Greater Alabama Council 2015 University of Scouting

BS-101

Effective Troop Committee Support

Jim Charlton Talakto District Commissioner

Agenda

•  Overview of the Scout Troop

•  Overview of Supporting Organizations to the Troop

•  Roles of the Troop Committee

•  Troop Committee Positions and Duties

•  Summary

•  Questions and answers

The Scout

•  A boy who has completed the fifth grade and be 10 years old

•  Or, has earned the Arrow of Light Award and be 10 years old

•  Or, is 11 years old •  Is younger than 18

The Patrol

•  A grouping of 6 to 8 boys who work together

•  Elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader

•  New-Scout patrol – for new members •  Regular Scout patrol •  Venture Patrols for older boys who want

more challenging high-adventure experiences

Youth Leaders

•  Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) •  Assistant SPL •  Patrol leader •  Assistant patrol leader •  Troop guide •  Troop historian •  Librarian •  Instructor •  Chaplin aide •  Venture patrol leader •  Junior Asst. Scoutmaster

Patrol Leader’s Council

•  Composed of: –  SPL - Troop guide –  ASPL - Patrol leaders –  Venture patrol leaders –  Scribe

•  Plans & conducts troop activities •  Submits yearly plan to troop

committee for approval

Scoutmaster & Asst SM

•  Responsible for the image and program of the troop

•  Train, guide & mentor youth leaders •  Works with other adults to bring scouting to

boys •  Builds a strong program using proven

methods presented in Scouting literature

Troop Committee

•  Supports the SM in delivering a quality troop program

•  Handles troop administration, including rechartering, finances, equipment, etc.

•  Supports mentoring of troop “staff” positions

•  Responsible for recruiting the SM and Assistant SM

Chartered Organization

•  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 COR

Unit Commissioner

•  Provided by the district committee •  Gives direct coaching and consultation to

Scoutmasters and troop committee members

•  Ensures a quality program through the Journey to Excellence worksheet

District Committee

•  Members are volunteers •  Provides district program support such as

camping, activities, training, and advancement

•  Supports membership growth and finance •  Helps coordinate the FOS campaign

Scouting District

•  Geographical area within the local council •  District leaders help ensure the growth and

success of Scouting units •  District executive is the unit-serving

professional

Local Council

•  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

National Council

•  Incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910; chartered by Congress in 1916

•  Provides an educational program for boys and young adults

•  Sets and maintains quality standards in training, leadership selection, uniforming, registration, records, literature and advancement requirements

Role of the Troop Committee

•  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

•  Responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan

•  Responsible for rechartering unit, on-time

Role of the Troop Committee (cont.)

•  Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property

•  Provides adequate camping and outdoor program

•  Serves on boards of review and supports 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

Troop Committee Functions

•  Committee Chairperson

•  Secretary

•  Treasurer

•  Outdoor/Activities

•  Advancement

•  Chaplain

•  Training

•  Equipment Coordinator

Scoutmaster

Resources

Training is a Necessity

Delivering The Promise

Questions??

Background •  38+ Year Scouter •  Troop Committee Chair T-94 Talakto (15 years) •  District Commissioner – Talakto District & formerly

Creek District (13th year) •  Wood Badge SR-556 •  WB Staff SR-711 •  Former CM, DL, MC, COR, CC •  UoS Instructor 13 years •  Doctorate of Commissioner Science •  Distinguished Commissioner Award •  District Committee Key •  District Award of Merit •  Silver Beaver jcharlton@mcri.com