Troop 451 - Boy Leadership

Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others, and guides him towards the citizenship aim of Scouting.  Boy Scouts is a boy run program. The boys designate their junior leaders from candidates who meet the Boy Scout's requirements found in the Boy Scout Handbook. These junior leaders are responsible to provide a program based on the goals and objectives set in the Troop planning meeting. They also enforce Troop and Boy Scout rules and regulations.

To help Scouts prepare for leadership positions; all Scouts will be offered training in the Junior Leader Training Courses.  The requirements for Troop leadership will be acquiring First Class Rank, as well meeting the minimum age required by the training course. Scouts desiring to obtain a leadership position within the Troop must attend the Troop leadership training sessions held prior to each election period.

A Scout's leadership term will be determined by his actions while in the position. If the Scout handles the responsibilities of his position, he will receive credit for his term. If the Scout fails to handle the responsibilities of his position, he will not receive credit for his term. Each Scout position is reviewed by the corresponding adult position. For example the SPL is reviewed by Scoutmaster, Quartermaster reviewed by Adult Quartermaster, and Scribe reviewed by Adult Finance Chairperson.

Troop 451 - Junior Leader Requirements

The job of a Junior Leader is time consuming and rewarding. The Scout will be required to complete all tasks and assignments for the position in a timely manner. Some of the responsibilities include:

Leading their Patrol and Troop at meetings and other activities, including attendance at campouts and activities; Helping to decide the development of the Troop plans; Helps other Scouts master Scouting skills; Set a good example by being a role model for other Scouts; Maintaining an active status in the Troop throughout their tenure; Cannot miss more than two meetings in a row; Cannot miss more than six meetings in a six-month period.

Troop 451 - Troop Leadership Positions

Leadership Positions are offices held by a Scout where he must instruct and lead other Scouts. Scout Leadership positions help develops leadership skills. The Scout is appointed to these positions based on recommendations of the Senior Patrol Leader, with the Scoutmaster’s approval. Adult leaders help guide the Scout as he learns these skills.

All ranks above First Class require Leadership positions, except as indicated. The positions include Troop offices and Den Chief Positions.

Troop Cheermaster

The Cheermaster is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and is responsible for keeping morale high in the Troop.

Duties

● Keep Troop and Patrol morale high.

● Coordinate participation with patrols and adults for campfire programs.

● Learn songs, yells, stunts and campfire programs.

● Sets a good example, lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law and shows Scout Spirit

● Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly

● Show Scout spirit.

● If absent, make sure these duties are covered by another person.

Troop 451 Cheermaster Suggestions for Improvements:

• Put together Campfire planning materials to assist future Cheermasters and patrols in putting on consistent campfire programs at outings
• Update and utilize Troop 451 Songbooks prepared by previous Woodbadge participants
• Pick a song of the month and include it in the opening so that the troop has songs that it is familiar with and can perform regularly
• Organize and hold Skit, Song and Cheer competitions as part of game time with awards to promote patrol unity and creativity
• Work to require that Campfire assignments on outings be assigned, planned and approved similar to menus and work assignments
• Make a photo guided “how to” section for Cheermaster duties to include in this Handbook
• Participate in Troop planning sessions to plan campfire programs in advance.

Resources

As the Cheermaster, there are many resources available to you to help you do your job. These include people such as your Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, and Troop committee members. Other resources include the reference material below, but most of all your imagination and enthusiasm should be your greatest resource.  Your enthusiasm will assist the other scouts in participating in these scouting traditions:

● http://macscouter.com/campfire/index.asp - comprehensive planning guide as well as multiple examples of skits, yells, cheers songs and anything else you could possibly need as Cheermaster

● http://www.boyscouttrail.com/skits.asp - resource for boy scout skits

● http://www.boyscouttrail.com/jokes.asp - resource for boy scout jokes

● http://www.boyscouttrail.com/songs.asp - resource for boy scout songs

● http://www.scouter.com/compass/Campfires/ - interesting overall resource regarding campfires planning

● http://www.scoutorama.com/skit/ - resource for boy scout skits

● http://www.scoutorama.com/song/ - resource for boy scout songs

• http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/skills/b-p/wb/campfire.htm