Chaplain Aide Description and Self Evaluation

The Chaplain Aide is a youth leadership position within a Scouts BSA troop. They are responsible for promoting religious observance and spiritual growth among troop members. The Chaplain Aide plays a crucial role in helping to ensure that the spiritual needs of troop members are met.

One of the key responsibilities of the Chaplain Aide is to promote religious observance and spiritual growth within the troop. This includes helping to plan and lead religious services and activities, as well as encouraging troop members to participate in their own religious communities.

Collaborating with the Troop Chaplain, the Chaplain Aide ensures that the spiritual requirements of the Scouts in the troop are met and that religious emblem programs are encouraged. Given that troops may have Scouts from diverse faiths, the Chaplain Aide must demonstrate sensitivity to the distinct needs of the unit.

Besides their spiritual leadership duties, the Chaplain Aide is also accountable for modeling behavior and upholding the Scout Oath and Law. This entails exhibiting the values of Scouting and showcasing a firm dedication to service and the community, serving as a positive role model for fellow Scouts to emulate.

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.

This is just an example. Adjust as needed to meet the size, customs, and needs of your unit.

Qualifications:

• Appointed by SPL and ASPL with Scoutmaster approval
• Tenderfoot Rank or higher (Not a BSA requirement)

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

May not serve three consecutive terms

Chaplain Aide duties:

• Keep troop leaders apprised of religious holidays when planning activities.
• Assists the campmaster for each outing in planning participation in religious services.
• Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities.
• Lead the troop in prayer at troop meetings and other troop activities.
• Promotes participation in religious emblem programs.
• Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 50%
• Attend troop meetings. Attendance expectation 50%
• 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.

Click here to download a printable PDF copy of the sample Chaplain Aide Description and Self Evaluation.

Scouts BSA Youth Leadership Positions Video

Is there a minimum age or rank requirement for Chaplain Aide?

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. This is often a good position for Scouts who are new to the program.