Boy Scouts of America Troop Committee Training Steve O’Connell Advancement Committee Eagle Coordinator Alpine District Information from BSA Training Packet Assembled by Marin Council, BSA

Important Stuff! Notes Handouts - PowerPoint References Break at 3:00 Cell Phones Stickers Patches

Learning Objectives Introductions Why are we here? Scouting Boy Scout Aims and Methods Scouting The Organization of Scouting The Role of the Troop Committee Roles and Responsibilities of Troop Committee Members

Introductions Steve O’Connell 2 Years - Assistant Scoutmaster 5 Years - Scoutmaster 7 Years - Committee Member Current Committee Chair, Venturing Advancement Committee, Alpine District

Introductions Who are you? What do you hope to learn today?

Why are we here today?

Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America Adventure, learning, challenge, responsibility-- the promise of Scouting is all this and more. Are you ready for the adventure to begin?

How do we put the boy in the boat?

Troop Committee Mission Statement The Troop Committee, which is the troop’s board of directors, supports the troop’s adult and youth leaders in delivering a quality program to the troop’s Scouts.

What is a Quality Program? Advancement - Camping -Training

Aims and Methods

Boy Scout Aims Growth in moral strength and character Participating citizenship Development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness What does that mean?

Boy Scout Aims Character Development Encompasses a boy's personal qualities, values, and outlook. A Scout learns confidence, honesty, and self-respect. A Scout respects other people, regardless of differences. A Scout practices his religious beliefs. All that in 90 minutes a week?

Boy Scout Aims Citizenship Training A Scout: Works with others with rules based on the common good. Learns about and takes pride in his own national heritage. Understands social, economic, and governmental systems. Learns service, tolerance, and community involvement.

Boy Scout Aims Mental and Physical Fitness A Scout improves his physical condition through exercise and outdoor activities. A Scout encourages good health habits. A Scout discourages drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. A Scout learns sound judgment, resourcefulness, and decision-making skills.

Methods of Scouting Cub Scouting (Boys grades 1-5) Ideals Den Advancement Family involvement Activities Home and neighborhood centered Uniform Boy Scouting (Boys ages 11-17) Ideals Patrol Advancement Adult association Outdoors Personal growth Leadership Uniform Venturing (Youth ages 14-20) Ideals Group activities Recognition Adult association High adventure Teaching others Leadership

Boy Scout Methods Ideals Scout Oath Scout Law Scout Motto/Slogan Patrols Peer groups Elected representation Activities Outdoors Scouts learn valuable outdoor skills. Troops should camp every month. Advancement Self-reliance Ability to help others Challenge Recognizes Achievements

Boy Scout Methods (continued) Adult Association Image Role model Example Personal Growth Good Turn - Service projects Religious emblems Learn to be productive Leadership Development Leadership skills and practice Citizenship Leaders and Followers Uniform Commitment to aims Identity – Sense of Belonging Leader Uniforms?

The Big Ones: The Ideals of Scouting

Scout Oath or Promise On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country And to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law A Scout Is: 1. Trustworthy 2. Loyal 3. Helpful 4. Friendly 5. Courteous 6. Kind 7. Obedient 8. Cheerful 9. Thrifty 10. Brave 11. Clean 12. Reverent

Scout Motto Be Prepared

Scout Slogan Do a Good Turn Daily

The Organization of Scouting

National Council Region Local Council – Chief Seattle Council Scouting District – Your District Chartered Organization - ??? Your unit

The Organization of Scouting (continued) Adult Leaders District Committee Unit Commissioner Troop Committee Parents

The Organization of Scouting (continued) Youth Leaders The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) Youth leaders Patrols The Scout

Puzzle Pieces The Big Picture Quiz!!

