirements have been carefully developed to achieve the aims of Boy Scouting. To alter the requirements would defeat that purpose and would also be unfair to the Scout.
Boy Scout advancement is a four-step process:
The committee member responsible for advancement must become familiar with the video presentation Boy Scout Advancement; the booklet National Advancement Policies and Procedures Committee Guide; and the booklet Boy Scout Requirements. These three resources are indispensable tools to use in your troop's advancement program. The entire troop committee should review the Boy Scout Advancement video.
Any registered Boy Scout may earn merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle palms until his 18th birthday. A Scout with a disability may work toward rank advancement after his is 18 years old (review "Program for Youth Members with Disabilities" in National Advancement Policies and Procedures Committee Guide).
If a Scout foresees that he will be unable to complete the requirements for the Eagle rank prior to his 18th birthday, a petition may be filed in writing with the national Boy Scout Committee through the local council for special permission to continue to work toward the award after reaching age 18. The petition must show good and sufficient evidence and detail extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are defined as condition or situations that are totally beyond the control of the Scout.
If circumstances should also prevent a Scout from requesting the extension before he is 18, it is still permissible to ask for the extension, detailing the circumstances that prevented him from completing the requirements and from requesting the extension before age 18. A limited extension may be granted by the national Boy Scout Committee.
You will notice that participation in a Scoutmaster conference is a requirement for every rank. The purpose of the conference is to ensure that the Scout is ready for his board of review. An increasing level of trust between the Scoutmaster and each Scout develops during these conferences. In time, the Scoutmaster is allowed by the Scout to become a positive guide and influence in his life. The conference is also an opportunity for the Scoutmaster to review the Scout's personal growth and set goals for further advancement.
The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle require that a Scout earn a certain number of merit badges. Merit badges are awarded to Scouts for fulfilling requirements in specific fields of interest. The subjects range from Agribusiness to Woodwork and cover areas such as hobbies, careers, sports, science, and Scouting skills. In all, there are more than one hundred merit badges. (See Boy Scout Requirements.)
A Scout, along with a buddy, works closely with a council-approved merit badge counselor to complete the requirements for the merit badge. Each counselor must be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America and an expert in the chosen subject. When a boy feels that he is ready to earn a merit badge, the Scoutmaster will give him the name and telephone number of an approved counselor from the merit badge counselor list, usually provided by the local council or district. Because the Boy Scouts of America does not permit a youth member to work alone with an adult, each Scout must have a "buddy" to accompany him. (See Boy Scout Requirements.)
If an approved list is not provided, or if the Scoutmaster feels that some of the popular merit badges need additional counselors, the troop committee member responsible for advancement has the primary responsibility for developing the troop's own counselor list. Troop counselors must meet the same qualifications as persons serving district and council-wide, and they must be approved by the district or council.
The requirements for merit badge counselors are:
Potential sources for counselors are parents (review the troop resource survey), former Scouts, committee members, local school teachers, government agencies, labor union, special-interest clubs, technical and industrial organizations and serious hobbyists. A useful tool is the Work Sheet for Building a Merit Badge Counselor List. Other tools include:
To help foster a sense of personal responsibility and citizenship, Scouts are required to participate in a service project approved by their Scoutmaster for the ranks of Second Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
The time of service must be a minimum of 1 hour for Second Class and 6 hours for Star and Life ranks. This may be done as an individual project or as a member of patrol or troop project. Star and Life service projects may be approved for Scouts assisting on Eagle service projects. The Scoutmaster approves the project before it is started.
Eagle Scout For the Eagle service project, ,a boy must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project for any religious institution, school, or his community while he is a Life Scout.
The Eagle Scout service project provides the opportunity for the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate the leadership skills he has learned in Scouting. He does the project outside the sphere of Scouting.
Before any Eagle service project is begun, it must be approved by the district or council advancement chairman and the recipient of the project.
