SO YOU'RE A NEW
TROOP COMMITTEE MEMBER
Welcome to the challenges of being a
troop committee member. By making a commitment to serve you have joined the
ranks of more than 600,000 adult leaders in 55,000 troops across the country
who are giving of themselves to build a better future for our nation. You can
help enrich the lives of boys and make a difference in the kind of men they
will become.
Fast start is designed to help you
become a successful committee member. Many people are interested in helping
you. Training opportunities are available so you may grow in effective
leadership. Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Boy Scouting!
WHAT IS BOY SCOUTING?
The purpose of the Boy Scouts of
America as incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916,
is to provide for boys and young adults an effective educational program
designed to build desirable qualities of moral strength and character, to train
in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop physical,
mental, and emotional fitness.
Since its beginning, millions of boys
have had the opportunity to be Boy Scouts in a year-round, outdoor centered
program that helps strengthen the home and family, and supports the school,
church, and community. Boy Scouting is the keystone of the BSA's three
divisions (the others are Cub Scouting and Venturing).
THE AIMS AND METHODS OF BOY
SCOUTING
The purpose of the Boy Scouts Qf
Eight methods are used to accomplish
these aims of Boy Scouting - all are of equal importance:
v
.Ideals of Scouting. These are spelled out in the Scout
Oath, the Scout law, motto, and slogan.
v
Patrols. This method is unique to Boy Scouting. They are boy
led and give Scouts an experience in group living and participating
citizenship.
v
Outdoors. The program is designed to take place in the
out-of-doors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities, learn
to live with each other, and apply the skills and activities practiced at troop
meetings.
v
Advancement. This helps a boy grow in self-reliance and the
ability to help others. The Scout is recognized for each achievement made.
v
Adult Male Association. Boys learn from the example of their
adult leaders. The Scoutmaster and his assistants provide a masculine image of
the Boy Scout program.
v
Uniforms. These make the Boy Scout troop visible as a force
for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. The practical
attire for Scouting activities provides away for Scouts to wear the badges that
show what they have accomplished.
v
Leadership Development. The program encourages boys to learn
and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has an opportunity to participate
in both shared and total leadership situations.
v
Personal Growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of
the personal growth method of Scouting, as Scouts plan their activity and
progress toward their goals
THE BOY SCOUT PHASE OF THE
PROGRAM
Boy Scouting is made available to
groups having similar interests and goals. They include professional
organizations, governmental bodies, and religious, educational, civic,
business, labor, and citizen's groups. These groups are called chartered
organizations, since they are chartered by the Boy Scouts of America to use the
Scouting program. Some chartered organizations sponsor a whole Scouting family
(Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, and Venturing Crew). Each
organization appoints one of its members as a Scouting coordinator, the liaison
between the organization and the Scouting units and between the organization
and the Scouting council. Your chartered organization, through the troop
committee, is responsible for leadership, the troop meeting place, and related
materials for troop activities.
Any boy who is 101/2 years of age and
has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years of age may join a Boy Scout troop.
The ideal troop is composed of two or more patrols and a boy should be
encouraged to select the patrol he would like to join. Ideally, patrols are
composed of natural groups of boys, often neighborhood or school friends.
Troop meetings usually are held weekly
in the location of the chartered organization. Here the Scouts take part in the
program based upon the eight methods of Boy Scouting. The meeting is conducted
by the senior patrol leader, an older Scout elected by the troop membership,
the Scoutmaster, and his assistants supervise. Members of the troop committee
may be called upon to assist with the troop program.
Boy Scouting includes a plan of
advancement in which a boy learns by doing. As a Scout grows in skills,
abilities, and leadership, he is recognized through rank advancements. His
Scouting trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank, then he advances in rank --
Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and finally Eagle Scout.
THE PATROL METHOD
The patrol method is unique in
Scouting. Values of belonging to a working patrol for a Boy Scout have to do
with being important in a small group, The patrol provides experiences that a
troop-size group will deny a Scout because he is just one of the many.
The patrol works best with other
patrols. Friendly competition, identifying with a boy-size group, and the
chance to do things together makes the patrol attractive to the Scout. The
troop provides support services that a patrol could not have on its own-
equipment, meeting place, adult counseling and guidance, etc. Further, the
patrol method is our way of assuring that the troop program will be run by
Scouts.
