The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.
The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered organization.
The Scoutmaster's duties include:
Train and guide youth leaders.
Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to the youth.
Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
Attend troop committee meetings.
Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.
Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences for all rank advancements in preparations for Boards of Review.
Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are promptly registered.
Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
Supervise troop elections for youth leadership positions and for nominations to the Order of the Arrow.
Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.
Participate in council and district events.
Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.
Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.
As you see, the Scoutmaster has many responsibilities.
To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America (there must be at least two adults present at any Boy Scout activity). An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster's absence.
Types of assistant Scoutmasters include:
Assistant Scoutmaster - New Scouts
Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture Patrol Advisor
A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. It has been found that many successful troops have three or more.