Troop 355's
PUBLIC SITE
Home Page
Troop History
Adult Leadership
Scout Leadership
M.B. Procedures
M.B. Counselors
M.B. Worksheets


 
Boy Scout Troop 355
(Holmes, Pennsylvania)
 
ScoutLander Contact Our Troop Member Login
  
 

Troop and Comittee Offices


Scoutmaster Duties and Responsibilities

Scoutmaster Patch


General Information


Description: The Scoutmaster is appointed by the Troop Committee Chair person to be responsible for the program and image of Troop 355. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with Scouts. The Scoutmaster can be male or female and is at least 21 years old.

Comments: Only one hour a week !

  • Train and guide youth leaders
  • Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
  • Recruit a Committee Chairperson, and together recruit all other Committee positions,
  • Scouts run the troop; the Scoutmaster is the only adult who can change Troop plans or rules. 
  • Help boys learn for themselves.
  • Work with the Senior Patrol Leader to plan weekly meetings.  
  • Help the Committee Chairperson plan Committee meetings.
  • Encourage all Scouts to achieve First Class rank their first year and one rank every year after.
  • Delegate responsibilities to other adults.
  • Supervise elections of Troop and Order of the Arrow,
  • Approve all service projects,
  • Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences with all Scouts who are advancing and not advancing,
  • Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders Council to plan, train and coordinate troop activities.
  • Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
  • Attend all Troop Committee Meetings.
  • Conduct periodic parent meetings to share the program and encourage parent participation.
  • Enable each Scout to experience at least ten (10) days and nights of camping each year.
  • Participate in District and Council activities and events.
  • Take part in annual charter review meeting, and charter presentation.
  • Conduct all activities under qualified adult leadership, safe conditions and the policies and procedures of Troop 355, the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

Assistant Scoutmaster Duties and Responsibilities

Assistant Scoutmaster Patch


General Information


Description: Assistant Scoutmasters help guide the program of the troop. Each Assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. Assistant Scoutmasters provide required "two-deep leadership".

Comments: Scoutmasters may male or female but must be 18 years old. One Assistant Scoutmaster must be 21 or older to serve as Scoutmaster in the Scoutmaster's absence. Troop 355 tries to recruit as many Assistant Scoutmasters as possible. Successful troops have four or more Assistant Scoutmasters.

Types of Assistant Scoutmasters Include:

  • ASM - Senior Assistant
  • ASM - Program
  • ASM - New Scouts
  • ASM - Patrol Advisor
  • ASM - Events
  • ASM - Physical Arrangements
  • ASM - Camping

Assistant Scoutmaster - Senior Assistant

  • Serve as Acting Scoutmaster when the Scoutmaster is absent.
  • Attend Troop meetings.
  • Help conduct Scoutmaster Conferences if the Scoutmaster is unable to.
  • Help Scoutmaster organize, delegate and coordinate other adult leaders.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster - Program

  • Attend troop meetings.
  • Attend roundtables monthly to get new program ideas.
  • Do event with scout patrol while PLC meeting is going on.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster - New Scouts

  • Recruit new members.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with Cub Scout and Weblos feeder Packs/Dens.
  • Participate in District/Council youth recruiting efforts.
  • Attend Cub Scout Blue and Gold dinners.
  • Attend Webelos bridging ceremonies.
  • Help Troop Guide plan the Webelos campout.
  • Advise Troop Guide and Den Chiefs.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster - Patrol Advisor

  • Serve as advisor for all patrols; support Patrol Leaders with suggestions and counseling.
  • Follow up to assure, the Patrol Leader is making phone calls, etc.
  • Attend training courses and roundtables.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.
  • Attend training courses.

Assistant Scoutmaster - Advancement

  • Stimulate advancement and recognition in accord with National requirements.
  • Encourage Life Scouts to attain Eagle.
  • Advise and counsel Life Scout's with the planning of Eagle Scout Service Projects,
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

______________________________________

Chartered Organization Representative Responsibilitie


Chartered Organization Representative Patch

The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the troop and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization's contact with the district committee and the local council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council. If the chartered organization has more than one unit, one representative serves them all.

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The chartered organization representative's responsibilities are to:

  • Help select the right leadership for the unit.
  • Encourage unit leaders and committee members to take training.
  • Promote well-planned unit programs.
  • Serve as a liaison between the units and the organization.
  • Organize enough units.
  • Promote the recruiting of new members.
  • See that boys transition from unit to unit.
  • Help with the charter renewal.
  • Suggest Good Turns for the organization.
  • Encourage the unit committee to hold meetings.
  • Cultivate organization leaders.
  • Encourage outdoor program activities.
  • Emphasize advancement and recognition.
  • Utilize district help and promote the use of district personnel and materials.
  • Use approved unit finance policies.
  • Encourage recognition of leaders.
  • Cultivate resources to support the organization.
  • Represent the organization at the council level.


Common Troop Committee Roles


 

Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is selected by the chartered organization, and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. One of these members is designated as troop committee chair.

