TROOP GUIDE

OBJECTIVE:

Troop Guides are the people who help the newest scouts understand the program and become assimilated into the troop. They help the new scouts fit into their patrol, get through their advancement, and learn about scoutmaster's conferences and progress reviews. Guides should also help the new scouts learn how the patrol system works. Finally, guides should act as the new scout’s big broth­er, making sure none of the older scouts pick on them.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Troop Guide's job is one of the most important leadership positions in the troop. The Troop Guide is a vital link in the leadership chain. He, more than any other leader, has direct contact with the youngest scouts in the troop. It is very important that he set a good example for his patrol members. If this job isn’t done well, new scouts might lose interest, and the troop could be in trouble.

The Troop Guide should get to know and become friends with all the first year scouts. Information gets to the youngest scouts in the troop through their Troop Guide. He is the one who attends leadership meetings and carries the information to his patrol members. He is the key person in the telephone and electronic communications for his patrol. On outings, he is responsible to know the schedule and have his patrol ready for everything that happens.

At troop meetings the Troop Guide works with the new scouts in patrol activities and meetings. He teaches them how the troop functions and helps them prepare for weekend activities. Troop Guides work with younger scouts on advancement. They help by reviewing requirements, getting advancement documented, and preparing them for progress reviews.

During the week the Troop Guide devotes time to his leadership position. He coordinates patrol meetings, makes sure menus are ready for camping trips and shopping gets done, and prepares for events like the Klondike, First Aid Meet, and camping trip competitions.

On camping trips, the Troop Guide stays with the patrol of new scouts, and teaches them everything they’ll need to know when they move up into a regular patrol. The Troop Guide makes sure his patrol's campsite gets set up, meals get cooked, cleanup gets done, and that the patrol is prepared to participate in the rest of the troop's activities.

At summer camp, the Troop Guide helps assign table waiters, makes sure the patrol campsite is kept clean, and supervises the patrol when it has a camp duty to perform. He also helps them with their Dan Beard activities.

Participation is essential for a Troop Guide. If he isn't there his patrol won't function properly. This spoils things for everyone else in the patrol.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Be First Class or higher.

2. Have a 75% attendance record at both meetings and activities.

3. Be interested in working with younger scouts.

4. Previous leadership experience preferred

COMMITMENT:

1. I will not take a leave of absence during my term as Troop Guide unless it is pre-coordinated with the Scoutmaster prior to submitting this application.

2. I will not miss more than 4 meetings and 2 activities during my 6 month term as Troop Guide

3. If I am forced to miss a meeting or activity, I will make sure other troop guides can cover or arrange to have one of the ASPLs fill in for me and will make sure that he has everything he needs to do a good job.

4. I will be at summer camp (if a guide during this time)

5. I will devote outside time, in addition to time spent at troop functions, to my role as Troop Guide.

6. I will carry out the duties described above.