A Scout Leader generally refers to the trained adult leader of a Scout unit. The terms used vary from country to country, over time, and with the type of unit. This article is about the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts/Girl Guides organizations. ...

Roles

There are many different roles a leader can fulfill depending on the type of unit. Positions are usually voluntary and are often divided between 'uniform' and 'lay' roles.

Uniformed Scout Leaders are primarily responsible for organising the activities of the group, and training the youth members through the Scout programme. Other roles include liaison with parents, districts, or other parties such as the unit's sponsoring organisation.

Lay supporters are not always termed Scout Leaders; although they may assist with activities and training, they do not always hold a formal position and may not have received training. Beyond the Scout programme, lay supporters may take responsibility for administrative tasks such as budgets, managing properties, recruitment, equipment, transport, and many other roles.

The roles of leaders in senior units like Venture Scout, Explorer Scout and Rover Scout sections tend to be consultative, with much of the administration and activity planning in the hand of older Scouts, while in junior units like Cub Scout and Scout sections, the adult leaders need to take a more central role. A Venture Scout in Singapore is a Scout between the age of 16 and 18. ... This term should not be confused with Explorer Scouts, which is/was a program of the Boy Scouts of America. ... Rover Scouting is a service division of Scouting for young men, and in some countries, women. ... Cub Scouts in uniform from Hong Kong A Cub Scout is a member of the section of the worldwide Scouting movement for young persons, mainly boys normally aged 8–10. ...

Beyond the group are further uniformed positions (sometimes called Commissioners) at levels such as district, county, council or province, depending on the structure of the national organisation. They also work along with lay teams and professionals. Training teams and other related functions are often formed at these levels. Some countries appoint a Chief Scout as the most senior uniformed member.

Training, screening and appointment of leaders

Scout Leaders participate in a series of training courses, typically aiming for the Wood Badge as the main qualification of an adult leader in Scouting. In most countries, Wood Badge holders can wear a Gilwell woggle, scarf and Wood Badge beads. Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations around the world. ... For the campsite in Victoria, Australia, see Gilwell Park (Victoria). ... A woggle is a device to fasten the neckerchief, or scarf, worn as part of the Scout uniform. ...

Scout Leaders are given a formal appointment (called a warrant in many countries). Before appointing an adult leader, most associations perform background checks on candidates to ensure their suitability for working with children.

Terminology

Robert Baden-Powell initially used the terms Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for adult leaders, and these terms are still used in some countries and units. As the word master picked up old-fashioned connotations, it was replaced by other terms such as Scout Leader or Scouter in many Commonwealth countries, following The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB (February 22, 1857 - January 8, 1941) was a soldier, writer and founder of the world scouting movement. ... A Scoutmaster is the adult leader of a Troop in Boy Scouts. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... It has been suggested that Gimmie 5 be merged into this article or section. ...

United States(US)

In the Boy Scouts of America, in all Scouting units above the Cub Scout Pack, that is to say, in all those units serving adolescent Scouts, leadership of the unit comprises both adult leaders (Scouters) and youth leaders (Scouts). In fact, this is a critical component of the program. In order to learn leadership, the youth must actually serve in leadership roles. For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... Polish Boy Scouts fighting in the Warsaw Uprising Boy Scouts originally denoted the organization that developed and rapidly grew up during 1908 in the wake of the publication by Lord Robert Baden-Powell of his book Scouting for Boys. ...

A properly run Boy Scout Troop, therefore, is run by the Senior Patrol Leader, who is elected by the troop, and his assistant(s), who may either be elected or appointed. These and the other youth leaders are advised and supported by the adult leaders.

Adult leaders

Amongst the volunteers who provide Troop level adult leadership and support (in the US, collectively called Scouters), there are Scoutmasters (including Assistant Scoutmasters) and Committee Members. Both positions require adults to join the troop by registration. The registration process for adult leaders includes a personal reference and criminal background check, nomination by the Committee Chairman, followed by appointment by the Chartering Orgranization and concluding with acceptance by the District Executive (a professional Scouter who is an employee of the local Scout Council). Note, a Scouter may be a registered member of more than one unit. Example: a Webelos Den Leader in a Cub Pack also volunteers as an Advancement Committee Member in an older son's Boy Scout Troop.

