The Troop's Adult Leaders

The Scoutmaster (SM)

• Responsible for training and guiding the boy leaders (Patrol Leader's Council).

• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.

• Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

• Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council for training and coordination in planning activities.

• Attend all troop meetings, or arrange for substitute.

• Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation.

• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection.

• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.

• Participate in council and district events.

• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

• Attend troop committee meetings.

Assistant Scoutmasters

The Scoutmaster, with the help of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop.  Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific duties and reports to the Scoutmaster.  A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. 

When you accepted the position of Assistant Scoutmaster (SA) you agreed to provide service and leadership in our troop. This responsibility will be fun and rewarding. This job description provides some of the things you are expected to do while serving as Assistant Scoutmaster. You are responsible to the Scoutmaster for the performance of your duties.

After boys cross over to boy scouts, the emphasis changes from an adult nm, adult supervised program to a boy run, adult supervised program. This transition is often harder for the adult leaders (known as scouters) than for the scouts. We have found that a good rule of thumb is: Never do what a boy can do, also if he can’t do it, then teach him so he can do it next time.

Some good references to help you as an Assistant Scoutmaster are the Scoutmaster’s handbook and the Boy Scout Handbook.

• All assistant Scoutmaster's are required to complete: Youth Protection Training, BSA Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, and New Boy Scout Leader Essential Training.

• Attend troop committee meetings.

• Attend troop PLC meetings.

• Other general duties will depend on the position assigned to the assistant Scoutmasters by the Scoutmaster (SM). In Troop 477 most assistant Scoutmasters are assigned to supervise a patrol. If assigned to a patrol the general duty of the assistant Scoutmasters is to oversee all patrol activities.

“First Assistant Scoutmaster”

• Serve as substitute for the Scoutmaster whenever he can not be present.

• Perform the duties of Scoutmaster as outlined above when called upon.

Assistant Scoutmaster - New Scout patrol

• Be responsible for new Scouts. Act as advisor and guide to the Patrol Leader and members of the New Scout Patrol.

• Work with troop guide and counsel him on the performance of his duties.

• Work with Webelos den leaders and Cub Scout packs related to the troop.

• Attend training courses and roundtables.

• Encourage “First Class in First Year”.Meet with parents of new Scouts; Conduct orientation programs for new Scouts and their parents.

• Attend Patrol Leader's Council meetings as requested by the Senior Patrol Leader.

Assistant Scoutmaster - Patrol Advisor

• Train the patrol leader to perform his tasks and responsibilities. See Junior Leader Training Guidelines For Troop 477.

• Act as advisor and guide to the Patrol Leader and members of the Patrol.

• When your patrol is assigned as program patrol, be sure the patrol leader has planned the program. As your patrol is assigned as service and campout patrol be sure the patrol leader is having these duties performed.

• Advise and guide camping trip planning - menus, duty rosters, tenting arrangements, equipment checkout, food buying, etc.

• Participate in troop Junior Leader Training.

• Advise and guide advancement of individual patrol members - conduct scoutmaster conferences to be sure required skills are learned and retained. Report advancement progress to the Troop Scribe.

• Assure patrol corners meetings are productive by advising and guiding the Patrol Leader.

• Encourage all patrol members to participate in campouts and summer camp.

• Encourage the Patrol to earn the Baden-Powell Patrol Award.

• HAVE FUN AND GUIDE YOUR PATROL SO ALL SCOUTS HAVE FUN.

Boy Scouts Of America   Kingswood's Troop 477