What Does a Troop Committee Do?
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.
More Resources
Board of Review Questions
What sort of questions are typically asked during a Board of Review?
Annual Troop Parent Meeting
It is good to engage all of the parents in the unit, even the ones who aren’t serving on the Troop Committee.
Leadership Succession in a Scouts BSA Troop
What do you do when adult leader succession not clear? What if the way things have been done are not in line with BSA standards?
Recognition Certificate
Fill in the blanks to make a certificate for Scouts or Scouters.
Committee Positions
Here are some BSA resources for some of the specific committee positions.
What Does a Scoutmaster Do?
Even though Scouts BSA Troops are “youth led”, they need lots of adult guidance. The Scoutmaster is a mentor for the youth leaders.
What Do You Do If You Can’t Find a New Scoutmaster?
What happens when the Scoutmaster wants to “retire” and nobody else is willing to take his or her place?
Registering a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Does a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster have to be registered for the position?
Funny Recognition Awards for Adult Leaders
Here is a long list of awards with very punny names. 🙂
Nap on Safely Training
Lighten the mood at camp by having a spoof training.
Scout Moms, Dads, and Leaders
Share ideas, questions, and resources on this Facebook group.
What Can Be Done to Ensure That Unit Finances Are Handled Correctly?
What if you get involved in a Troop Committee or Pack Committee and find out that there is no accountability for the money?
Conflicts with Unit Fundraising
How do you handle it when your fundraiser always seems to be at the same time as another nearby unit?
Adult Leadership or Socializing?
What do you do when the adults who are coming on campouts are more interested in socializing than in providing appropriate supervision for the youth?
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