Troop Leadership Training

1. Troop Leadership Training

2. “Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job.” “Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.” “Never do anything a boy can do.” —Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

3. Scout OathOn my Honor I will do my bestTo do my duty to God and my countryand to obey the Scout Law;To help other people at all times;To keep myself physically strong,mentally awake, and morally straight Scout Law A Scout is:Trustworthy ObedientLoyal CheerfulHelpful ThriftyFriendly BraveCourteous CleanKind and Reverent Living the Scout Oath and Law

5. Mission Statement The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

6. Life Skills in a Values-Based Environment Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct and honesty. A boy who spends one year in a Scout troop will learn lifetime skills. He will learn basic outdoor skills, self-reliance, and how to get along with others. Scouting will prepare him to live a more productive and fulfilling life.

7. Scouting offers young people a rich and varied arena in which to learn and use leadership skills. Among the challenges encountered by a troop's youth leaders are • Organizing patrols • Using duty rosters • Planning menus and figuring food costs • Encouraging advancement • Guiding a patrol's involvement in problem solving • Teaching outdoor skills • Helping to ensure patrol safety during outings • Handling patrol finances • Helping other Scouts make the most of their own leadership opportunities

8. Youth training opportunities • Troop level leadership training • Troop Leadership Training (TLT) • Council level leadership course • National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) • National level leadership training • National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)

9. Troop Leadership Training (TLT) is Scoutmaster-directed training divided into three modules: Module One—Introduction to Leadership (Know). Conducted within a week of a Scout's acceptance of his new position, this session focuses on what a leader must know. Module Two—How to Fulfill Your Role (Be). This session on how to fulfill the role's responsibilities focuses on what a leader must be. Module Three—What Is Expected of Me? (Do). This session focuses on what a leader must do.

10. Module One—Know 1. The Boy-Led Troop

11. What does it mean when we say “a boy-led troop”? The BSA's definition is that “empowering boys to be leaders” is the core of Scouting. A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality.

12. Troops find success by utilizing the following: • Troop calendar • Troop meetings • Troop activities • Patrol leaders' council • Public service • Outdoor activities

13. Module One—Know • The Boy-Led Troop • Discussion of a Boy-Led Patrol

14. “The patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don't really have a Boy Scout troop.” —Robert S. S. Baden-Powell “The object of the patrol method is not so much saving the Scoutmaster trouble as to give responsibility to the boy.” —Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

15. There are three types of patrols: • Regular PatrolComposed of scouts who have completed the First Class requirements or who are at least in the seventh grade. Most of them have been around scouting long enough to be comfortable with patrol & troop routines. • New Scout PatrolThe new scouts function together as a patrol during their first year in the troop, working toward their goal of completing the requirements for the First Class rank. A Troop Guide & Assistant Scoutmaster serve to ensure each scout has every opportunity to succeed right from the start. • Venture PatrolThe older boy patrol (13 through17) within a troop. They have the maturity and experience to plan and take part in more challenging high-adventure outings and sports activities. The Assistant Scoutmaster can help the patrol transform their plans into action.

16. Why Patrols? • Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout Troop. • A small group of youth who are more or less similar in age, development, and interests. • As a team, the Patrol members share the responsibility of making the patrol a success. • Each patrol selects a name for itself, decides on a yell, & designs a flag. • A patrol takes pride in its own identity, & its members strive to make theirs the best patrol possible. • The ideal size of a patrol is eight. This size is appropriate not only for effective patrol & troop meetings, but also for hiking & camping without leaving a trace.

17. Patrol Positions • Patrol LeaderJust as it sounds the Leader of his Patrol. Elected by the members of Patrol but not as a popularity contest. The Patrol Leader represents the patrols’ needs & desires on the Patrol Leaders Council. • Assistant Patrol LeaderAssistant to the Patrol Leader & serves in his place when absent. He may carry out special assignments given him by the patrol leader. • Patrol ScribeThe patrols secretary. He checks attendance, keeps the patrol logbook current, collects & records patrol dues & helps prepare budgets for outings. • Patrol QuartermasterMaintains an inventory of the patrol’s equipment & makes sure it is clean & ready to use.

18. Patrol Positions (continued) • Patrol GrubmasterIn charge of assisting the patrol in putting together menus for hikes & campouts. He takes the lead in making all food-related arrangements for the patrol’s outdoor programs. • Patrol CheermasterLeads the patrol in songs, yells & stunts during meetings & campouts.

19. Your Duties as Patrol Leader When you accepted the position of patrol leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a patrol leader, you are expected to do the following: • Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities. • Keep patrol members informed. • Assign each patrol member a specific duty. • Represent your patrol at all patrol leaders' council meetings and the annual program planning conference. • Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities. • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well. • Know the abilities of each patrol member. • Set a good example. • Wear the Scout uniform correctly. • Live by the Scout Oath and Law. • Show and develop patrol spirit

20. Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader • Keep Your Word. Don't make promises you can't keep. • Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do. • Be a Good Communicator. You don't need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go." A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on. • Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work. • Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.

21. Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader • Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried. • Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up. • Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership. • Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol. • Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.

