2.1 UNIFORMED LEADERS

 

WHO IS THE SCOUTMASTER?

The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop.  His job is the most important in the troop, since the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.

 

WHAT DOES THE SCOUTMASTER DO?

The Scoutmaster works directly with the scouts, and is the adult leader responsible for the actions of the troop.  His job can be summed up in four basic activities:

1.      Train and guide boy leaders;

2.      Work with other responsible adults to give Scouting to boys;

3.      Help boys to grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves; and,

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

 

WHO APPOINTS THE SCOUTMASTER?

The Chartered Organization Representative, upon the recommendation of the Troop Committee, appoints the scoutmaster.

 

DOES HE HAVE ANY HELP?

While the scoutmaster sets the tone and the attitude for the troop program, obviously no one person can do this by himself.  The Scoutmaster will have assistant scoutmasters who help him with the work of the troop program.

 

WHO APPOINTS THE ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS?

While the Committee Chair appoints Assistant Scoutmasters, based on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster, it is the Scoutmaster who is responsible for assigning the work of the Assistant Scoutmasters.

 

HOW DOES THE COMMITTEE SUPPORT THE SCOUTMASTER?

While general policy is set by the troop committee, it is the scoutmaster who is responsible for the operations of the troop.  The Troop Committee works to ensure that the Scoutmaster receives the backing and support necessary for him to implementing the scouting program in the troop.

 

WHY IS THIS GROUP CALLED “UNIFORMED LEADERS”?

To help promote the methods of Scouting, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to wear the Scout uniform whenever possible.

 

CAN OTHER ADULTS WEAR THE SCOUT UNIFORM?

Although they are not required to do so, all registered committee members are encouraged to wear the scout uniform.

 

WHAT IS THE PATROL LEADER COUNCIL?

The Patrol Leader Council (PLC) is composed of all the patrol leaders, Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), and other troop officers.  The Scoutmaster provides guidance to the PLC.

 

WHAT DOES THE PLC DO?

The Boy Scout organization is a program for boys, and as such is governed and operated by scouts with guidelines and assistance from Scoutmaster.  The PLC is charged with the responsibility of determining and implementing the troop program.  Every Scout, through his patrol leader, has a voice in the planning and running of the troop's activities. 

 

WHO IS THE SENIOR PATROL LEADER?

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) has the primary job of leading the troop with the help of his fellow scout leaders.  The SPL is elected by majority vote by all Scouts in the troop.  The SPL works with and reports directly to the Scoutmaster in the daily planning and operation of the troop.

 

WHAT IS THE JOB OF THE SPL?

The SPL is the scout leader for all activities in the troop.  This includes:

·         Chairing the (PLC) to plan troop meetings and camp outs;

·         Organizing and conducting weekly troop meetings that are interesting and education

·         Directing  the activities of the Patrol Leaders and the Troop officers;

·         Delegating to other youth leaders as necessary;

·         Working with the Scoutmaster to handle disciplinary problems.

 

WHO ARE THE PATROL LEADERS?

Patrol Leaders are responsible for making the “patrol method” work.  They are the backbone of all successful troops and are elected by the Scouts in the patrol.  The patrol leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL).

 

WHAT IS THE JOB OF THE PATROL LEADER?

A patrol leader sets a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law and generating Scout spirit in the patrol.  Some of his key activities include:

·         Appointing a Grubmaster to buy food for the campouts;

·         Delegating jobs to his patrol members;

·         Generating pride and enthusiasm in the patrol;

·         Stressing teamwork in the patrol;

·         Attending all PLC meetings and representing his patrol.

 

WHO ARE THE OTHER TROOP OFFICERS?

There are other leadership positions in the troop.  Some are elected, some are appointed.  They are designed to help develop citizenship by providing opportunities for leadership, and a detailed listing of their responsibilities is on the troop website. 

·         Assistant Patrol Leader

·         Quartermaster (Troop equipment)

·         Scribe, Librarian, Historian

·         Instructors

·         Den Chief

·         Troop Guides

 

WHAT IS THE TROOP COMMITTEE?

It is a group of individuals – parents and community members – who care about the scouting program offered through Blessed Kateri Parish. 

 DOES THE TROOP COMMITTEE RUN THE PROGRAM?

NO!  The troop committee does NOT run the troop program – that is the function of the scout (youth) leadership under the direction of the scoutmaster.

 WHY HAVE A COMMITTEE?

The committee serves as the “Board of Directors” for the troop, ensuring that the troop fulfills the goals methods of the Boy Scouts of America and the Parish of Blessed Kateri.

 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE DO?

v     Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained. 

v     Works with the parish to provide adequate meeting facilities.

v     Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Scouting and the Parish.

v     Supports leaders in carrying out the program.

v     Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan.

v     Obtains, maintains and properly cares for troop property.

v     Ensure the troop has an outdoor program consisting of a minimum of ten days and ten nights per year.

v     Serves on boards of review and courts of honor.

v     Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect the overall troop program.

v     Helps with the Friends of Scouting program.

v     Assists the Scoutmaster in handling any boy behavioral problems.

 WHO CAN SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE?

All parents are welcomed to attend and participate during troop committee meetings.  In as much as possible, we try to arrive at decisions through consensus.

 WHO CAN VOTE ON THE COMMITTEE?

In general, we work by consensus and by agreement.  Our general guiding rule should be that we are here for the boys, not for ourselves.

However, for those rare times when it is appropriate to have an official vote recorded, only those individuals registered with the Boy Scouts of America as troop committee members are allowed to vote.

WHAT IS A CHARTER ORGANIZATION?

Under the structure of the Boy Scouts of America, a community group applies to the Boy Scouts for a “charter”.  This charter allows the community organization to provide a program of youth development for members of their organization and their community.

 

WHO IS THE CHARTERED ORGANIZATION OR TROOP 228?

The Charter Organization for our troop is the community of Blessed Kateri Catholic Church.  They want to provide opportunity for boys of our community to be exposed to the principles, aims, and methods of Scouting.  The Chartered Institution Representative represents them in the troop organization.

 

IS THE TROOP ONLY OPEN TO CATHOLIC YOUTH?

Although sponsored by a Catholic parish, the troop is opened to all boys who would like to participate in the scouting program. 

 

Since “Duty to God” is a bedrock principle of scouting, all scouts will be encouraged to participate in the religious activities of their own faith community.  .

 

WILL MY SON BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN PARISH ACTIVITIES?

Since we are chartered by the parish, there are times when the troop is asked to help participate in service projects for the church. 

 

Individuals are always welcome to participate in any parish activity.  However, a scout will never be obligated to attend, or penalized for not participating in, a specific Blessed Kateri parish scouting activity