Volunteering
The success of our Troop requires cooperation and effort from every scout all the way up to their parents. Although Boy Scouts is “Boy Led” there are still some roles that require the responsibility and maturity of the adults.
Please consider helping in one of these roles:
RECRUITING
Matching adult volunteer skills and interests to the current needs of the Troop; Facilitation of Webelo communication and CUB Pack Crossover ceremonies
RECOGNITION
Rank Advancement Board, Eagle banner, Court of Honor planning, Volunteer recognition and appreciation
FUNDRAISING
Garage sale, Camp Cards, Popcorn, Flags, Holiday Greenery, Poinsettias; Products, vendors, sourcing, pricing, storage, delivery, goals, selling strategies, motivation and tools
FINANCIAL / TREASURY
Oversight and control of Troop income and expenses, fundraising activities, individual scout accounts, dues, deposits and reimbursements
COMMUNICATION & BRANDING
Photo web site, Facebook, newsletter, communication with CUB packs, PR activities, Alumni, Sponsors, Troop branding items (hats, decals, etc.)
OPERATIONS
Membership applications, re-charter, pictures, information management, Troop website, email lists, secretary, tracking of merit badges, training, camping and service hours, Troop calendar, weekly agenda
ADVANCEMENT
Parents help in several capacities for advancement including:
- Merit Badge Counselors – we need parents to sign up for subjects they know. Read bottom of this page for all details
- Boards of Review- for a scout to move from rank to rank, they need to have a board of review in which 3 or more parents speak with the scout. More info here: here is what to expect | here are some good questions to ask
- Advancement Coordinator – manage the paperwork to ensure a scout receives his advancements and badges
TRAINING
There are multiple levels of training available. Scroll to end to view opportunities available.
CAMPING / SUMMER CAMP / HIGH ADVENTURE (HA)
Destination and itinerary planning for troop and HA camping, pulling trailers; Trailer and camping equipment procurement, maintenance, repair and storage (tents, stoves, lanterns, propane, etc.)
COMMUNITY RELATIONS / SERVICE PROJECTS
Order of the Arrow, Scouting For Food, Community Flag Ceremonies, Salvation Army, Charter Organization Support
SAFETY & FIRST AID
Troop Medic, Medical Form updates and compliance, Emergency Simulations, Activity safety
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| QA. | If I don’t know much about camping and the outdoors, can I be a good Scout leader?Being a good Scout leader requires more than knowing how to camp. The strong character and leadership skills most volunteers bring to the program equip them to be successful Scouters. Additionally, outdoor training is provided for volunteers at all skill levels. |
| Q. | My family is very busy. How would I have time to be an effective leader? |
| A. | You will not have to carry the responsibilities alone. Other leaders and parents will be involved and provide collaboration and support. |
| Q. | Can women be Boy Scout leaders? |
| A. | Yes. Every volunteer and leadership position is open to women. In fact, more than one-third of Scout volunteers are women. |
| Q. | I’m not sure I know what to do. Is training available? |
| A. | There is a variety of training available specific to the position you hold and much of the basic training can be completed on line. More in-depth training is provided throughout the year and monthly round-table meetings enable you and other leaders to share ideas. |
| Q. | How do I know which opportunities are available and which of those would fit with my interests and skills? How do I get involved? |
| A. | A “menu” of opportunities with brief descriptions is listed above. Additionally, feel free to visit with our Scoutmaster, Committee Chair or any current Troop volunteer for more details. |
TRAINING OPPURTUNITIES
There are multiple online training sessions available. These are all offered via Scouting. It would be best to start with the Troop Committee training (link) and then take any other BSA course located here. ALL parents should take this online class as it’s quick/easy and effective to getting you familiar with Scouts!
The next level is to take Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS). This is a weekend trip locally offered 1x or 2x a year in the spring. This is an excellent weekend taught by other adult volunteers. Spring 2025 offering will be April 12/13, 2025 at Camp Guyasuta.
Woodbadge is the next level of training and represents a fantastic experience over 2 weekends. This is a national backed course that is offered locally. It’s also often regarded as a ‘life changing’ training event as it’s very powerful and a wonderful oppurtinuty to augment not just your scouting life, but your personal and career journey. Talk to a Woodbadge person and you will get a great feel for this experience. Details for 2025 are here.
There are several national offerings. These are normally outside the scope of what we need at the troop level. You will want to pass through the first levels before going to these national level training courses.