Obviously, with a committee of three, members must assume responsibility for more areas of service than with a committee of seven or more, where the responsibilities can be divided among the members. Although troops can and do operate with a minimum of three committee members, experience has shown that a larger committee generally ensures a stronger, more stable troop and is better able to perform all the required functions to ensure a successful troop program. It is also a way of involving more troop families in meaningful service to the troop.

Responsibilities:

Regardless of the size of the troop committee, these responsibilities must be performed:

  • Make recommendations to the chartered organization for final approval of troop leadership.
  • Recruit the Scoutmaster and one or more assistant Scoutmaster, with the chartered organization's approval.
  • Provide adequate and safe facilities for troop meetings.
  • Coordinate the troop's program and the chartered organization's program through the chartered organization representative.
  • Help with troop charter renewal.
  • Help stimulate the interest of adult family members through proper programming.
  • Supervise finances and equipment.
  • Work closely with the Scoutmaster.
  • Ensure that all Scouts receive a year-round, quality program.
  • Complete troop committee Fast Start Training and Basic Leader Training for the position.
  • Conduct, with the help of the Scoutmaster, periodic training for parents and guardians.
  • Cooperate with other Scouting units.

A strong troop committee will have individual members assigned to such areas as record keeping and correspondence, finances, advancement, training, public relations, and membership and reregistration. The troop committee chair decides how the responsibilities should be divided and gives committee members assignments.


Troop Committee Chairman Responsibilities

Troop Committee Chairman Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Is a person of good character, familiar with organization procedures, with a deep concern for the troop's success. Preferably is a member of the chartered organization, respected in the community, who shows the willingness and ability to be the Scoutmaster's chief adviser.

 

Responsibilities:

The troop committee chair's job is to:

  • Maintain a close relationship with the Chartered Organization Representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the troop that must be brought to the attention of the organization or the district.
  • Report to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.
  • Confer with the Scoutmaster on policy matters relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
  • Supervise troop committee operation by
    • Calling and presiding at troop leaders' meetings.
    • Assigning duties to committee members.
    • Planning for troop charter review, roundup, and re-registration.
    • Approving bills before payment by the troop treasurer.
  • Conduct the annual troop program planning conference and troop leaders' meetings.
  • Complete troop committee Fast Start Training and Basic Leader Training for the position.
  • Ask the committee to assist with recommendations for Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters as needed.
  • Work with the chartered organization representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for troop meetings.
  • Cooperate with the Scout Master on council-approved money-earning projects so the troop can earn money for materials and equipment.
  • Manage finances through adequate financial records.
  • Maintain adequate troop records and take care of troop property.
  • If the Scout Master is unable to serve, assume active direction of the troop until a successor is recruited and registered.
  • Appoint a committee member or other registered adult to be responsible for Youth Protection training.
  • Provide a training program for adult family members.
  • Develop and maintain strong troop-pack relationships, sharing with the pack committee the need for graduations into the troop.
  • Work closely with the unit commissioner and other troop and pack leaders in bringing about a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.
  • Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.
  • Support the policies of the BSA.

Troop Advancement Chairman Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Advancement Chairman's responsibilities are to:

  • Have a working knowledge of the Boy Scout advancement plans.
  • Help plan and conduct induction and advancement recognition ceremonies.
  • Train parents, guardians, and troop committee members in ways to stimulate Boy Scout advancement.
  • Assist Pack Committee Chairman and Cub Master for Webelos graduation ceremonies.
  • Store all advancment information in Troop Master Software and present it to Scoutmaster for review.
  • Register all advanement with council and ensure the correct information has been recorded by Council.
  • Promote Boys' Life magazine as an aid to advancement.
  • Help build or obtain advancement equipment for use in making advancement ceremonies more effective.
  • Promote the wearing and proper use of uniform and insignia.

Troop Outings Chairman Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Outings Chairman's responsibilities are to:

  • Help the Scout Master and Assistant Scout Masters plan and arrange for outdoor activities.
  • Arrange for property, fire, and tour permits when required.
  • Locate new camping, backpacking and High Adventure areas.
  • Arrange for safe transportation when needed.
  • Plan first aid for emergencies.
  • Help arrange for equipment, as needed.
  • Arrange for Safe Swim Defense implementation for all outings involving swimming.
  • Plan outings to help the troop qualify for National Camping Awards.
  • Help inform parents and guardians about opportunities for family camping. Ensure that at least two adults have completed Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS).
  • Help promote Summer camp and resident camp opportunities.
  • Be aware of BSA health and safety requirements and see that they are implemented.
  • Know and carry out BSA outdoor program policy related to Boy Scouting.
  • Review all activities to ensure that unit leaders comply with BSA policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Troop Treasurer Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Troop Treasurer's responsibilities are to:

