Adult Leadership

Scouting is a youth-led, youth-run program, but the youth must be trained to be leaders. Adult role models in Scouting provide an ideal learning experience for all youth. Every adult volunteer has something valuable to offer. On a typical weekend campout, Scouts might work with an adult volunteer who teaches the Fishing merit badge and with a Scout mom to learn orienteering, go on a 5-mile hike with another adult leader, and end the day learning how to clean and cook fresh fish from someone else.

The advantages of Scouting are not limited to youth. Adults also develop leadership and physical skills with every training experience.

Volunteers learn, too. Volunteers spend a significant amount of time to ensure the success of Scouting in their communities. The average Scout volunteer gives 20 hours of service each month, and 96 percent of volunteers say they would recommend volunteering for the BSA to other adults. In fact, volunteers believe their time invested with the Boy Scouts of America helps them be:

• A better citizen

• A better parent

• A better manager

• A better employee

• More patient and tolerant of others

• More open to new ideas and opinions

We need you to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers today’s youth with the skills they will need to lead tomorrow.

Training

In order for adults to go on Troop campouts, they must be fully trained. Training includes online Youth Protection and "This Is Scouting" training, Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster-specific training (3 segments), and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS). Training is offered by Twin Bayou District and other districts in the Sam Houston Area Council.

Online training is also available for adults interested in a Troop Committee position.

Do you have a career, skill, hobby, or interest that would make you a great Merit Badge Counselor? Becoming one is easy: attend a 1-1/2 hour general training course, and then apply to be a counselor for the badges you feel qualified to lead. Training is offered by Twin Bayou District.

All interested adults are encouraged to complete the requisite training. Links to MyScouting (online training) and the SHAC and Twin Bayou training schedules are above.

For questions about training, contact Rob Ascher at (212) 203-1061.