Scouting is a program for anyone active in the life of a Scout. We recognize that who plays a parental role can vary from family to family. Scouts BSA works to ensure that parents and other individuals who play a parental role in a Scout’s life can impact and participate in Scouting.
How Scouts BSA Differs from Cub Scouts
Scouts BSA is a youth-led program. If you are a parent or guardian who would like to be present during a Troop meeting, please consult with the Scoutmaster in advance so they can arrange for you to observe. If you are a parent or guardian who would like to get involved with Scouts BSA, check if there is a provision to register for a position on the Troop Committee or as an assistant Scoutmaster.
Scouts BSA vs. Cub Scouts
The goal of the Cub Scout program is to provide ready-made opportunities for families to enjoy fun activities together. The Scouts BSA program aims to help young people develop self-confidence and leadership skills by tasking them with the responsibilities of planning and carrying out activities and generating achievements. An adult leader should not aim to get things done but should work to create a safe and healthy environment with the training and resources Scouts need to have a successful Scouting experience!
Opportunities for Parents
Scouts BSA has many opportunities for parents to be leaders with their Scout’s chosen Troop! Options also exist for adults who wish to volunteer as activity merit badge counselors, camp staff, instructors, or office assistants with Scouting Units, Districts, and Councils. Training classes that provide adults with leadership skills and techniques to further their careers are also available.
Parent and Adult Roles in a Scouts BSA Troop
Scouting is where adults make profound differences in young people’s lives. Parents and adult leaders within our youth organization must understand that their role is to create a safe environment where young people can grow, explore, learn to fail, get up, and try again! Whether volunteering as Scoutmasters or merit badge counselors, adults should be willing to listen to Scouts, encourage them, and display a sincere interest in their well-being.
Please Note: All adult leaders must be at least 21 years of age and be approved by the Troop Committee.
Here are some examples of the various roles a parent or adult can take within a BSA Scout Troop:
Scoutmaster – The Scoutmaster (SM) works directly with the Scouts and provides them with direction, coaching, and support.
The Scoutmaster has three basic roles:
- Providing youth leaders with all the tools and necessary skills to run the Troop.
- Ensuring the rules of the BSA and chartered partner are followed.
- Serving as a positive role model and mentor.
Assistant Scoutmaster – The Assistant Scoutmaster is an adult leader over the age of 18 who helps the Scoutmaster deliver the promise of Scouting. The following are some of the specific duties of an Assistant Scoutmaster within the Scouts BSA program:
- Guiding patrols.
- Advising Scouts who have assumed positions, e.g., Quartermaster, OA Representative, Chaplain’s Aide.
- Filling in when necessary to ensure youth leaders have what they need to run the Troop.
Assistant Scoutmasters also complete the “two-deep leadership” requirement by the Boy Scouts of America for all trips or outings. An Assistant Scoutmaster can be 18 years old but must be 21 or older to serve in the Scoutmaster’s absence.
Committee Chair – The chartered organization appoints the Troop Committee Chair to see that all committee functions are carried out. The Troop Committee Chairman appoints and supervises the unit committee and unit leaders and organizes the committee to see that all committee responsibilities are delegated, coordinated, and completed.
Committee Member – The troop committee is a cross between a board of directors and a parent support group. It sets troop policies and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts.
Chartered Organization Representative – The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization. The Chartered Organization Representative appoints the Unit Committee Chairman. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the District Committee and the Local Council.