  • Help the Troop committee and Scoutmaster establish a sound financial program for the troop with a troop budget plan.
  • Open or maintain a bank account in the Troop's name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by any two of the following: Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer.
  • Approve all budget expenditures. Check all disbursements against budget allowances, and pay bills by check. The troop committee chair should approve bills before payment.
  • Collect dues from Scout Leaders at the Troop's leaders' meeting, preferably in sealed envelopes. Open envelopes in the presence of Scoutmasters. Give receipts for these funds, and deposit the money in the bank account.
  • Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section Troopmaster Ledger Software. Credit each Boy Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compare the records with those of the Scout leaders to make sure they agree. Give leadership in developing a coordinated record-keeping system in the troop.
  • Be responsible for thrift training within the troop. Encourage each adult leader to explain the troop financial plan to each boy and his family so that boys will accept responsibility for paying dues and family members will be alert to opportunities for boys to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift.
  • On the request of Scout Masters, sympathetically counsel with a boy who does not pay dues, determine the reason, and encourage regular payment. If the boy is unable to pay, work out a plan with the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee so that the boy can earn dues.
  • Periodically report on the troop's financial condition at the monthly Troop leaders' meeting. Make regular monthly reports to the Troop committee at the Troop leaders' meeting, and report to the chartered organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the troop.
  • Provide petty cash needed by leaders. Keep a record of expenditures.
  • Guide the troop in conducting council-approved troop money-earning projects.

Troop Secretary Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Secretaries responsibilities are to:

  • Keep informed of all Boy Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively. Help new Scout leaders by telling them what resources are available.
  • Ensure the Advancement Chair is keeping all troop records with Troop Master Software.
  • Ensure Advancement chair keeps information on membership, leadership, attendance, and advancement.
  • Maintain an inventory of Troop property and coordinate this list with the Troop Quartermaster..
  • Handle correspondence for the Troop. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through the local council service center.
  • Keep notes on business conducted at Troop leaders' meetings. Record only key items such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the troop.
  • Notify leaders of troop leaders' meetings and other activities.
  • Provide Troop leaders with records and forms for meetings.

Troop Fund Raising Chairman Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Troop Fund Raising Chairman's responsibilities are to:

  • Be responsible for securing fundraising opportunities.
  • Coordinate with the Troop Committee Chairman, Treasurer and Scoutmaster to get fundraising approved if it involves scout participation.
  • Ensure Scout master secures parental permission for each fundraising event.
  • Coordinate with Outings Chairman to file a tour permit for any travel that may be required.
  • Be responsible for planning fundraising events (Enlisting the help of others)
  • Responsible for popcorn sales; coordination, reporting, collecting, securing Show and Sell Sites
  • Transfers all monies to treasurer in a timely manner with appropriate receipts
  • Responsible to for all monetary collections at fund raisers
  • Responsible to file Unit Money-Earning Application for all money making ventures except Popcorn sales.
  • Maintain receipts from Treasurer for end of year auditing.
  • Attend committee meetings regularly; Report to the Committee Chairman, as needed

Troop Public Relations Chairman Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:

The Public Relations Chairman's responsibilities are to

  • Stimulate Troop service projects in the chartered organization, school, and community.
  • Promote family participation in all troop events Court Of Honors and other special events.
  • Urge Troop participation in appropriate programs of the chartered organization, such as the worship service on Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath if the organization is a church or synagogue and Boy Scouts are members. Suggest ways of showing interest in the chartered organization's overall program.
  • Publicize and promote Troop participation in Scouting Anniversary Week activities.
  • Circulate Boy Scout recruiting fliers and leaflets to invite boys to join. Work with the Troop committee to promote new membership. Let the people in the neighborhood know that a Boy Scout troop is available.
  • Consider using a monthly or quarterly Troop newsletter to inform families of Troop plans, guide new parents and guardians in troop policies, and create a feeling of unity among members of the troop family.
  • Provide troop announcements for regular release in the official bulletins, newsletters, Web sites, etc., of your chartered organization.
  • Make use of the news media in publicizing troop events.

Troop Membership Chairman Responsibilities


Troop Committee Patch

Qualifications:

Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA

Responsibilities:

The Troop Membership and Re-Registration Chairman's responsibilities are to:

  • Prepare reregistration papers and an annual report to the chartered organization. Secure signatures and registration fees for the coming year.
  • Ask the chartered organization representative to submit a charter application and annual report to the chartered organization for approval.
  • Arrange for periodic uniform inspections with the unit commissioner. At least a month before charter expiration, also arrange for the annual membership inventory, a uniform inspection, and the annual charter review meeting.
  • Help the Scoutmaster and chartered organization representative plan and conduct the formal charter presentation.
  • Conduct an annual census of boys in the chartered organization for systematic recruitment. Work with troop committee members to promote recruitment plans.
  • Visit new families in their homes. Review with them the Scout requirements and "Parent Guide" in their son's handbook. Emphasize the part that the family plays in their son's advancement. Stress parent/guardian participation at all troop functions and see that new families are introduced and feel welcome at troop meetings.
  • Work with the Scout Master and Troop committee to develop and carry out a plan for year-round membership growth.
  • Work with the Scout Master and Troop committee to see that advancement happens in a timely manner.
  • Follow up on Boy Scout dropouts to help return them to full, active membership.