Putting the Pieces Together (1) A boy who has completed the fifth grade Or, is 11 years old Or, has earned the Arrow of Light Award Is younger than 18 years of age Is responsible for individual membership dues Puzzle piece 1 represents: The Scout

Putting the Pieces Together (2) A grouping of six to eight boys who work together Elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader New-Scout patrol -- for new members who have not yet entered the 7th grade Regular Scout patrol -- for boys age 12 and older Venture patrols -- for boys 13 and older who want more challenging high-adventure experiences Puzzle piece 2 represents: The Patrol

Putting the Pieces Together (3) Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Troop Historian Librarian Instructor Chaplain Aide Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Patrol Leader Assistant Patrol Leader Venture Patrol Leader Troop Guide Puzzle piece 3 represents: Youth Leaders

Putting the Pieces Together (4) Composed of: Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Troop Guide Venture Patrol Leader Plans and conducts the troop’s activities Submits yearly plan to troop committee for approval Puzzle piece 4 represents: The Patrol Leader’s Council

Putting the Pieces Together (5) Scoutmaster Adult male or female, at least 21 years old Appointed by the head of the chartered organization Adult leader responsible for troop image and program With Assistant Scoutmaster, works directly with the Scouts Position is reflected in the quality of guidance affecting every youth and adult involved in the troop

Putting the Pieces Together (5a) Scoutmaster’s general duties include : Train and guide youth leaders Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting Attend meetings

Putting the Pieces Together (5b) Scoutmaster meeting attendance includes: PLC for Planning and Training Troop meetings or, arrange substitute Troop committee meetings Parent Meetings Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

Putting the Pieces Together (5c) Scoutmaster provides guidance: Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences Recruiting plan See that new scouts are promptly integrated Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups Supervise troop elections for the OA

Putting the Pieces Together (5d) Scoutmaster: 10 days and nights of camping each year Participate in council and district events Build a strong program using proven methods Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America The Scoutmaster does this… The Committee makes sure it can and does happen

Putting the Pieces Together (5e) Assistant Scoutmaster: Helps the Scoutmaster, with assistance from the troop committee, operate the troop Can have specific assignments Helps provide 2-deep leadership At least 18 years old (but at least one should be at least 21 years old who can serve in the Scoutmaster’s absence) Types include: new-Scout patrol, Venture patrol Puzzle piece 5 represents: Adult Leaders

Putting the Pieces Together (6) Supports the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program Handles troop administration Responsible for recruiting the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters Puzzle piece 6 represents: Troop Committee

Putting the Pieces Together (7) Selects and approves all adult leadership Uses the Scouting program to accomplish its goals for youth “Owns” the troop Receives a national charter yearly Provides a meeting place Appoints a chartered organization representative Puzzle piece 7 represents: Chartered Organization

Putting the Pieces Together (8) Provided by the district committee Gives direct coaching and consultation to Scoutmasters and troop committee members Ensures a quality program Puzzle piece 8 represents: Unit Commissioner

Putting the Pieces Together (9) Members are volunteers Trains adult volunteers Provides district programs such as Camporee Assists with the formation of new units Coordinates the Friends of Scouting campaign Puzzle piece 9 represents: District Committee

Putting the Pieces Together (10) Geographical area within the local council District leaders help ensure the growth and success of Scouting units District executive is the unit-serving professional Puzzle piece 10 represents: Scouting District

Putting the Pieces Together (11) Chartered by the National Council Set by geographical boundaries with a headquarters city Led by volunteers Council president is the top volunteer Administration performed by staff of professionals Scout executive is the top Scouting professional

Putting the Pieces Together (11a) The local council ‘s responsibilities include: Promote the Scouting program Register units and council personnel Provide facilities and leadership for outdoor program Puzzle piece 11 represents: Local Council

Putting the Pieces Together (12) Incorporated on February 8, 1910 Chartered by Congress in 1916 Administration performed by a staff of professionals Administers the Scouting program Sets and maintains quality standards in training, leadership selection, uniforming, registration, records, literature development, and advancement requirements Puzzle piece 12 represents: National Council

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The Role of the Troop Committee

Troop Committee Mission Statement The Troop Committee, which is the troop’s board of directors, supports the troop’s adult and youth leaders in delivering a quality program to the troop’s Scouts.

