(Copied from MeritBadge.org: I expect we will refine it to match Troop 166 specialization)
Many hands make for light work. We share the workload among many adults, mostly scout parents. Most folks only know a part of the whole list of job duties and details, if you are ever unsure, ask the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. We have tried to give you a list here to help find the right direction. You should then look in the Troop Directory to find contact information.
The Chain of communications all filters through the Scoutmaster, with boys on one side and adults on the other, particularly the Troop Committee. We keep a steady flow of communication from scout to patrol leader, to senior patrol leader to scoutmaster to committee to parents and back again. Most of the time using the troop email lists, but also by phone or text. The third leg of the troop is our Sponsoring Organization: Wedgwood Presbyterian Church who also need to be kept in the loop for many of the decisions involving troop 166.
As a Linked-Troop the Girls and the Boys officially have separate Troops, however we share the Adult Committee and the Sponsoring Organization. In Troop 166, while ensuring the girls have ownership of their own leadership and decision making structure, we want to integrate the Girls and Boys to act as a coed Troop. The Scout Master for the Girls is the specific conduit for communication between the Adults and the Girls, and the facilitator for the Girl-Led leadership structure. We run things as a Scout-Led troop, so the Girls have their own leadership structure and procedures. The Scoutmaster for Girls-166 provides advice and encouragement within that structure.
Currently this position also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boys, working under the Scoutmaster for Boys 166.
Troop 166 likes to have several Assistant Scoutmasters. The job duties vary according to the individual, however this position provides an extension and support for the Scoutmasters in their duties, and addition adults in uniform to provide guidance for the Scouts.
is responsible for conducting the business of the troop, setting policy, and helping the Scoutmaster and Scouts with the outdoor program and other planned activities. The committee also has the responsibility to provide adults for boards of review. This is an important responsibility and is one area where help is always needed and appreciated. The committee consists of parent volunteers who fulfill various roles on the committee.
The Chartered Organization Representative is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization. This individual is also the organization's contact with the district committee and the Local Council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council. The Chartered Organization Representative appoints the unit committee chair.
The unit committee chair is appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. The unit committee chairman appoints and supervises the unit committee and unit leaders.
The unit secretary is appointed by the committee chairman to keep minutes and records, send notices, and handle publicity.
The unit treasurer is appointed by the committee chairman to handle unit funds, pay bills, maintain accounts, coordinate the annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign, and supervise fundraising.
The unit advancement chair is appointed by the committee chairman to ensure that the unit has at least monthly boards of review, quarterly courts of honor, and that the unit has goals of helping each Scout advance a rank each year and for new Scouts to reach First Class rank during their first year. The advancement coordinator is also responsible for record keeping and submitting advancement reports.
The unit equipment coordinator is appointed by the committee chairman to work with the youth Quartermaster and is responsible inventory, storage, and maintenance of unit equipment.
The unit outdoor/activities chair is appointed by the committee chairman to secure tour permits and permission to use camping site, serve as transportation coordinator, ensure a monthly outdoor program.
The unit membership chair is appointed by the committee chairman to help ensure a smooth transition of new Scouts into the unit and orientation for new parents.
The unit training chair is appointed by the committee chairman to ensure training opportunities are available, maintain training records and materials, and is responsible for BSA Youth Protection training.
The unit public relations chair is appointed by the committee chairman to inform parents of their responsibilities in Scouting and with the chartered organization. Provides news and announcements about the unit to newspapers, bulletins of sponsors, web sites, etc. Promotes and stimulates service projects, Scouting Anniversary Week, Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath, and family participation in unit events. Promotes new membership and lets people in the neighborhood know that Scouting is available.
The unit Friends of Scouting chair is appointed by the committee chairman to work closely with the unit committee on public relations for FOS; conducts annual FOS campaign to enroll family members and adult leaders in FOS; gives recognition to contributors and enrollees.
The unit Scouting for Food chair is appointed by the committee chairman to coordinate an annual food drive for the unit and reports the result to the district.
The Unit Fundraising Chair, also called the "Popcorn Kernel" in some councils, is appointed by the committee chairman to supervise Fundraising and ensure that every youth member has the opportunity to participate in Popcorn sales or other council Fundraising events.
The ScoutParents Unit Coordinator is an appointed member of the unit committee or can be an assistant unit leader. Their job is to welcome parents, keep them informed, and encourage them to help with at least one specific task or project each year. Larger units might choose to have more than one ScoutParents unit coordinator. The ScoutParents unit coordinator position became official June 1, 2008 and the position code is "PS." The ScoutParents unit coordinator must be at least 21 years old, complete an adult application, and pay the same registration fee as other adult leaders. Find Fast Start Training for unit coordinators online. Newly printed youth applications also mention the ScoutParents program. A checkbox in the parent section lets parents commit to being active ScoutParents. By entering an e-mail address, they can receive information from council, district, and unit leaders about ways to get involved. ScoutParents.org web site.