22. Patrols are successful through the following: • Patrol meetings • Patrol activities • Patrol names

23. Module One—Know • The Boy-Led Troop • Discussion of a Boy-Led Patrol • Review of the Troop Organization

24. TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART for a Small Troop Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmaster New Scout Assistant Scoutmaster Venture Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders' Council Troop Guide New Scout Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leader Venture Patrol Den Chief Assistant Patrol Leader Quartermaster

25. The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) • Plans & runs the Troop’s program & activities • Conducts an Annual Program Planning Conference to lay out the troop’s calendar for the coming year • Meets monthly to fine-tune upcoming meetings & outings • PLs & Guide present ideas & concerns of their patrols, then takes the council’s decisions to the rest of the troop members • The SPL leads & plans the PLC meetings then prepares an agenda for the other leaders • The Scoutmaster attends the PLC as a coach • The Scoutmaster & Troop Committee retain veto power over decisions of the PLC when plans violate safety & well-being

26. Module One—Know 1. The Boy-Led Troop 2. Discussion of a Boy-Led Patrol 3. Review of the Troop Organization 4. Position Overview

27. SENIOR PATROL LEADER Position description: The senior patrol leader is elected bythe Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in thetroop. Reports to: The Scoutmaster Senior patrol leader duties: • Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference. • Runs the patrol leaders' council meeting. • Appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster. • Assigns duties and responsibilities to youth leaders. • Assists the Scoutmaster with youth leadership training. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

28. ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER Position description: The assistant senior patrol leader is thesecond highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He isappointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of theScoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the seniorpatrol leader in the absence of the seniorpatrol leader or whencalled upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. Reports to:The senior patrol leader Assistant senior patrol leader duties: • Helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities. • Runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader. • Helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, and chaplain's aide. • Serves as a member of the patrol leaders' council. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit. • Lends a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit. • Wears the uniform correctly.

29. PATROL LEADER Position description: The patrol leader is the electedleader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrolleaders’ council. Reports to: The senior patrol leader Patrol leader duties: • Appoints the assistant patrol leader. • Represents the patrol on the patrol leaders’ council. • Plans and steers patrol meetings. • Helps Scouts advance. • Acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts. • Keeps patrol members informed. • Knows what his patrol members and other leaders can do. • Sets the example. • Wears the uniform correctly. • Lives the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

30. ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER Position description: The assistant patrol leader is appointedby the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. Reports to:The patrol leader Assistant patrol leader duties: • Helps the patrol leader plan and steer patrol meetings andactivities. • Helps him keep patrol members informed. • Helps the patrol get ready for all troop activities. • Represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend.

31. TROOP GUIDE Position description:The troop guide works with new Scouts.He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rankin their first year. Reports to:The assistant Scoutmaster for the new scout patrolin the troop Troop guide duties: • Introduces new Scouts to troop operations. • Protects new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts. • Helps new Scouts earn First Class rank in their first year. • Teaches basic Scout skills. • Coaches the patrol leader of the new scout patrol on his duties. • Works with the patrol leader at PLC meetings. • Attends PLC meetings with the patrol leader of the new scout patrol. • Assists the assistant Scoutmaster with training. • Counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

32. TROOP QUARTERMASTER Position description:The quartermaster keeps track oftroop equipment and seesthat it is ingood working order. Reports to: The assistant senior patrol leader Quartermaster duties: • Keeps records on patrol and troop equipment. • Makes sure equipment is in good working condition. • Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. • Makes suggestions for new or replacement items. • Works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

33. TROOP SCRIBE Position description: The scribe keeps the troop records.He records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council andkeeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scoutattendance at troop meetings. Reports to: The assistant senior patrol leader Scribe duties: • Attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings. • Records individual Scout attendance and dues payments. • Records individual Scout advancement progress. • Works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

34. TROOP HISTORIAN Position description: The troop historian preserves troopphotographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks,awards, and other memorabilia. Reports to: The assistant senior patrol leader Historian duties: • Gathers pictures and facts about troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook. • Takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities. • Keeps information about former members of the troop. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

35. TROOP LIBRARIAN Position description: The librarian oversees the care anduse of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals,and merit badge counselor lists. Reports to: The assistant senior patrol leader Librarian duties: • Sets up and takes care of a troop library. • Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop. • Adds new or replacement items as needed. • Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing. • Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out, and follows up on late returns. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

36. INSTRUCTOR Position description:The instructor teaches Scoutingskills. Reports to: The assistant senior patrol leader Instructor duties: • Teaches basic Scouting skills in troop and patrols. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

37. CHAPLAIN’S AIDE Position description:The chaplain’s aide works with thetroop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts inthe troop. He also works to promote the religious emblemsprogram. Reports to:The assistant senior patrol leader Chaplain aide duties: • Assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities. • Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith. • Makes sure religious holidays are considered during the troop program planning process. • Helps plan for religious observance in troop activities. • Sets a good example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