Both Scoutmaster and Committee Members are encouraged at specific events to wear their uniforms.

There is a training continuum for both Scoutmasters and Committee Members. The training continuum for both positions includes "Youth Protection", "Fast Start" and "New Leader's Essentials". At this point the two continuums divide. In order to be "Trained" (and entitled to wear the "Trained" patch on their uniform) Committee Members must complete a fourth course "The Troop Committee Challenge." In order for Scoutmasters to wear the "Trained" patch they must complete "Scoutmaster Fundamentals" and "Introduction to Outdoor Leadership." Within 12-18 months of obtaining the status of "Trained", both Committee Members and Scoutmasters are encouraged to enroll in "21st Century Wood Badge" training.

Scoutmasters are responsible for developing and delivering the "Program" or the training of youth leadership in how to plan and run a Scout Troop's activities. The Members of the Committee are responsible for "Service" or provisioning the troop with the necessary goods and services that allow the Scoutmasters to focus solely on the program.

Committee Members may interact with Scouts. For example, they may be assisted by youth leaders (see Quartermaster) or they may provide technical training to the Scouts as Merit Badge Counselors. Committee Members most important direct interaction with Scouts occurs during Boards of Review. Committee Members assemble in groups of 3 to 6 in order to constitute Boards of Review. After a Scoutmaster has conducted a Scoutmaster Conference with the Scout and determined he is ready for advancement, a Scout must meet with a Board of Review. An important function of the Board of Review is to allow the Committee to collect data from the individual scouts about the success of the Program and deliver that feedback to the Scoutmasters. In this role, a Board of Review may also meet with a Scout whose advancement progress has stalled.

Like all Scouters, the Scoutmaster for a Troop is first nominated by the Committee, then appointed by the Chartering Organization and then finally accepted by the District Executive. The Committee Members elect a Committee Chairman. In the event that the Scoutmaster is unavailable, the Committee Chairman steps in until a new scoutmaster is obtained. The Committee also accepts the Troop schedule and budget as developed each year by the Patrol Leader's Council advised by the Scoutmaster.

While it is true that in some Troops, the Scoutmaster may be the person with the most tenure and committee membership may be transitory and in other cases the opposite may be true, effective Troops work to ensure there is balance of experienced adults working together as a team to deliver the both the best possible service and program to the Troop.

There are similar service and program splits for adult leadership in Cub Scouts, Venturing and Varsity. While there is only limited opportunity for youth leadership in Cub Scouts (see Den Chief), youth leadership takes an even stronger role in providing both service and program in Venturing.

The leader of a Cub Scout Pack is referred to as Cubmaster and he or she may be assisted by Assistant Cubmasters. Since almost all program leadership at the Cub Scouting level is adult, the Cubmaster is also assisted by any number of Den Parents or Den Leaders.

Varsity Scout Units have a Team Coach, Venture Scouting Units have a Crew Advisor, and Sea Scouting Units have a Skipper. All of these terms are used for the men or women who fill the role as the adults responsible for maintaining the program by advising the unit's youth leaders on how to plan and lead the unit's activities. Varsity Scouting is part of the Boy Scout Division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... Sea scouts are members of the international scouting movement, with a particular emphasis on sea-based activities. ...

Youth leaders

In the Boy Scout Troop, youth leaders include Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s), Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Quartermaster, Librarian, Chaplain Aide, Bugler, Historian, Den Chief, Troop Guide, Order of the Arrow Representative and Instructor.

United Kingdom

The term Scoutmaster was used originally, but the term Scout Leader is now used. Other adult leaders in the Scout Troop are called Assistant Scout Leaders. Terms used in other sections are Cub Scout Leader, Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Explorer Scout Leader, Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, and so on. The Scout Group is lead by a Group Scout Leader. When Rover Scouts existed, there were Rover Scout Leaders and Assistant Rover Scout Leaders. Collectively all adult leaders are called Scouters. Rover Scouting is a service division of Scouting for young men, and in some countries, women. ...

