The role of adults in Scouting is that of a mentor. Adults ensure that activities are safe, both in planning and execution. Adults provide guidance, transportation and other forms of logistic support. They do not, however, plan activities or make decisions about the day to day running of the Troop.
Troop 1525 has an excellent tradition of adults serving in key roles as Scoutmasters, Committee members, as well as those interested in helping Scouts enjoy their program and mature as young men. We can never have enough adult help. Adults are invited to volunteer on a regular or as-needed basis. Parents are expected to support the Troop by:
- providing transportation to and from camp-outs and other BSA activities
- becoming YPT trained
- serving as Troop leadership (Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, Merit Badge Counselor)
- accompanying the Troop on outings
- helping their Scout comply with Troop policies regarding uniform, health records, etc.
- helping their Scout schedule his time so that he can participate in as many Troop activities as possible
- providing occasional encouragement to foster advancement at a rate commensurate with their Scout's ability
- attending Scout/Parent functions (Courts of Honor, etc).
Adults participating in outdoor events (campouts, summer camp or high adventure) must maintain current Physicals in accordance with the same BSA medical guidelines applied to the scouts (http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx).
Uniformed leaders
The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters, are the first line mentors for the SPL and the PLC.
Except in cases of immediate threats to safety of an individual or a group, communication between adults and Scouts should be by direct communication between the uniformed adult leader of the activity and the SPL. This helps to maintain the troop being "scout led" and reduces well-intentioned adults from stepping in with solutions the scouts are expected to discover on their own.
The Troop Committee
The Troop Committee provides oversight of the Troop program and advises the Scoutmaster. The Committee ensures that the Troop has adequate resources to execute the Troop program. There are many "behind the scenes" roles for adults on the troop committee. The better functioning of the troop committee, the smoother the Scoutmaster can deliver the program.
Adult Leader Training
Troop 1525 encourages all adults involved in the Troop to take position appropriate training available from the Patriot District. This training provides the foundation and practical knowledge necessary to contribute to the Troop in various positions. Trained adults are essential to a successful Troop. Adult training can be found at: https://www.ncacbsa.org/training/
All adult leaders must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training (currently available on-line).
BSA policy prohibits adults from being one-on-one with a Scout (other than their own child)—this is designed for the protection of both the youth and the adults. Parent and guardian support for this policy is essential in complying with this requirement. From this perspective, it is imperative that you do not just drop off your scout for activities. Check in and ensure a one-on-one situation is not created before departing. Checking in with your scout also gives the Troop the opportunity to pass critical information to parents. Conversely, adult leadership should ensure a one-on-one situation is not created as scouts are being picked up. Ask an extra scout or parent to remain until all scouts are picked up.