The name and traditions of the patrol
should be rigidly maintained but the organizations of a patrol should be
flexible. In that way, the patrol can adapt to changing needs.
The patrol has one leader. He is the
patrol leader, elected by the membership of the patrol, from the patrol. The
qualifications for the patrol leader are established by the Scoutmaster, the
troop, and the troop committee. The minimum term for office for patrol leader
should 6 months. The patrol can meet during a troop meeting or separate from it
in its own patrol place. The purpose of a patrol meeting is to give Scouts a
chance to plan and carry out their own small group activities.
Each patrol leader in the troop serves
as a member of the patrol leaders' council. The purposes of the patrol leaders'
council are to plan and run the troop's activities and to train new patrol
leaders. Every patrol has a voice in the running of the troop through its
patrol leader. The senior patrol leader is a member and is chairman of the
council. The Scoutmaster serves as adult adviser to the council.
SURE, I SIGNED UP. . .
BUT WHAT DO I DO NOW?
v
Read the Troop Committee Guidebook. This book describes the role
of the troop committee and answers a lot of questions. You will find additional
information in The Official Scoutmaster Handbook.
v
Get acquainted with the other leaders in your troop, and
work together for a successful troop program.
v
Attend the regular meetings of the troop committee. This
meeting 1s led by the troop committee chairman with the Scoutmaster in
attendance. Here is where the troop's plans are reviewed and the troop
committee arranges the support necessary to carry out the troop program.
v
Attend the monthly district Boy Scout roundtable. You will
receive continuing help on troop management and will get acquainted with
leaders from other troops who will share ideas and exper1ences with you.
v
Attend Boy Scout Leader Basic Training as soon as possible.
This training will give you the foundation you need to become an effective
leader. Every boy deserves trained and qualified leadership.
v
You may wish to wear the adult leader uniform. It is
attractive, comfortable, and suitable for all Boy Scout meetings and
activities. Wearing the uniform helps set a good example for the boys.
v
If you are troop committee chairman, get to know the
Scouting coordinator and keep this key person informed on the needs of the
troop. Be sure that the troop follows the policies and guidelines established
by the chartered organization.
v
If you are troop committee chairman, get acquainted with
your district chairman. This volunteer Scouter heads the district committee and
is interested in the successful operation of your troop.
v
If you are troop committee chairman, get acquainted with
your unit commissioner. The commissioner is a friend to your troop and will be
glad to answer questions and help in other ways.
v
If you are troop committee chairman, get to know your
district Scout executive. This professional Scouter is employed by your council
to serve Scouting in your district, and will do everything possible to help you
be successful.
v
If you are troop committee chairman, develop a close working
relationship with the Scoutmaster. The two of you will be working as a team to
make the troop's program successful.
Don't hesitate to ask for help. Many
people want to help provide the finest possible Boy Scouting experience for the
members of your troop.
By the time you have completed these
steps, you will be on your way to becoming a good troop committee member.
THE TROOP COMMITTEE
You were selected to serve as a member
of the troop committee because of your interest and concern for boys.
Regardless of the size of your troop committee, certain jobs must be performed
if Scouts are to receive the type of fun-filled and meaningful programs to
which they are entitled. By making the commitment to serve, you share the
following responsibilities with the other members of the committee:
v
Recruit the best men available for Scoutmaster and one or
more assistant Scoutmasters.
v
Provide adequate and safe facilities for troop meetings.
v
See that a year-round troop program is conducted according
to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America and the chartered organization.
v
See that the troop's program, leaders, and Scouts reflect
positively the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the
Boy Scouts of America.
v
Encourage all leaders and boys to have and to wear the
uniform, badges, and insignia properly.
v
Provide support needed to assure an active outdoor and
camping program for the troop members.
v
Establish a good relationship with the neighborhood Cub
Scout packs. Be prepared to graduate every Webelos Scout into your troop.
v
Assist with troop charter renewal, reregistering at least 55
per- cent of present members each year.
v
Establish a sound financial program with a troop budget plan
and adequate troop records.
v
Encourage every Scouting family to subscribe to Buys' Life
magazine.
v
Stimulate the interest of parents through proper programming
and good communications.
v
Work with the Scoutmaster to make the troop program
effective so that each boy regularly advances in rank. See that proper
recognition is given through well-conducted boards of review and courts of
honor.
v
With the troop quartermaster, maintain an inventory of troop
equipment.
v
Work with the Scoutmaster to keep parents informed including
an annual troop parent's meeting.
v
Encourage the Scoutmaster to conduct the troop operations
workshop to train the troop's junior leaders. Assist with this workshop if
necessary.
v
Recognize troop leaders periodically to show them that their
efforts are appreciated.
v
Through the Scouting coordinator and unit commissioner,
maintain a close liaison with the district committee and its resources to help
the organization and the troop.
v
.Conduct an annual survey of boys for recruiting new members
from within the chartered organization and local schools.