Australia

The terms used in Australia are the same as those used in the United Kingdom. In the self-governing Rover Section, Crews can have Rover Advisors who are over the upper age for Rover Scouts of 26, and are, as their name suggests, advisers rather than leaders. The Crew Leader, a Rover elected to lead the Crew is the true head of a Rover Crew. The younger sections are led by Scout Leaders and Assistant Scout Leaders. At district level, these leaders are supported by District Leader - Section and the District Commissioner. Region leaders are Region Assistant Commissioners - Section, with a Region Commissioner. This format is also used in an expanded form at Branch level.

South Africa

The South African Scout Association decided in the early 90s to change the name of a Scoutmaster to Scouter. The reason for this change was due to negative connotations of the word master. The terms Troop Scouter and Pack Scouter are used for adult leaders of Scout Troops and Cub Packs. Rover Crews are led by a Crew Leader. The South African Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognized Scouting association in South Africa. ...

In other countries, Scouter refers to any adult leader, professional Scout employee, or any Scout alumnus.

See also

Scouting Portal

Image File history File links Scout_logo2. ...

External links

v • d • e Scouting Topics

23 articles The Scouting Movement Scouting • Scouting for Boys • Scout method • Scout Law • Scout Promise • Scout Motto • Wood Badge • Age Groups in Scouting and Guiding • Cub Scout • Boy Scout • Rover Scout • Brownie • Girl Guide and Girl Scout • Ranger (Girl Guide) • Jamboree • Scout Leader • WOSM • WAGGGS • Non-aligned organisations • Scouting controversy and conflict • Scouting in popular culture • List of notable Scouts • List of highest awards in Scouting Image File history File links Scout_logo2. ... Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... This article is about the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts/Girl Guides organizations. ... Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft is the first book on Scouting. ... The Scout method is the principal method by which all Scouting organizations operate their units. ... Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. ... // Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. ... The Scout motto of the Scout Movement is Be Prepared. ... Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations around the world. ... Scouting and Guiding organisations are currently divided up into different age groups for the purposes of providing suitable Scouting and Guiding programmes to young people across the world. ... Cub Scouts in uniform from Hong Kong A Cub Scout is a member of the section of the worldwide Scouting movement for young persons, mainly boys normally aged 8–10. ... Polish Boy Scouts fighting in the Warsaw Uprising Boy Scouts originally denoted the organization that developed and rapidly grew up during 1908 in the wake of the publication by Lord Robert Baden-Powell of his book Scouting for Boys. ... Rover Scouting is a service division of Scouting for young men, and in some countries, women. ... A Brownie is a young person, aged between seven and ten, who is a member of a Guide Association. ... A Girl Guide is a girl, usually ranging from 10 to 17 years of age, participating in the worldwide Scouting movement. ... A Ranger or Ranger Guide is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is in her later teens or early twenties. ... In Scouting, a jamboree is a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level. ... The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is the supranational organization which governs most national Scout Movements, with 28 million members. ... The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is a global association supporting the female-oriented and female-only Scouting organizations in 144 countries. ... The Scout Movement has led to the formation of many Scouting organizations around the world. ... Scouting is a worldwide youth movement aimed at developing young people physically, mentally and spiritually, so that they may play a constructive role in society. ... Smokey Bear with members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls celebrating the 50th anniversary of their founding in 1910. ... This is a List of famous Scouts and Scouters. ... Following is a list of the highest awards attainable in various Scouting organizations worldwide. ... 