Starting a Troop background material
Steps to Create a New Troop:
Step 0: Marketing and Membership
Step 1: Chartered Organization Agreement
Every potential chartered organization must complete this agreement which outlines the responsibilities of the new chartered organization as well as the local council.
Step 2: New Unit Application
The new unit application collects the key information about the new chartered partner including the executive officer and location of the unit.
Step 3: Adult Leadership Identified, Recruited, and Trained
There must also be 5 adult members willing to fill the following positions:
All new adults must complete a BSA Adult Application. They must also complete the required background checks. Before an adult can be registered they also must complete Youth Protection Training.
At least two adults (Two-deep leadership) are required on every BSA activity, including meetings and Merit badge counseling.
A troop requires the following leaders who must complete online and outdoor training:
Chartered Organization Representative:
Must complete Youth Protection Training. Recommend completing Chartered Organization Representative Training
Committee Chair:
Must complete Youth Protection Training and Committee Training (available online at my.scouting.org)
Committee Member (need 2):
Must complete Youth Protection Training. Recommend completing Committee Training (available online atmy.scouting.org)
Scoutmaster:
- The boys troop and the girls troop scoutmaster must be different adults. See Family Scouting.
- Must complete Youth Protection Training, Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training (available online at my.scouting.org), and Introduction to Outdoor Skills (available in person only). Recommend completing Hazardous Weather Training (available online at my.scouting.org)
Assistant Scoutmaster (recommended):
Must complete Youth Protection Training. Recommend completing Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training and Hazardous Weather Training (available online at my.scouting.org), and Introduction to Outdoor Skills (available in person only)
Step 4: Program Planning
One of the key elements of all successful troops would be the troop’s annual program plan and planning conference. There are a number of great resources available to help with Program Planning. Here is a link to some of the best resources.
Step 5: Recruit Youth Members and Orient Parents
- Youth members are boys and girls 11-17 years old.
- The boys and girls make up separate troops or linked troops to serve today's families.
- All new youth need to complete a BSA Youth Application. Assigning a Committee Member to be a New Member Coordinator is a great way to help get youth and parents acclimated to the unit and Scouting.
- Provide Youth Leadership Training
Step 6: Turn all of the paperwork in and Get Scouting!
Completed Paperwork includes:
- Signed Chartered Organization Agreement
- New Unit Application
- Adult Applications, training, and background checks
- Youth Applications
- Appropriate Fees
- (optional) Boys’ Life Fee prorated
Step 7: Troop Meeting!
- The weekly troop meeting is the glue that holds a Scout troop together.
- Rank Advancement is the incentive to motivate the scouts and to new and increasingly difficult challenges.
The New-Unit Organization Process
Publications for Adult Volunteers
Steps to Join a Crew:
- Locate Your Council
- Contact Your Unit
- Complete the Application
- Start Your Adventure in Scouting