Leading By Example

A key difference between Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting or Webelos is leadership. Look for the word "Leader" in a job title to appreciate the difference. The responsible person for a Cub/Webelos den is the Adult Den Leader. The responsible person for a Scout Troop is the Senior Patrol Leader, and for a Patrol it is the boy Patrol Leader. Scouting teaches leadership. And boys learn leadership by practicing it, not by watching adults lead.

However, without a lot of adult help, leadership can be very frustrating to a young Scout. Adult Leaders are there to provide encouragement, resources, and the structure and framework for the Youth Leaders to use. So how much leadership do Adult Leaders provide? The underlying principle is that they never do anything for a Scout that he can do himself. We allow boys to grow by practicing leadership and by learning from their mistakes. Giving such responsibility to the Scouts is a keystone of the Scout Method: "Expect him to carry out his charge faithfully. Don't keep prying to see how he does. Let him do it his own way. Let him come a howler over it if need be, but in any case leave him alone."

While learning Scoutcraft and other skills are an important part of the program, what ultimately matters when our Scouts become adults is not whether they can use a map and compass, but whether they can offer leadership to others in tough situations; and can live by a code that centers on honest, honorable, and ethical behavior. Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout Leaders can be positive role models for the members of the Troop.

Therefore, the personal example of the Adult Leader is vital for a successful Scouting program. The Scoutmaster or other Adult Leader who actually lives the Scout Law will have more influence on Scouts than just those who just talk about it. In the boys' eyes, it is what a man does that counts and not so much what he says. Therefore, we expect all of our Adult Leaders to be men of good character.

At Troop 3:16, our Adult Leaders also view the Troop as a ministry to the youth where Christ works through us, where we grow in him and enjoy His many blessings. Our Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are Born Again Christians who profess a saving faith in Jesus Christ according to the beliefs of our sponsoring organization, Grace Baptist Church, and each of the other Adult Leaders must be able and willing to provide them with their support.

Qualifications of a Troop 3:16 Leader

• A Born-Again Christian (required for Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters only).
• Good Character.
• Personal interest in our Scouts.
• Ability to coach a Youth Leader without doing his job for him.
• Readiness to work with other adults for the good of the Troop.
• Willingness to learn about Scouting.
• Confidence that Scouts can take responsibility
• Willingness to attend Troop Meetings and activities.
• Willingness to meet with Troop Leaders to develop the Troop’s program.
• Go through District Leadership Training and be registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

See Also

• Who We Are
• Scouting's Aim And Goals
• Outdoor Safety
• Patrol Leaders Council
• Adult Leader Positions
• Youth Protection
• Leadership on Outings