20 articles Scouting in the United States Scouting in the United States • Girl Scouts of the USA • GSUSA Local Councils • Girl Scout levels (USA) • Boy Scouts of America • Cub Scouting • Boy Scouting • Varsity Scouting • Venturing BSA • Sea Scouting • Order of the Arrow • BSA Advancement & recognition • Eagle Scout • Notable Eagle Scouts • History of merit badges • History of the BSA • BSA Uniform & insignia • Boy Scout Handbook • BSA Local Councils • BSA membership controveries Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... Scouting in the United States can refer to Scouting associations that are recognized by one of the international Scouting organizations as well as independent groups that are considered to be Scout-likeor otherwise Scouting related. ... The Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. ... The Girl Scouts of the USA have five age levels: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior. ... For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), available to some boys from first through fifth-grade, or 7–10 years of age and their families. ... Boy Scouting is a part of the program that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers for boys and young men. ... Varsity Scouting is part of the Boy Scouting program of the BSA. It is an alternative available to boys ages fourteen through seventeen that takes the basic Boy Scouting program and adds high adventure, sporting, and other elements that are more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of... Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... Sea Scouts is part of the Boy Scouts of Americas program for young adults, men and women, who are generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... Since its inception, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has had a tradition of advancement, honors and recognition. ... An Eagle Scout is a Scout with the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... The Eagle Scout medal is presented to Scouts who earn the Eagle Scout rank. ... BSA Merit Badge Samples: Gardening, Type A (center); Fish & Wildlife Management, Type J (upper right); Citizenship In The Home, Type E (lower right); Collections, Type H (lower left); Camping, Type D (upper left). ... The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was inspired by and modeled on the Boy Scout Association, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907. ... The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ... The Boy Scouts is the official handbook of the Boy Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America. ... The Boy Scouts of America, the largest youth organization in the United States, has policies which prohibit atheists, agnostics, and known or avowed homosexuals from membership in its Scouting program; both youths and adults have had their memberships revoked as a result. ... 15 articles Scouting in the United Kingdom The Scout Association • Girlguiding UK • Beaver Scouts • Cub Section (UK) • Venture Scout • Explorer Scouts • Brownie (Girl Guides) • Ranger (Girl Guide) • Rainbow (Girl Guides) • Scout Network • Chief Scout (United Kingdom) • Scout Counties • Scout District • Scout Section (UK) • Scout Activity Centre • Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... It has been suggested that Gimmie 5 be merged into this article or section. ... Girlguiding UK is the national Guiding organisation of the United Kingdom. ... Beaver Scouts (shortened to Beavers), are a section of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom for 6 to 8 year olds. ... The Cub Section (often shortened to Cubs) is a section of the UK Scout Association open to 8-10½ year olds. ... A Venture Scout in Singapore is a Scout between the age of 16 and 18. ... This term should not be confused with Exploring, which is/was a program of the Boy Scouts of America. ... A Brownie is a young person, aged between seven and ten, who is a member of a Guide Association. ... A Ranger or Ranger Guide is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is in her later teens or early twenties. ... A Rainbow is a girl, typically aged between five and seven, who is a member of the Guide Association, the female form of Scouting. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into The Scout Association. ... The position of Chief Scout in the United Kingdom started with the appointment of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, as Chief Scout. ... The UK is split into many scout counties: England Avon Bedfordshire Royal Berkshire Birmingham Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Central Yorkshire Cheshire Cleveland Cornwall City of Coventry Cumbria Derbyshire Devon Dorset Durham East Lancashire East Sussex Essex Gloucestershire Greater London Middlesex West Greater London North Greater London North East Greater London South Greater... A Scout District is an administrative division within some Scouting and Guiding organisations. ... The Scout section in the UK Scout Association is divided into Troops, and are open to 10-14 year olds. ... A Scout Activity Centre is a campsite, hostel or conference centre of The Scout Association. ... 