38. WEBMASTER • Position description:The Webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He should make sure thatinformation posted to the website is correct and up to dateand that members’ and leaders’ privacy is protected. • Reports to:The assistant senior patrol leader • Webmaster duties: • Maintain Troop Website. • Update Troop Website in a timely manner. • Work with Patrols on developing Website content. • Work with Troop Historian and Scribe on maintaining information on Troop Information. • Work with Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair on Website content. • Set a Good Example. • Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

39. OA TROOP REPRESENTATIVE Position description:The OA Troop Representative is the primaryliaison to the troop’s OA lodge and chapter. He provides acommunications link and represents the OA to the troop. Reports to:The assistant senior patrol leader OA Troop Representative duties: • Attends troop and chapter or lodge meetings regularly as a youth representative of the troop and Order. • Serves as a two-way communication link between the troop and the lodge or chapter. • Arranges with the lodge or chapter election team to conduct an annual Order of the Arrow election for the troop at a time approved by the Patrol Leaders Council. • Arranges with the lodge or chapter for at least one camp promotion visit to the unit annually. • Makes at least one high adventure presentation to the troop, to include the OA programs, annually. • As requested by the SPL, participates in Troop Courts of Honor by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of troop members, leadership of troop members, and other appropriate activities. • Coordinates the Ordeal Induction process for newly elected candidates by: ensuring they know the time and location of the Ordeal, providing information of what to bring to the Ordeal, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Ordeal, and offering assistance (as needed) to the lodge in the Ordeal process. • Assists current Ordeal members in the troop in sealing their membership by becoming Brotherhood members by: ensuring they know the time and location of Brotherhood opportunities, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Brotherhood opportunities, and offering assistance to the lodge (as needed) in the Brotherhood process. He may also, at the discretion of the PLC, offer periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order. • Leads at least one troop service project for the community or charter partner during the year. May also serve, at the discretion of the PLC, as the troop’s service chairman. • Assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills. • In all cases, advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping. • Sets a good example by: wearing the Scout uniform correctly, showing Scout spirit, and living by the Scout Oath, the Scout law and the OA Obligation.

40. DEN CHIEF Position description: The den chief works with the CubScouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the CubScout pack. Reports to: The den leader in the pack and the assistantScoutmaster for the new scout patrol in the troop Den chief duties: • Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting. • Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks. • Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. • Assists with activities in the den meetings. • Is a friend to the boys in the den. • Helps out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings. • Meets with adult members of the den, pack, and troop as necessary. • Sets the example. • Wears the uniform correctly. • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law. • Shows Scout spirit.

41. Module One—Know 1. The Boy-Led Troop 2. Discussion of a Boy-Led Patrol 3. Review of the Troop Organization 4. Position Overview 5. National Honor Patrol Award Requirements

42. National Honor Patrol Award The National Honor Patrol Award is given to patrols whose members make an effort to have the best patrol possible. The award can be earned over a three-month period: • Have a patrol name, flag, and yell. Put the patrol design on equipment, and use the patrol yell. Keep patrol records up-to-date. • Hold two patrol meetings every month. • Take part in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other Scouting event. • Complete two Good Turns or service projects approved by the patrol leaders’ council. • Help two patrol members advance one rank. • Wear the full uniform correctly at troop activities (at least 75 percent of patrol’s membership). • Have a representative attend at least three patrol leaders’ council meetings. • Have eight members in the patrol or experience an increase in patrol membership.

43. TAKE A BREAK

44. Module Two – Be • The Leadership Toolbox

45. Leadership Toolbox BSA Literature Forms, rosters, handbooks, calendars, magazines Planning Tools Assessment Tools: SSC (Start, Stop, Continue) Vision – Mission – Values – Strategies – Goals – Action Plans: Creating a Picture of Future Success Goals: SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) Action Planning: Goal, Objectives, Tasks, Responsibility, Timeline, Evaluation People Tools Communication: Audience, Method, Barriers, Filters Valuing People: - ROPE (Reach out, Organize, Practice, Experience) Teaching / Leading: EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) Team Building: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing Conflicting Resolution Tool: EAR (Express, Address, Resolve) Ethical Decisions: Trivial, Right vs. Wrong, Right vs. Right

46. Resources for Patrol Leaders As a patrol leader, you have many resources available, including your Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, senior patrol leader, and the troop committee. Other resources include your teachers, religious leaders, and community leaders. Literature resources available to you include the following: • Boy Scout Handbook • Fieldbook • Boy Scout Songbook • Boy Scout Requirements • Troop Program Resources • Troop Program Features, Volumes I – III • Boys' Life magazines • Troop rules and policies • Troop and patrol rosters • Activity calendar (troop, district, council, chartered organization) • First Class—First Year Tracking Sheet

47. Literature, continued: • Campfire Program Planner sheet • Troop Planning Work Sheet (from Troop Program Features) • Troop Meeting Planning Sheet • BSA Supply catalog Other “tools in the toolbox” Guide to Safe Scouting, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, Trek Safely and Climb on Safely The Troop’s adult leaders & parents

48. Module Two – Be • The Leadership Toolbox • Troop Progress Discussion

49. Start, Stop, Continue How is the troop doing?

50. Module Two – Be • The Leadership Toolbox • Troop Progress Discussion • Visions of Success