The one attribute that every experienced troop leader will tell you about a successful troop is the involvement of parents and volunteers in the community. Scouts are energetic and enthusiastic but adults make the difference in providing structure, safety, mentorship, and continuity. This post discusses boy scout volunteer and parent involvement and why it makes a huge difference to all of us.
The Invisible Supporter of Every Great Troop
A collaborative team of adults can give time behind each and every successful camping trip, merit badge event and eagle ceremony. Chairs of committees run logistics and finance. Skill instruction is led by assistant scoutmasters. Merit badge counselors impart knowledge. The parents take care of carpools, cooking food and the countless coordination tasks. The best scoutmaster cannot maintain a good program without it. This is how supporting your scout troop looks like!
Roles Available for Parents and Volunteers
It isn’t only outdoor jobs or time-intensive ones that are available as volunteer positions. Here is how to volunteer with boy scouts:
- Troop Committee Member is in charge of administrative and financial aspects.
- The Merit Badge Counselor shares expertise and experience (professional or hobbies) to help complete the merit badge.
- Assistant Scoutmaster supports the outdoor program and the development of scouts directly
- Event Coordinator organizes and coordinates special events such as fundraisers or service projects
- Transportation Volunteer is responsible for reliable transportation to meetings and outings
The Training Path for New Volunteers
All registered volunteers must undertake BSA’s important Youth Protection Training course, which is an online course covering safeguarding standards and child safety protocols. In addition, there are training modules for various positions available online and via local councils. Cost-efficient training that takes a few hours not only helps volunteers comply, but makes a real difference in their interactions with and support of youth.
How Parent Engagement Impacts Scouts
Studies have repeatedly shown that when the children’s parents participate in their activities, the children do well. Parents who attend events, ask about meetings, and sometimes volunteer have Scouts who are more successful in advancement, remain longer in the program, and have better leadership skills. It is not necessary for you to go on all of the campouts; just being interested and reinforcing scouting values at home can make a tremendous difference.
Starting the Conversation
Conversation with others is a good way for scout troop community building. If you are a parent not sure how to become involved, begin by talking with your child’s Scoutmaster. Be honest about what you are interested and available to do. Most leaders are very grateful for any assistance and will readily give you a good purpose to serve. Likewise, individuals in the community who have special talents – doctors, engineers, artists, financial professionals, etc. – are outstanding merit badge counselors and are always needed.
Building Something That Lasts
Strong scouting communities, which invest in their troops and parent network, create troops that outlast any one person or generation of scouts. Service, commitment and teamwork are taught by adults, and there is nothing better than that kind of lesson. The single most important thing that a parent can do for their scout is to come to camp.