The Role of the Troop Committee How do you do that? Advise the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Scouting and the chartered organization Assist in transportation Assure that a qualified substitute leader is assigned if the Scoutmaster is absent or unable to serve Assure that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained (the Scoutmaster is most important), and encourage adult leader training

Carry out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America Coordinate the Friends of Scouting campaign Encourage leaders Ensure that troop program provides at least 10 days and nights of outdoor programming per year Manage troop finances Obtain and maintain troop equipment Provide adequate meeting facilities The Role of the Troop Committee How do you do that?

Provide a spiritual tone for troop meetings Recruit and involve troop committee members Serve on boards of review Solve behavior problems that can’t be resolved within the troop (governed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law) Support troop program delivery Support youth recruitment The Role of the Troop Committee How do you do that?

The Charter Organization Representative (COR)

Charter Organization Rep Is a member of the charter organization. Secures a Troop Committee Chair and encourages training. Maintain a close liaison with the Committee Chair and the Scoutmaster. Helps recruit other adult leaders.

Charter Organization Rep Serves as a liaison between the Troop and the Charter Organization. Assists with unit re-chartering. Encourages service to the organization. Is an active and involved member of the district committee.

Charter Organization Rep Other Possible Duties & Responsibilities: Provides meeting place for troop meetings and storage of troop equipment. Approves all adult leader applications. Reports to Troop Committee as needed. Become trained for the position, to include Troop Committee Training.

Responsibilities of Troop Committee Members (Ahem, by the book!)

Chairperson Duties Organize the committee See that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster

Chairperson Duties Interpret national and local policies to the troop Prepare troop committee meeting agendas Call, preside over, and promote attendance at troop committee meetings

Chairperson Duties (continued) Secure individuals for camp leadership Charter review and recharter annually Plan the charter presentation Ensure troop representation at roundtables

Secretary Duties Keep minutes 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

Treasurer Duties (Finance/Records) Handle all troop funds. Pay bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the troop committee Maintain checking and savings accounts Train and supervise the troop scribe in record keeping Keep adequate records in the Troop/Team Record Book

Treasurer Duties (Finance/Records) Supervise money-earning projects, including obtaining proper authorizations Supervise the camp savings plan Lead in the preparation of the annual troop budget Lead the Friends of Scouting campaign Report to the troop committee at each meeting

Outdoor/Activities Coordinator Duties Help secure permission to use camping sites Serve as transportation coordinator Ensure a monthly outdoor program Promote the National Camping Award Promote, through family meetings, attendance at troop campouts, Camporee, and summer camp to reach the goal of an outing per month

Outdoor/Activities Coordinator Duties (continued) Secure tour permits for all troop activities Report to the troop committee at each meeting

Advancement Coordinator Duties Encourage Scouts to advance in rank Work with the troop scribe to maintain all Scout advancement records Arrange quarterly troop boards of review and courts of honor Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list

Advancement Coordinator Duties (continued) Make a prompt report on the correct form to the council service center when a troop board of review is held. Secure badges and certificates Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature Report to the troop committee at each meeting

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Chaplain Duties Provide a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities Give guidance to the chaplain aide Promote regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of his choice Visit homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need

Chaplain Duties (continued) Give spiritual counseling service when needed or requested Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems Report to the troop committee at each meeting

Training Coordinator Duties Ensure troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training Maintain an inventory of up-to-date training materials, videotapes, and other training resources Work with the district training team in scheduling Fast Start training for all new leaders Be aware of new Direct Contact Leader training requirements

Training Coordinator Duties (continued) Be responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop Encourage periodic junior leader training within the troop and at the council and national levels Report to the troop committee at each meeting

Equipment Coordinator Duties Supervise and help the troop procure camping equipment Work with the quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment Make periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear, and encourage troops in the safe use of all outdoor equipment Report to the troop committee at each meeting

Must Haves: Troop Committee Guidebook Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures Guide to Safe Scouting Good to Have: Boy Scout Requirements The Scoutmasters Handbook The Boy Scout Handbook References Beware of the Internet…

FACT: Nearly 1.2 million volunteers donate an average of 20 hours per month to BSA, totaling 280 million hours of time during the year. Thank You For What You Do!

Questions? Steve O’Connell Advancement Committee Alpine District Semper Gumby Always Flexible