Troop 13

Scoutmaster Responsibilities

The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for the image and program of the Troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the Troop.
 
The Scoutmaster must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered organization. The Scoutmaster's duties include:

 

General

• Train and guide boy leaders;

• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys; and

• Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

 

Meetings

• Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council (PLC) for training and coordination in planning Troop activities;

• Attend all Troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute;

• Attend Troop Committee meetings;

• Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation;

• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

 

Guidance

• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements;

• Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are properly registered;

• Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, Troop Committee) so that they have a real part in Troop operations; and

• Supervise Troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.

 

Activities

• Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year;

• Participate in council and district events;

• Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature;

• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the Chartered Organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

 

Parent Responsibilities

In Scouting the key to success is participation. The Scout should participate in every event available to truly benefit from the Scouting program as well as be eligible for rank advancement. The parents of the scout join the Troop as well. 

 

Although Scouts learn best by doing for themselves, your son's interest and accomplishments will reflect directly from your support and involvement with him. It is our hope that all parents are active and supportive when it comes to their son's involvement in Troop campouts and events. If requested, the Troop will make duplicate information available regarding Troop activities.

 

While the parents are very important to the success of your son in Scouting, you must not feel that you are the reason for his success. While it is true that Scouts whose parents are actively involved attend more than twice the number of activities and attain twice the rank of Scouts over those whose parents are less involved, it does not and should not force any parent to feel that they are responsible for making the Scouting experience successful.

 

It is highly recommended that at least one parent be a Troop Committee member. Application forms are available here. Committee meetings are held monthly with decisions regarding Troop activities and policy made at these meetings.

 

Parents meetings are also held from time to time. If you cannot be a Committee member, then all parents are asked to support the Troop by volunteering as merit badge counselors, special events chairpersons, fund raising chairs, provide transportation and/or adult supervision at campouts or events.

 

At Troop 13, it is our practice for every Scout to speak for himself. From meetings to rank advancements to arranging meetings for Scoutmaster conferences, the boy must be the one making the call. Your involvement must be from the background, allowing your son to feel the sense of accomplishment that he did it on his own, with your full support.

 

The Scoutmasters at Troop 13 are full of excellent advice, support, and training and will teach your son the very same character building blocks you are teaching at home. This structure will allow your son to grow as he learns from others and applies those skills at home.

 

 

Scout Responsibilities

At Troop 13, we expect each Scout to be active in Troop meetings and campouts, to advance regularly, to wear the full Scout uniform, to practice good manners and behavior, and to do his best by living the ideals of the Scouting as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.

 

The key to successful Scouting is the camping program, and only active Scouts will reap the benefits of the Scouting experience.

We expect our Scouts to attend overnight campouts year round, and to make every effort to attend summer camp. If a Scout misses one of our weekly Troop meetings, he is expected to contact his Patrol Leader.

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Inappropriate behavior is not tolerated in Scouting. The Troop leadership will counsel the Scout about his behavior which could result in suspension from the Troop if the behavior is not corrected.

 

 

Meetings and Participation

Scouts should make Troop meetings a priority and arrange their schedules accordingly to attend as many meetings as possible during the year. If a meeting is missed, the Scout must contact his Patrol Leader.

 

Records of attendance are kept by the Troop, and lack of participation will be a factor for rank advancement. Positions of Responsibility (Patrol leaders, etc.) have more specific participation requirements to meet the qualification for their office.

 

Campouts

Scouts should attend as many campouts during the year as possible. Parents should review the Troop calendar and make every effort to plan and encourage their son to attend campouts, as the campouts are the main focus of learning, for implementing outdoor skills, and for advancement in the Troop.

 

Uniform

All Scouts should take pride in wearing the appropriate uniform with all of the proper rank and other insignias in place. The Scout Handbook has a section on the placement of insignia on the uniform.

 

Behavior

Scouting is meant to be fun and boys are expected to be raucous at times. Nevertheless, the Troop is a structured organization and requires good behavior by its members in order to function. Therefore, a Scout should conduct himself always with respect for the Troop leadership, other adults, and himself.

 

The Scout Oath and Law provide the foundation for how a Scout is to behave during all Troop activities, and a Scout should strive to uphold these principles and set an example by his daily actions. More specifically, a Scout shall observe the following:

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• The Scout will keep his personal tent and other equipment clean, neat and in good order and keep track of his personal gear;

• The Scout will not use or possess alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, or prohibited weapons or firearms;

• The Scout will not participate in any form of gambling;

• The Scout will not participate in any form of hazing, physical punishment or "initiation" into the Troop by hazing.

• The Scout will be personally responsible for any damage, vandalism, or theft of property.

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Violations of this code may result in removal from the activity or further disciplinary action determined by the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee, including expulsion from the Troop.

 

Health and Safety

The Scouting program is very focused on the health and safety of all participants in its activities.

 

Almost every facet of Scouting has some safety aspect that is taught and enforced as a part of the program. When venturing into the outdoors, however, one is entering into a changing and unpredictable environment.

 

Learning how to plan ahead, to be safe and to be successful in the outdoors — to "Be Prepared" — is really the essence of Scouting. Health and safety are always important parts of the Troop's activities.

 

A Scout is expected to pay special attention during safety briefings and to obey all safety rules during the activity. Any Scout observed behaving in an unsafe manner will be addressed and may be removed from the activity.

 

A Scout is expected to maintain good health practices and be physically fit for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Scouts and parents should keep all medical records up to date and on file with the Troop and of course let the leadership know about special needs or conditions ahead of time.

 

Service to the Community

Service to others is an important part of Scouting. To help other people at all times is part of the Scout Oath.

 

The Troop participates regularly in organized service projects for Habitat for Humanity, Elves and More and other organizations. Scouts are expected to participate and records are kept of a Scout's service focus.

 

Other service projects, such as assisting an Eagle Scout candidate, will be available throughout the year.