Adult Leadership, Training, and Resources

Adult leadership falls under two major categories: the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmasters at the Troop level, and the Troop Committee. Adult leaders in the Troop exhibit the ideals of Scouting when working with boys. They strive to set the example in their handling of the boys. Standards of conduct in personal habits, language, hygiene and interaction with Scouts are in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law. Positions are filled as supported by the number of adult volunteers. If the number of adult volunteers isn't sufficient to fill all requirements, the committee chairman and/or the Scoutmaster may combine committee or troop positions after gaining approval of the committee. Adult leaders in the Troop include:

            ·         Scoutmaster

·         Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scouts

·         Assistant Scoutmasters Assigned to Individual Patrols or for Specific Tasks

The Scoutmaster is selected by the Troop Committee for a time period of 1-2 years or more. He is responsible for overseeing the operations of the troop, is a role model for the boys, supervises the Assistant Scoutmasters, and reflects the character of the chartered organization. The Scoutmaster is the kind of person that you want your sons to be influenced by and whose judgment will always be in the best interest of the boys. He also assists in training and giving direction to the Scouts assigned positions of responsibility (i.e., quartermaster, scribe, librarian, and merit badge instructors, etc.). The Scoutmaster serves as the "chief executive officer." The Scoutmaster attends troop committee meetings and reports the status of the troop and the annual program of events.

Assistant Scoutmasters also serve for a minimum of one year.  The same standards used for the Scoutmaster apply to the Assistant Scoutmaster(s). Troop 16 has Assistant Scoutmasters that are responsible for new Scout patrols, each regular patrol, and Scout advancement.

The Troop Committee supports the troop program and is comprised of all Scout parents and adult volunteers. It is the “Board of Directors” of the troop. Troop Committee members are registered as members of the Boy Scouts of America. The Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chairman work together to ensure a good Scouting experience for the boys. If you are interested in serving on the Troop Committee, please see either the Troop Committee Chairman or one of the adult leaders of the Troop. All meetings are open to all interested parents, whether or not they are members of the Troop Committee. The Troop 16 Troop Committee meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in the DePaul Center. An annual Parents’ Meeting is called by the Committee Chairman, and is essential for successful troop operation. This meeting is the forum for planning troop program assistance, solving troop problems, monitoring troop progress, reviewing troop finances, outings, and planning fund-raisers. The meeting is attended by all parents and committee members. Overall responsibilities of the troop committee are as follows:

• Provides adequate meeting facilities.
  

• Encourages leaders in carrying out their programs.
  

• Provides and plans for yearly camping and outdoor programs.
  

•  Is responsible for troop finances, adequate funds, and disbursements.
  

• Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property.
  

• Ensures quality leadership is recruited and trained.

Specific officers and responsibilities of the Troop Committee are:

•  Chairman: Organizes the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed. Calls parent meetings.
  

• Secretary: Records and maintains minutes of all parent’s meetings.
  

•  Treasurer: Handles all troop funds and disbursements. Keeps a troop checking account, maintains all Scout individual balances, and collects campout fees, dues, and other contributions.
  

•    Transportation and Troop Outings: Serves as transportation coordinator. Promotes attendance at troop campouts, camporees, and summer camp to reach the goal of an outing per month. Coordinates and recruits adult volunteers for troop outings (including summer camp and the high adventure trip).
  

•    Advancement Chairman: Develops and maintains the merit badge counselor list. Maintains individual Scout's records of advancement and attended troop outings. Secures and presents awards and certificates at quarterly Courts of Honor. Maintains troop roster and adult volunteer listing, and parent guide. Provides new/prospective members of the troop with application forms, resource survey forms, adult application for leader forms. Leads/participates in the troop orientation program for new/prospective members.
  

•   Fund-raising coordinator
  

•   Court of honor coordinator
  

•   Equipment Chair/Quatermaster
  

•   Uniform Exchange Coordinator
  

•   Chaplain
  

•   Service Patrol Coordinator
  

•   Order of the Arrow Coordinator
  

•   Chartering organization representative: A member of the Elks’ Club who serves on the troop committee and acts as a liaison between the troop and the chartering organization. He or she selects a Troop Committee Chairman and encourages training, helps recruit other adult leaders, assists in unit rechartering, encourages service to the organization, and is an active member of the district committee.

Any adult who becomes involved with the troop is strongly encouraged to take advantage of leadership training opportunities and other resources offered by the Shawnee District and Greater St. Louis Area Council, BSA. First, you should become familiar with the Youth Protection Program guidelines. At the lowest level, training involves viewing a “Fast Start” video on leadership in the Boy Scouts. We strongly encourage you to participate in further training at a weekend Adult Basic Leader Training course, held at Camp Lewallen in late October or late April. Finally, you can earn a “Ph.D.” in Boy Scout Leadership by attending a Wood Badge Training session, held on two 3-day weekends; one session in spring and one in fall, by the Council. Adult leaders are encouraged to subscribe to The Dufflebag, the monthly newsletter of the Greater St. Louis Area Council. This is sent free to Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Chairs. The Shawnee District also holds a monthly Adult District Roundtable for announcements and special programs. This is held at the First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Finally, special skills training sessions are sponsored at irregular times, as announced in The Dufflebag and at roundtable.