What You Need to Know About Being a Scout Troop Leader

What is a Scout Troop Leader?

A Scout Troop Leader is an individual charged with the task of looking after and encouraging those Scouts in his troop. Originally referred to as a Scoutmaster the term was dropped in favour of Scout Troop Leader so that it could be applied to both men and women responsible for Boy and Girl Scout troops.

Generally the leader of a Scout Troop will be a trained adult and they will have had many years experience as a Scout themselves, moving up through the ranks and finally being nominated to become a Scout Troop Leader themselves.

A Scout Troop Leader will be responsible for the organising and overseeing of activities undertaken by his troop which might include anything from day trips, camping, hiking, arts and crafts, and a variety of outdoor pursuits or assisting in their local community.

Initially the terms Scoutmaster and Cub Leader were used but these have now been replaced in most Commonwealth countries by the phrases Scout Troop Leader, Scout Leader or Scouter.

What Does A Scout Troop Leader Do?

A Scout Troop Leader is responsible first and foremost for those scouts in his troop; this includes their personal safety whilst in his care as well as during any activities that might be undertaken. He or she is also responsible for the setting of tasks which may be used to judge a scout on their merits in order to be awarded certain merit badges.

Primarily a Scout Troop Leader’s role is to instil confidence and self-awareness in his or her Scouts and to promote a healthy friendly environment for all those in attendance.

In the Venture Scout movement a Scout Troop Leader will take a more administrative approach and will leave the commanding of a troop to more senior scouts but with groups such as the Cub Scouts he or she will take a more hands on approach and be responsible for the group themselves.

From an administrative viewpoint a Scout Troop Leader will be required to make proper provisions for any activities undertaken such as the procurement of any equipment needed, laying on of transport, the overseeing of budgets and other issues which may have a bearing on how a troop operates.

It is worth mentioning at this point that above a Scout Troop Leader will be what is sometimes known as a Commissioner – an individual who may be installed at county or regional level to oversee all troops within their area.

How Do You Become A Scout Troop Leader?

In order to become a Scout Troop Leader you must participate in a set number of training courses which are designed so that you can be awarded what is known as a Wood Badge. This Wood Badge is only awarded after a number of classroom and practical outdoor-based activities are completed to the satisfaction of the adjudicating body.

Upon successful completion of these tasks Scout Troop Leaders are awarded an official appointment – sometimes referred to as a ‘warrant’. It should be noted that – as always when working with children, the elderly or those people categorised as of a vulnerable disposition – a disclosure is required from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in order to confirm suitability.

If you are interested in joining the Scout movement you can visit their website or visit their local Scout hall – there should be one in or around your locale.

If you do not wish to join the Scouts you can become a volunteer but as with the other roles we have mentioned a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure is required.