When a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, he appears before a board of review composed of at least three and not more than six committee members.
The review has three purposes:
The board of review is not a time to retest the Scout, but to determine the Scout's attitude and his acceptance of Scouting ideals. It is also important to review those Scouts who are not advancing. the guidance and care shown could motivate these Scouts to further achievement.
The review should be conducted at a convenient time and location, such as a troop meeting, summer camp, or the home of a member of the troop committee. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters do not participate in the board of review..
The board of review members should feel free to refer to the Boy Scout Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook, or any other references during the review.
Because many boys are ill at ease when talking to adults, it is important that the board of review be held in a relaxed atmosphere. A certain amount of formality and meaningful questioning should be used during the review. Use questions that require a narrative answer.
Examples of the kinds of questions that might be asked are:
These types of questions will help the boy to see the value and practical application of his efforts.
At the conclusion of the review, the board should know whether a boy is qualified for the rank or palm. The Scout is asked to leave the room while the board members discuss his achievements. The decision of the board of review is arrived at through discussion and must be unanimous. If members are satisfied that the Scout is ready to advance, he is called in, congratulated, notified as to when he will receive his recognition, and encouraged to continue his advancement or earn the next palm.
Scouts who are not advancing should also come before the board of review. The board should show interest in these Scouts' rank progress. Ask the kind of questions that may reveal why they are not advancing:
Let the Scout know that he has the support of the board of review members and that there is no doubt that he can achieve the next rank. The board's concern and supportive manner will both help the Scout's confidence and impress upon him the importance of advancement in his Scouting experience.
At the conclusion of every board of review, it is the committee's responsibility to prepare and turn in to the local council office a copy of the Advancement Report, and ensure that the badges earned by the boys are obtained and awarded in a timely fashion.
The Boy Scouts of America has placed the Eagle Scout board of review in the hands of either the troop committee or the district or council advancement committee. Your council has determined which method is to be used.
The Eagle board of review is composed of a minimum of three members and a maximum of six members. the members do not have to be registered Scouters, but must understand the importance of the rank and the Eagle board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member when the board of review is conducted on the troop level.
If a unanimous decision is not reached, a new review may be convened at the request of the applicant, the Scoutmaster, or the troop committee. If the applicant is again turned down, the decision can be appealed to the national Boy Scout Committee. Your district or council representative can help in this process.
When a Scout advances, he should be recognized as soon as possible--preferably at the next unit meeting. He is recognized a second time at a public ceremony called a court of honor.
The main purposes of the court of honor are to furnish formal recognition for achievement and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance.
Formal courts of honor should be conducted at least four times a year. All Scouts who have advanced since the previous court of honor are honored. Their parents and friends should be invited to attend the ceremony.
Suggestions on court of honor agendas and ceremonies are found in Troop Program Resources for Boy Scout Leaders.
The committee meeting is attended by all committee members and the Scoutmaster. Occasionally you may want to invite guests such as your chartered organization representative and unit commissioner.
The Scoutmaster is not actually a member of the troop committee, and has no vote. The committee should not forget that its primary responsibility is supporting the troop program. The importance of mutual cooperation between the two groups of leaders is critical for the smooth and successful operation of the troop.
The support and administration of an active troop requires the participation of every committee member. Every member should have a working assignment. This will not only help the troop to operate effectively, but will assure team spirit and their attendance at meetings. When people feel that it doesn't matter if they attend or not, often they will choose to do something else.
If everyone is prepared, troop committee meetings should not last longer than one and one-half hours. It is the chairperson's responsibility to keep the meeting moving swiftly. There is no better way to discourage attendance than to conduct meetings that last too long with too little accomplished. the video The Barbecue: Working with the Troop Committee will also give you some helpful hints on conducting the committee meetings.
Most boys join Boy Scouting for one reason - to have fun in the outdoors. The troop committee, working in support of the Scoutmaster, should make every effort to give their Scouts an outdoor experience every month. This goal is not easy to accomplish. It takes people (leaders, transportation) and money (food, equipment), but this challenge can be met with the help of the troop committee.
Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings.
For complete information on current policies and procedures for safe activities, consult the Guide to Safe Scouting available from the local council.
Tour permits establish high standards of health and safety for your troop and assure parents and the council that your tour will be wisely planned, safe, and fun.
The Local Tour Permit Application must be filed with the Council service center in Portland 2 weeks in advance of a scheduled trip of less than 500 miles
A National Tour Permit Application must be submitted to your local council office for approval at least 1 month before your departure on a trip of more than 500 miles. The council office forwards it to the regional office for approval.
Safety is the number one concern when arranging transportation for troop outings.
For trips beyond hiking distance, you will need to arrange for private cars. Trucks may not be used for transporting boys except inside the cabs. Insurance companies may refuse to accept responsibility if this rule is violated. Private cars or licensed buses should be used.
General guidelines are:
If you use the troop resource survey to identify willing drivers and ask for their help well in advance, you should be able to secure the needed cars.
Short-term camping is usually done over one or two nights on the weekend. The troop-equipment must be adequate for the number of boys involved. These short-term camps allow advancement opportunity, fun, and fitness. As we pointed out earlier, troops should camp monthly.
Resident camping lasts at least a week and sometimes longer. This will be at a council summer camp facility.
It is the troop committee's responsibility, in cooperation with the Scoutmaster, to secure adequate numbers of tens, cook-kits, and other outdoor gear. Because of the cost of this equipment, a troop money-earning project will usually be organized (see chapter 6). The equipment coordinator should work closely with the troop quartermaster to maintain the troop's equipment with adequate repair and storage.
Near the end of each year, the council provides an application for charter renewal. This is a computer printout of information previously furnished. Your task of reregistering the troop is much less than that of registering it initially. We only update the printed information. An instruction sheet will accompany the renewal papers.
The printout with all youth and adults presently registered, from which the unit commissioner and troop committee will conduct a membership inventory. The commissioner and committee chairman then hold a charter renewal meeting attended by the commissioner, chartered organization representative, executive officer of the chartered organization, Scoutmaster, and all other adult volunteers. At this time, they identify which youth and adults to reregister. The completed charter renewal application is then submitted to the local council.
One measure of a Boy Scout troop's success is fulfilling the requirements for a national Quality Unit Award. There are 10 requirements of which four are mandatory:
All adult leaders should take advantage of the available training opportunities. Fast Start training can be done in your home or, if a new troop, at your first committee meeting by a district or council representative. Contact your district executive or a member of the training committee to schedule training. Within the first few weeks, the new committee members should review the following Boy Scout Leader Fast Start videos:
These are available at your local council service center.
On a monthly basis, districts conduct roundtable meetings, which emphasize troop program. Adult leaders, including troop committee members, meet and learn new program ideas, get information on up-coming events, and share solutions to common problems. Roundtable meetings are excellent training opportunities. Each month has a program feature and a training feature.
The following activities have been declared as unauthorized and restricted by the Boy Scouts America:
For detailed information, consult the Guide to Safe Scouting.
BSA offers a training program for adults that explores the various forms of child abuse. Using a video presentation and discussion guide, the causes, signs, and proper response to and reporting of child abuse incidents are explained in detail. For the protection of all leaders, and the boys in the troop, every adult associated with the troop, including merit badge counselors, should attend this seminar. To participate in Youth Protection training, contact the local council district executive for the next training session.
Child abuse is a critical problem in America, with several million incidents reported each year. Emotional abuse occurs when a young person is continually berated and denigrated, and the youth's self-esteem is severely harmed. Physical abuse involves the bodily injury of a child. Sexual abuse is any sexual activity between an adult and a child or between children when there is an unequal distribution of power, as in the case when one child is significantly older or larger.
