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Scouting is a youth-led, youth-run program, but the youth must be trained to be leaders. Adult role models in Scouting provide an ideal learning experience for all youth. Every adult volunteer has something valuable to offer. On a typical weekend campout, Scouts might work with an adult volunteer who teaches a merit badge or a skill like orienteering, go on a 5-mile hike with another adult leader, and end the day learning how to clean and cook from someone else.
How Can I Help?
There are many ways that you can help Scouting in your area. Whether you are volunteering directly with Scouts or helping out behind the scenes, you can make an impact on the lives of Scouts by volunteering your time. Scouts have always relied on volunteers to make the organization run. Among the volunteers who provide troop level adult leadership and support, there are Scoutmasters and their uniformed adult leadership (including assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Chair), and committee members.
All positions require adults to join the troop by registration. The registration process for adult leaders includes a personal reference and criminal background check, nomination by the committee chairman, followed by appointment by the chartering organization and concluding with acceptance by the district executive (a professional Scouter who is an employee of the local Scout council). Scoutmasters are responsible for developing and delivering the "program" or the training of youth leadership in how to plan and run a Scout troop's activities.
The members of the committee are responsible for "service" or provisioning the troop with the necessary goods and services that allow the Scoutmasters to focus solely on the program. Committee members may interact with Scouts. For example, they may be assisted by youth leaders (see quartermaster) or they may provide technical training to the Scouts as merit badge counselors.
Adult volunteer’s most important direct interaction with Scouts occurs during boards of review. Members assemble in groups of 3 to 6 in order to constitute boards of review. After a Scoutmaster has conducted a Scoutmaster conference with the Scout and determined he is ready for advancement, a Scout must meet with a board of review.
How Can I become an Adult Leader?
Express your interest to the unit leadership—the Scoutmaster, or troop committee members. There is always some way in which you can contribute, and the Troop always is need of volunteers. Volunteering can range from a helping hand during outings, reviewing and singing off rank requirements for scouts, serving on a board of review, or taking on one of the name adult leadership roles for the Troop.
Scout Parents are always welcome to attend the monthly Troop Committee meetings. Your input is always of value and may be helpful in ensuring our Troop is running well. If you have an interest in volunteering to help, the Troop Committee is a great place to see what opportunities exist and where you can lend a hand.
Important Links
Permission Form Template for Activities
Adult Leader Application - Boys Troop
Adult Leader Application - Girls Troop
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