What Is a Scouts BSA Troop Committee?

Like all BSA units, Scouts BSA Troops have committees. Since a troop is lead by the youth, rather than being lead by the adults as in a pack, the committee functions differ.

The main difference it that instead of carrying out much of the work themselves, committee members are providing the support and resources which the youth leaders of the troop need.

A Scouts BSA Troop committee is essentially the board of directors for a Scouts BSA Troop. This committee is a group of at least three people who assist with supervision and management of a the unit. They help provide the resources that the youth leadership need to carry out their plans. The committee also ensures that a Scoutmaster has the resources and support to provide the program in accordance with BSA policies and regulations.

A typical description is given below. Adjust it to meet the specific needs of your troop.

Responsibilities of the Scouts BSA Troop Committee

There must be a minimum of three adults on the committee. They must agree to the principles of the Boy Scouts of America. Members are selected by the chartered organization. The committee is responsible for a variety of tasks:

Regardless of the size of the troop committee, these responsibilities must be performed:

• Recruit new adult leaders, including  the Scoutmaster and one or more assistant Scoutmasters. These leaders must be approved by the chartered organization.
• Provide a place for the troop to meet.
• Serve as a link between the Troop and the chartered organization, making sure the troop functions within the mission of the Boy Scouts of America and within the mission of the chartered organization.
• Make sure the troop charter is renewed on time annually.
• Ensure that the troop has a strong outdoor program.
• Serve on boards of review.
• Work with the youth leaders and the Scoutmaster to deliver a quality, year-round  program to the youth.
• Maintain a troop treasury.
• Purchase equipment as necessary.
• Find resources so that all troop members may participate, regardless of need.
• Encourage all adults in the troop to obtain the appropriate training for their positions.
• Provide support to the Scoutmaster in working with youth with special needs and in dealing with discipline issues.

The most efficient way for the committee to run is to assign specific tasks to specific members. A well organized committee supports the youth leaders and makes the Scoutmaster’s job much easier, ensuring that a quality program is delivered to the youth.

Find helps and ideas for your Troop Committee below:

Nap on Safely Training

I hope all of you Scouters out there will be able to complete your Nap on Safely training before or during summer camp. The guidelines are listed in this article. (Spoof!)

Scout Recognition Certificate – Fill In Your Own Information

A while back John M sent in this Webelos Crossover certificate he had made to share with everyone. However, many readers have asked for an easy way to use this with their own unit, award, etc. Now we have it! I have taken what John sent and turned it into a certificate you can create with your own information. Since the you enter the information, you can use it for ranks, awards, merit badges, or whatever you like.

What Does the Scoutmaster Do?

Scouts BSA Troops are "youth led", so what is the role of the Scoutmaster?Well, most youth are going to need a little guidance.

Board of Review Questions

Reader Shelley asked "I'm a new Troop Committee Chair and was wondering if anyone has some great questions that they ask their Scouts during their Board of Reviews?" Sometimes committee members struggle to come up with good Board of Review questions.

Registering a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Reader Michael sent in this question: How do I go about registering an Eagle Scout in my troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster?

Leadership Succession in a Scouts BSA Troop

Jen asks a question about adult leader succession. What do you do when it is not clear? What if issues such as "its always been done that way" and hesitance of new leaders arise?

Annual Troop Parent Meeting

Every year we try to get as many parents, whether Committee members or not, together in a room to try to figure out how we can help our youth carry out their ideas.

Conflicts with Unit Fundraising

The best way to handle possible conflicts between unit fundraisers is to talk it out.

New Parent Liaison

The New Parent Liaison would look at the information the troop sends out and, if there might be something which would be confusing or unfamiliar to the new parents, would send out a clarification to the new families.

What Can Be Done to Ensure That Unit Finances Are Handled Correctly?

A reader asks about unit finances: "My boys just joined or local pack in our area last August. This pack has like 60 kids. The 1st thing I noticed was that everything was very very unorganized, but I didn't want to be one of those parents that gripes and does nothing. So I took a seat on the committee as the Fundraiser chair. Since doing that I have witnessed some things that are disturbing to me and I know cant be right...."

What Do You Do If You Can’t Find a New Scoutmaster?

A reader asks about what to do if the current leadership is burned out but nobody is willing to step up to take their place.

Adult Leadership or Adult Hangout?

A reader asks about adults on campouts: "Is this allowed? 9 adults for 19 Scouts? ... I feel uncomfortable that this might turn into an adult hangout." Thanks for the question. I think the answer is ... "it depends".