The Scoutmaster 

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 involved in the troop.

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:

General 

• Train and guide boy leaders.
• 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 (PLC) for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
• Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Attend troop committee meetings.
• Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.
• Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are properly registered.
• Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
• Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.

• Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.
• Participate in council and district events.
• Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.
• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

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.

Types of assistant Scoutmasters include:

• Assistant Scoutmaster--New Scout patrol
• Assistant Scoutmaster--Venture patrol

The Troop Committee is the troop's board of directors and supports the troop program. But you ask, "What does the troop committee do?" The troop committee does the following:

• Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained. In case the Scoutmaster is absent, a qualified assistant Scoutmaster is assigned. If the Scoutmaster is unable to serve, a replacement is recruited.
• Provides adequate meeting facilities
• Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization
• Carries out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America
• Supports leaders in carrying out the program
• Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan
• Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property
• Provides adequate camping and outdoor program (minimum 10 days and nights per year)
• Serves of boards of review and courts of honor.
• Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect the overall troop program.
• Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys may require.
• Helps with the Friends of Scouting campaign.
• Assists the Scoutmaster with handling boy behavior problems.

You can have a full committee with a reasonable amount of recruiting effort. The first five positions are essential for quality troop operation. Fill those positions first. There is no maximum limit to the number of troop committee members. The minimum number is three adults ages 21 or older.

For committees with more members than positions listed, assign each additional member 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. 

Duties of the Chairperson 

• Organizethe committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed.
• Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organizations representative and the Scoutmaster.
• Interpret national and local policies to the troop.
• Prepare troop committee meeting agendas.
• Call, preside over, and promote attendance at monthly troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called.
• Ensure troop representation at monthly roundtables.
• Secure top-notch , trained individuals for camp leadership.
• Arrange for charter review and recharter annually.
• Plan the charter presentation.

Duties of the Secretary 

• Keep minutes of meetings and send out committee meeting notices.
• Handle publicity.
• Prepare a family newsletter of troop events and activities.
• Conduct the troop resource survey.
• Plan for family night programs and family activities.
• At each meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting.