Troop Guide 

The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable, learn skills and earn the first few ranks.  His goal in working with the new Scouts during his term is to help them earn the First Class rank during their first year of Scouting.  The Troop Guide is elected for a six-month term beginning in February or August and must be at least First Class rank himself and have been a member of the troop for one year or more.  If there is more than one Troop Guide during a single term, then the Troop Guides should work together.  More specifically, the Troop Guide(s) should:

      1)     Introduce new Scouts to troop operations

2)     Guide new Scouts through early scouting activities at meetings, outings and campouts

3)     Come up with and carry out a new Scout advancement program that includes coaching new Scouts through the skills and requirements of the first few ranks. 

4)     Teach basic Scout skills to new Scouts and line up other Scouts to help teach new Scouts when additional assistance is necessary.

5)     Shield new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts.

In order to be an effective Troop Guide, you should expect to attend nearly all troop functions. In order to receive leadership credit from the Scoutmaster during your tenure, you are expected to attend:

 •75% of all troop meetings, patrol meetings, business meetings and Courts of Honor

•75% of all other troop activities (i.e. Scout Skills Day, Scout Show), outings (i.e. climbing day), service projects (i.e. Flag Plant, Community Food Share), and Eagle projects.  Merit Badge classes/MBU are not intended to be included here and/or count towards this requirement.

•at least three campouts during the term of office

•all Patrol Leader’s Council Meetings unless excused ahead of time by the SPL (maximum of two excused absences and no unexcused).  If there is more than one Troop Guide, then at least one should plan to attend the PLC while the other works with the new Scouts unless the SPL, Scoutmaster, or designee of either one requests that both Troop Guides attend.

•Junior Leader Training (either one day or weeklong) unless you have previously attended either training and/or unless excused by the Scoutmaster for a valid conflict (maximum of one excused absence in a Scouting career)

As a leader, you should set the example by wearing the proper uniform, being on time, and communicating effectively with both youth and adults. Live the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.

Last update March 8, 2006