The Support Team or “The Role of the Troop Committee” Kent D. Campbell Muir District MDSC Dist. Comm. Member

Objectives of this Session Explain the role of the Unit Committee Describe the Organization of the Unit Committee Introduce the support available from the local Council

Organization of Boy Scouting National Council of the Boy Scouts of America RegionArea Local Council District Chartered Organization Troop Committee

Role of Troop Committee The Troop Committee’s primary responsibility is supporting unit leaders in delivering a quality program and handling unit administration.

What is a Unit Committee? Resource Resource: Troop Committee Guidebook adult leaders Usually 3 to 12 (depending upon troop needs) adult leaders dedicated to maintaining a quality program for the troop. Key Focus Areas Key Focus Areas: Membership, Finance, Training, Advancement (recognition), Camp and Outdoor Promotion, Troop Activities and Civic Service

What is a Unit Committee? Charter Organization Representative The Chartered Organization owns the troop and provides a Charter Organization Representative. – Your contact person with the organization Committee Chair The Troop Committee is the Troops Board of Directors and is headed by the Committee Chair Committee SecretaryTreasurer Advancement Major members: Committee Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement and Membership Coordinators Also Includes: Activities, Training, and Equipment Coordinators and a Chaplain

What is the role of the Unit Committee? Get into patrols and list what you think your Unit Committee should be doing for the troop. Get into patrols and list what you think your Unit Committee should be doing for the troop. Write down at least 4 or 5 things that you have seen, or can think of. Write down at least 4 or 5 things that you have seen, or can think of. We will then get together in 5 minutes and compare notes. We will then get together in 5 minutes and compare notes.

What is the role of the Unit Committee? Recruits and trains quality adult leadership Provides adequate meeting facilities Advises Scoutmaster on policies relating to Scouting Supports youth and adult leaders in carrying out the program Is responsible for administrative tasks Is responsible for finances, funding, and budgeting Obtains, maintains, and cares for unit property Serves on boards of review Facilitates a camping and outdoor program

What is the role of the Unit Committee? Provides a safe meeting place for the troop Supports unit leaders working with individual youth or with problems that may affect the entire unit or program Provides for special-needs youth as necessary Helps with Friends of Scouting campaign Assists with youth behavioral problems Welcomes parents new to Scouting and offers suggestions on supporting their Scout and the troop

The Troop Committee The Basic Three Person Committee The Basic Three Person Committee: – Committee Chair – Administration – Logistics The above folks are covering a wide area to include finance, room to meet, advancement and troop activities. The larger committees make it easier to share the work load and get a lot more done, especially if your are dealing with 25 or more scouts in the troop.

The Troop Committee Chartered Organization Representative Chartered Organization Representative Committee Chair Committee Chair Secretary Secretary Treasurer and fundraising Treasurer and fundraising Advancement Coordinator Advancement Coordinator Equipment Coordinator Equipment Coordinator Membership Activities and Outdoor Program Activities and Outdoor Program Training (youth and adult) Training (youth and adult)

Function of Councils and District Council and District Help Council and District Help: Membership and relationships Finance Quality program Unit service

Unit Commissioners Friend Friend of the Troop BSA Represents the ideals, principles and policies of the BSA teach Helps teach best practices, solve challenges and reinforce training opportunities Counselor Counselor, external observer and empathetic coach, opens the Court’s of Honor.

Unit Commissioners Address: Poor youth retention. No youth retention. Stagnant or no program. Poor quality or no troop meetings. Uninvolved Parents. Shortage of active adults Untrained youth and adult leaders. Chartered organization’s dissatisfaction with the troop.

Summary The troop committee is vital to the well being of the Scoutmaster, the troop and the scouts. A Successful Troop is a reflection of not only a good Scoutmaster, but the backing of a well organized Troop Committee. There should be a friendly relationship between the Scoutmaster and the Committee. Training is available: Training is available: – “Troop Committee Challenge”.

Questions? Comments!