The Troop Committee Guidebook and Troop
Job Description Sheet give specific information on the responsibilities of the
troop committee chairman and members. Your district chairman, unit
commissioner, and district Scout executive will be glad to explain any of these
responsibilities you do not understand.
WHAT DO YOU INVEST IN BOY
SCOUTING?
v
Periodically visit a troop meeting
v
One evening periodically for troop committee meeting
v
One evening each month for Boy Scout leaders' roundtable
v
Boy Scout leader Basic Training and other training
opportunities
v
Cost of the adult Scouter's uniform
v
The registration fee
This investment in time is offset by
the personal satisfaction you will receive.
WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN?
v
Two or three evenings each month of fun and fellowship,
sharing with boys their pride in learning and in achieving
v
The privilege of helping to enrich and to strengthen the
lives of boys and their families
v
An opportunity to share your ideas with other adults and put
your talents into action as you carry out the troop program in support of the
Scoutmaster
v
A growing admiration for boys and their growing respect for
you as their friend
v
A chance to help boys learn good citizenship and to help
shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the
needs of others
v
The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of boys as
they grow strong in mind and body
v
A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for
both boys and adults as you do your duty to God and your country
v
The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement,
and pride in being publicly identified as apart of this organization. Wearing
the uniform is a visible means of showing you believe in and stand up for its
ideals and objectives
v
Many other dividends that will enrich your life as you
dedicate your time, talent, and enthusiasm to Boy Scouting
RESOURCES
6505 Troop Committee Guidebook
6501 The Official Scoutmaster Handbook
3227 The Official Boy Scout Handbook
6512 The Official Patrol Leader
Handbook
6449 The Troop's First Six Months
3216B Boy Scout Requirements
6542 Scout Ceremonies
6543 Patrol and Troop Activities
7260 Boy Scout Program Helps
6508 Troop Financial Record Book
6509 Troop Record Book
7283 Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform
Inspection Form
7284 Male leader Uniform Inspection
Form
3224 Boy Scout Songbook
3201 Fieldbook
7281 Female leader Uniform Inspection
Form
4262 Troop Job Description Sheet
RESOURCES
Your unit commissioner, district Scout
executive, or organizer will help you fill in the following information:
(Information
as of March 2003)
I am committee member for Troop 174
Our troop's chartered organization is
the Paradise Hills United Methodist Mens Fellowship
The head of our chartered organization
is Jim Mogford Phone: ______
Our Scouting coordinator is Richard
Groff Phone 898-1098
Our troop is part of the Rio Grande
District
Our district is part of the Great
Southwest Council
Troop committee meetings are held on
the Third Thursday of each month at the
Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meets at
the
Uniforms and literature may be obtained
from our local Scouting distributor: Name Western Warehouse OR the Council Office
Scoutmaster: Rick Meyerhein Phone: 898-2193
Assistant Scoutmasters:
Chris Cote 681-5220
Tom Plate 771-1242
Rick Rasmussen 922-0533
Mark Roland 890-6015
Fred Unsworth 898-1650
Troop Committee-Chairman Dave Puzak
Troop Committee-Membership Claudine Rood
Webelos Den Resource
Person Delores Livingston
Troop Committee-Advancement Eric Ferdig
Troop Committee-Outdoor Mike Chavez
Transportation Carol Clauser
Troop Committee-Secretary Marcie Owen
Troop Committee-Treasurer Janet Allen
Troop Committee-Equipment _______________
District
Support People
Unit Commissioner _______________________Phone
____________
District Roundtable commissioner:
Richard Benson Phone __________
District Scout Executive Josh
Fisher 345-8603
District Training Chairman Moe Winston
District Chairman Ed Payne