Instructor Youth Leadership Position
The Instructor is a youth leadership position within a Scouts BSA troop. They are responsible for teaching and training other troop members in specific skills, such as knot-tying, first aid, or camping techniques. The Instructor plays a crucial role in helping to ensure that troop members have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their Scouting endeavors.
One of the key responsibilities of the Instructor is to teach and train other troop members in specific skills. This includes developing lesson plans, demonstrating skills, and providing feedback and guidance to troop members as they learn and practice the skills.
Another important role of the Instructor is to assess troop members’ proficiency in various skills and recommend appropriate training or practice to help them improve. This includes helping to identify areas where troop members may need additional training or support, and providing resources or assistance to help them improve.
As an Instructor, one is expected to have a strong understanding of the skills being taught, communicate them effectively, and provide feedback to scouts to help them improve. Instructors are also responsible for demonstrating safe practices and ensuring that scouts follow all rules and regulations related to the skill being taught.
The position of Instructor requires strong communication and teaching skills, patience, and a passion for sharing knowledge. It is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, improve one’s own skills and knowledge, and make a positive impact on the scouts in their troop.
The description below represents an example of the requirements and expectations for this position in one troop. Specifics can vary from one troop to another.
The printable copy also includes a self evaluation form for the position on the second page. Youth leaders might benefit from self evaluating during their term. If you use this, then keep it positive with them. It should only be used to help them recognize areas they should be working on.
Instructor Qualifications and Duties
This is just an example. Adjust as needed to meet the size, customs, and needs of your unit.
The Instructor teaches scout skills.
Qualifications:
- Appointed by SPL with Scoutmaster approval
- First Class Rank or higher (Not a BSA requirement)
Reports to: The Assistant Scoutmaster
May not serve three consecutive terms
Instructor duties:
- Instruct Scout skills as needed within the troop or patrols.
- Prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment.
- Be proficient in all Scouting skills from Tenderfoot through First Class.
- Work with Troop Guide in advancing new scouts.
- Conduct Totin’ Chip, Firem’n Chit, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat instruction on campouts as needed.
- Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 65%
- Attend troop meetings. Attendance expectation 65%
- Set a good example.
- Wear the field uniform (class A) correctly to all regular troop meetings and religious services.
- Wear the activity uniform (class B t-shirt) to all outings and other troop activities.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Instructor do?
An Instructor teaches skills to other Scouts in the troop. They show how to do things like knots, first aid, or camping tasks. They give clear steps and help Scouts practice until they can do the skills on their own.
How does an Instructor prepare to teach?
An Instructor plans ahead. They review the skill, gather materials, and think about the best way to explain it. They practice the steps so they can show them in a simple and clear way.
How does an Instructor help Scouts improve?
An Instructor watches how Scouts perform a skill. They give kind feedback and suggest small changes. They help Scouts try again and keep working until they feel more confident.
Does an Instructor need to know every skill perfectly?
An Instructor should know the skills they teach very well. If they are unsure about something, they can ask another leader or older Scout for help. It also gives them a chance to learn more.
Why is the Instructor role important?
The Instructor helps the troop grow. When Scouts learn skills, they can take part in more activities and feel more prepared. The Instructor supports this by teaching in a calm and patient way.
Who can serve as an Instructor?
A Scout who knows a skill well and wants to help others can serve in this role. They should be patient, clear, and willing to practice both teaching and the skill itself.
Is there a minimum age or rank requirement for Instructor?
There is not a minimum set by BSA. However troops may set their own qualifications based on the size of their troop and the maturity of their troop. Since the Instructor is expected to teach early rank skills, it is not unreasonable that they should have demonstrated proficiency in those skills by attaining the rank of First Class.
Teaching Trails Ahead
The Instructor role gives a Scout a chance to guide others with steady support. It teaches patience and clear communication. It also helps the whole troop grow stronger. When a Scout takes time to explain a skill, they help build confidence in others. This creates a setting where everyone can learn at a comfortable pace and feel proud of their progress.
Serving as an Instructor also helps a Scout grow in their own skills. Teaching means breaking each step into simple parts and showing them in a careful way. This keeps the Instructor sharp and aware. It also helps them notice small details they might miss when working alone. The more they teach, the more they learn right along with the troop.
The Instructor helps create a calm and safe learning space. They show safe methods and remind Scouts to follow good habits. This support gives younger Scouts a steady guide to follow. It also shows that good training helps everyone enjoy activities without worry. A troop with a strong Instructor can take on more skills with confidence.
This position invites a Scout to share what they know and to enjoy watching others succeed. It builds trust within the troop and creates a sense of teamwork. When a Scout steps into the Instructor role, they help shape the next group of skillful and confident leaders. That is a gift that lasts well beyond a single meeting or campout.
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