The Boy Scouts of America recognizes child abuse as an unacceptable, and has developed a five-point strategy to combat such abuse:
If at any time someone is suspect an instance of child abuse within the Scouting movement, they must contact the local council Scout executive immediately. Each Scout executive has established contacts with local child protective and law enforcement agencies, and is aware of procedures to be followed to ensure that children will be protected from further abuse.
As a volunteer in Scouting, adult leaders are cautioned not to be investigators of allegations of child abuse. Reports of suspected abuse can best be handled by trained professionals working in cooperation with the local council Scout executive. As long as reports are made in good faith, all states provide immunity from liability to those who report suspected abuse.
Child molesters--individuals who sexually abuse children--do not fit into any convenient profile. They may come from any walk of life--even respected community professionals--any may be members of their victims' own families. Children also molest other children, an activity who significance is often minimized.
With their parents or other trusted adults, all boys joining a Scout troop must complete the exercises in the parents' guide entitled How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse.
While there is no way to detect every potential child abuser in advance of attempted or actual abuse, the Boy Scouts of America clearly conveys the message that Scouting is a hostile environment for individuals who want to abuse children.
After selecting the best possible leaders, the BSA structures further protection for children into its programs. The following policies have been adopted by the Boy Scouts of America to provide additional security for youth and to protect adult leaders from situations in which they may be vulnerable to allegations of abuse:
Occasionally the troop committee may be asked by the Scoutmaster to deal with a problem which might involve disciplinary action or a health issue of an individual youth or adult member. These issues should be dealt with in strict confidence. If the subject concerns a scout, his parents should be fully informed of the issue.
Because serious or recurring behavioral problems may require the troop committee's involvement, the Scoutmaster should share discipline problems with the goal to integrate the youth into the Scouting program. Problems that may lead to a youth's permanent removal from the troop should be handled by the Scoutmaster and the troop committee, and should involve the Scout's parents or guardians. Together, the troop committee, parents, and Scoutmaster should work toward a solution with the troop's best interest in mind.
It is a policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.
Health is a most valuable possession. Smoking will dangerously impair a person's health. The BSA recommends that leaders maintain the attitude that young adults are much better off without tobacco. Leaders are encouraged not to use tobacco products in any form nor allow their use at any BSA activity.
1998 national BSA Advancement Policies and Procedures, NO 33088A
Advancement Report, No 34403
The Barbecue: Working with the Troop Committee, AV-048; viewer's guide AV-048VG (Audiovisual items, indicated by the prefix "AV," usually come with syllabus or viewer's guide; additional copies of these guides may be ordered)
Boy Scout Advancement, AV-02V001; syllabus, AV-02G001
Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33229
Boy Scout Requirements, NO. 33215A
Boy Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet, No 34283
Fast Start Videos:
The Troop Meeting, AV-023
The Outdoor Program, AV-024
Troop Organization, AV-025
(All three on one video, AV-026)
Viewer's guide, AV-026VG
Fieldbook, NO 33200
First Class--First Year Tracking Sheet, No 34118
How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide, No. 46-015
Insignia Guide, No 33066A
Junior Leader Handbook, No. 33500
Local Tour Permit Application, No. 34426
merit Badge Counselor Information, NO 34405
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation, No. 34542
National Tour Permit Application, No. 4419
Personal Health and Medical Record, Class 3, No 34412
Personal Health and Medical Record, Class 1 and 2, No. 34414
Recommending Merit Badge Counselors, No. 34532
Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, No. 57-492
Scoutmaster Handbook, No. 33002
Selecting Quality Leaders, No. 18-981
Selecting Quality Leaders video, No. AV-02V009
Troop Program Resources for Boy Scout Leaders, (available January 1999)
Troop Resource Survey, No. 34437
Troop/Team Record Book, No 34508
Unit Budget Plan, No. 28-426
Unit Money-Earning Application, No. 34427
Work Sheet for Building a Merit Badge Counselor List, No 4439