15 articles Founders, pioneers, and notable leaders Robert Baden-Powell • Olave Baden-Powell • Agnes Baden-Powell • Daniel Carter Beard • William D. Boyce • Frederick Russell Burnham • George Thomas Coker • Olga Drahonowska-Małkowska • Charles Eastman • Arthur Rose Eldred • Andrzej Małkowski  • Ernest Thompson Seton • William A. Smith • James E. West • J. S. Wilson Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB (22 February 1857 – 8 January 1941), also known as B-P, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement. ... Olave Baden-Powell as Chief Guide for Britain in 1919 Olave St Clair Baden-Powell, Baroness Baden-Powell, GBE (February 22, 1889 – 19 June 1977) was born Olave St Clair Soames in Chesterfield, England. ... Agnes Baden-Powell (16 December 1858 – 2 June 1945) was younger than her brother Robert Baden-Powell, and at the time she agreed to take over the Girl Guides, this new experience for girls, she was already in her early 50s. ... Daniel Carter (Uncle Dan) Beard (June 21, 1850– June 11, 1941) was an American illustrator, author, and social reformer from Covington, Kentucky. ... William D. Boyce William Dickson Boyce (June 16, 1858- June 11, 1929), was an American entrepreneur, best known today for founding the Boy Scouts of America. ... Frederick Russell Burnham, DSO (1861-1947), an American scout and world travelling adventurer is best known for his service to the British Army in Colonial Africa and for teaching woodcraft (i. ... George Thomas Coker (born July 14, 1943) is a retired US Navy commander, honored with the Navy Cross for his leadership as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War, and a Distinguished Eagle Scout noted for his devotion to Scouting. ... Wedding photo of Olga and Andrzej MaÅ‚kowski Olga Drahonowska-MaÅ‚kowska (b. ... Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman (Sioux: Ohiyesa, February 19, 1858 - January 8, 1939) was a Native American author, physician and reformer. ... Arthur Eldred, 1912, BSAs first Eagle Scout. ... Andrzej MaÅ‚kowski Wedding photo of Olga and Andrzej MaÅ‚kowski Andrzej Juliusz MaÅ‚kowski (b. ... Ernest Thompson Seton (August 14, 1860 - October 23, 1946) was a noted author and founding pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America. ... Sir William Alexander Smith (October 27, 1854 - May 10, 1914), the founder of the Boys Brigade, was born in Pennyland House, Thurso, Scotland. ... Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of childrens rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), serving from 1911-1943. ... J.S. Wilson with Mishima Michiharu, Chief Scout of Japan, at the national training camp at Lake Yamanaka, on the slopes of Mount Fujiyama, December 1952 Scouting Round the World Colonel John Skinner Belge Wilson was a Scottish Scouting luminary and friend and contemporary of General Baden-Powell, recruited by... 12 articles Prominent places Baden-Powell House • Brownsea Island • Edith Macy Conference Center • Foxlease • Gilwell Park • Kandersteg • Our Cabaña • Our Chalet • Pax Hill • Pax Lodge • Philmont • Sangam Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... Baden-Powell House, colloquially known as B-P House, is a Scouting hostel and conference center for members of The Scout Association. ... Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Edith Macy Conference Center is a conference and training facility owned by the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and is located in Briarcliff Manor, New York. ... Foxlease is a training and activity centre of Girlguiding UK near Lyndhurst, Hampshire, UK. The Foxlease estate has been owned and managed by Girlguiding UK since 1922. ... For the campsite in Victoria, Australia, see Gilwell Park (Victoria). ... Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) is an international Scout centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland and is the only world centre of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). ... Our Cabaña is an international Scout centre of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) located in Cuernavaca, Mexico. ... Our Chalet is an international Girl Guide/Girl Scout centre and one of four World Centres of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). ... Pax Hill, near Bentley, Hampshire, England, was the family home of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, and his wife, Olave, for over twenty years during the 20th century. ... Pax Lodge is the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Centre in London, England. ... Philmont Scout Ranch is a large, rugged, mountainous ranch located near the town of Cimarron in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico. ... Sangam (devanagari: संगम) is one of the four meeting centers of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). ... 5 articles Other Scouting articles Scouting organizations and associations • Mafeking Cadet Corps • The Scout Association of Hong Kong • South African Scout Association • Scouts Canada Image File history File links Hatcombine. ... The Mafeking Cadets, with their leader Sergeant-Major Warner Goodyear on the right. ... The Scout Association of Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港童軍總會) is the overall Scouting organisation in Hong Kong. ... The South African Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognized Scouting association in South Africa. ... Scouts Canada is a Scout association and member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, in affiliation with the French-language Association des Scouts du Canada. ...