Adult Leaders

The uniformed Adult Leaders consist of Assistant Scoutmasters and Advisors operating under the direction and control of the Scoutmaster. Their duties are to train and guide boy leaders, and to use the Methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. The Scoutmaster has full responsibility for all program decisions of the Troop. We expect all uniformed Adult Leaders to take the basic Scout Leader Training offered by the Bill Hart District and to read The Boy Scout Handbook and Scoutmaster Handbook.

The overall leader of the Troop is the Scoutmaster, who is appointed by the Troop Committee to be responsible for the Troop’s public image and program. He directs the general activities of the Troop including instruction, Advancement, Troop and Patrol activities, as well as general supervision in helping the boys to run the Troop. Scouts run the Troop; the Scoutmaster is the only adult who can change Troop plans or rules.

The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in Troop 3:16, and the Troop requires that the person filling this position be a Born Again Christian.

Specific Duties:

• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and under the policies of Grace Baptist Church and the Boy Scouts of America.
• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to the boys.
• Works with and guides each individual Scout throughout the Boy Scout program,
• Attend all Troop Meetings to assist and guide, or if necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences for all Rank Advancements or delegate to a qualified Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM).
• Train, guide, and encourage the Troop's Youth Leaders.
• Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) to train, plan and coordinate Troop activities.
• Attend all campouts or arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Approve all service projects.
• Delegate responsibilities to other adults (assistants, Patrol Advisors, and Troop Committee).
• Acts as a Scout representative in the Troop Committee while reporting on Scout functions, schedules, plans and events.
• Recruit a Committee Chairman, and together recruit all other Committee positions,
• Maintain a close relationship with the Charter Organization Representative and the Troop Committee Chairperson.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Assistant Scoutmasters are trained and uniformed Adult Leaders who attend Scout functions and assist the Scoutmaster. They help guide the program of the Troop and provide required two-deep leadership.

Assistant Scoutmasters must be 18-years-old and Born Again Christians. While both men and women may receive Leadership Training, Troop 3:16 policy allows only men to be uniformed Adult Leaders and attend overnight campouts that are not specifically designed to be family campouts.

Specific Duties:

• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and under the policies of Grace Baptist Church and the Boy Scouts of America.
• Encourage and support Scout Leadership in their running of the Troop.
• Assist the Scoutmaster with his responsibilities.
• Attend Troop Meetings and outings, serve as ranking Adult Leader in the Scoutmaster’s absence.
• Complete required training for the ASM position:
  • Fast Start Training (online)
  • Youth Protection training (online)
  • New Leader Essentials
• Fill in for Scoutmaster when required.
• Perform Scoutmaster Conferences as required.
• Actively participate in Scout Advancement, facilitate Scout Rank Advancement by encouraging, Scouts and providing opportunities for Advancement.
• Participate in Boards of Review.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Patrol Advisor’s job is to make sure the Patrol works together as a team to accomplish the goals and tasks assigned to that Patrol. The role of the Patrol Advisor has four specific components:

• To ensure the safety of the Patrol Members.
• To assist with discipline when required.
• To assist the Patrol Leader make sure all the required tasks are accomplished on time and with at least a minimum standard of quality.
• To act as a counselor to the Scouts, get to know them, their personalities, abilities, etc. The Patrol Advisor should also know, generally, where each of the Scouts is in terms of accomplishing the requirements for Rank Advancement and be able to direct them in accomplishing those requirements.

Unlike the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters, Patrol Advisors are not required to be Born Again Christians, although they must support and preserve the Troop's Christian identity.

Specific Duties:

• Help out the Patrol by assisting each Patrol Member as through he were his own son — not by doing things that a Scout do for himself, but by helping the Patrol Leader lead.
• Work informally with the Patrol Leader to develop his leadership skills and create a Patrol with spirit and achievements, utilizing the Patrol Method.
• Work through the Patrol Leader to ensure that each Scout feels important to the Patrol and good about his Scouting experience.
• Assist the Patrol Leader plan ahead for Patrol Meetings and Troop activities — especially outdoor activities.
• Assist the Patrol Leader in securing tour permits and good attendance at Patrol Meetings.
• Be available for Patrol Meetings or ensure that another Adult is present to assist at Patrol Meetings.
• Build the prestige of the Patrol Leader by remaining in the background at Patrol Meetings.
• Encourage the Patrol to have their own active outdoor program, help them with adult details, and provide adult supervision.
• Serve as the contact person to help get approval and cooperation of Parents in Patrol activities.
• Back up the Patrol Leader with Scouts and Parents — especially if he is young or inexperienced.
• Track each Patrol Member’s activity and examine possible problems indicated by reduced activity.
• Help, or obtain help, for the Patrol Leader when he is not qualified to pass off on a requirement.
• Represent the Scoutmaster in supplying information to the Patrol Leader on program items and coming events.
• Keep Scoutmaster advised of Patrol problems and concerns.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

See Also

• Outdoor Safety
• Leading By Example
• Adult Leader Positions
• Youth Protection