Registered leaders

The troop's Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, along committee members, are all registered with the troop through the national Scouting America program. Merit badge counselors are also registered leaders.

All registered leaders must complete Youth Protection Training along with training specific to the position they hold.

Any adult participating in camping and other overnight outings must be registered.

• Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with youth and are typically assigned to oversee a specific patrol or aspect of the troop's program. They must complete Youth Protection Training along with Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS).

• Committee members meet monthly to review and approve the troop program and activities, manage the troop's budget and fundraising, and maintain the troop's leadership and training. Committee members may also serve as chaperones on outings. They also form the boards of review that are part of each Scout's advancement process.

• Merit badge counselors are adults with expertise in specific hobbies or career interests, such as auto mechanics, music, photography, personal fitness, and more than 130 other topics. Potential merit badge counselors are approved through a simple application process detailing their knowledge and skills in each area, and many adults are qualified as counselors for multiple merit badges.

There are many way parents and other adults can support our troop: they can register with Scouts as an assistant Scoutmaster or committee member, organize special events, support membership, manage fundraising, and more.

Adult supporting roles

Adults who are not registered leaders can support the troop by taking on other vital tasks:

• Fundraising: manage and help with the annual fundraisers, which include a fall popcorn sale, a winter/spring card sale, and a post-holiday tree pickup

• Membership and recruitment: organize open houses, publicity, and other recruitment initiatives and develop plans for membership retention

• Special events: plan courts of honor, holiday parties, and other special troop gatherings

• Service projects: identify and facilitate service opportunities for youth members

• Share your talents: facilitate a troop learning session around your specific skills, such as law, engineering, cycling, and more.

Getting Started

To apply to be a leader in our troop, go to BeAScout.org. Because our troop is participating in the pilot program for mixed troops, we are still listed as Troop 1823 (girls) and Troop 823 (boys). You may register as an adult leader under either troop.

Scouting America has developed a comprehensive library of resources to help you understand the program and get started as a volunteer.

The Troop Leader Resource Hub is a great place to start learning about Scout troops and to get ideas for troop meetings, service projects, ceremonies, and more.