Position: SCOUT LEADER

Scouters in a Scout Group are called Troop Scouters and Scout Counsellors, and are members of a leadership team. A troop has a Scouter (who must be at least 21 years of age) responsible for the troop, and one or more Scout counsellors who must be at least 18 years of age.

Accountable to:

Group Commissioner

Time Required:

12-14 hours per month for planning and patrol/troop meetings, plus one weekend outing every two months. Additional time may be needed for training, Group Committee and Council meetings.

Scope of Position:

This position requires working as part of a leadership team conducting patrol/troop programs in accordance with guidelines in Scout program handbooks and By-Law, Policies and Procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Provide exciting weekly meetings, including at least six overnight camping experiences each year.
• Ensure that the health and safety of all members is maintained continually. This is a primary concern.
• Help all members to have a challenging personal growth experience while in the troop.
• Participate in troop planning meetings. Use program ideas, which emerge, from the Court of Honour.
• Develop close working relationships with other members of the leadership team and share the responsibilities of operating the troop with the Scout counsellors.
• Help carry out the weekly program.
• Support and participate in special meetings, including day trips, as well as short- and longterm camping experiences.
• Know and use resource materials available, including handbooks.
• Maintain good relationships with parents/guardians, and encourage activities, which involve parents/guardians.
• Encourage recruitment of members, and help the Group Committee recruit other leaders.
• Maintain good relationships with leaders in other Sections and attend Group Council, Group Committee and local Council meetings as required.
• Take training, including special interest and outdoor activity skills instruction.
• Meet specific requirements of the sponsoring body, where applicable.

Attitude:

"Selective recruitment" and "appropriate training" are two key ways to get and keep volunteers who will provide quality program opportunities to the children and youth in Scouting's Sections. New Scouting leaders will have been recruited principally because of their attitudes. Those involved in the recruiting process must be satisfied that the individual is:

Prepared to:

• Accept, and demonstrate personal values compatible with, Scouting's Mission and Principles.
• Subscribe to the Scout Section's program goals.
• Be comfortable with, enjoy, and care about Scout-aged youth in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Ensure that Scout-aged youth in the troop experience the outdoors on a frequent basis.
• Be accountable for his/her actions.
• Follow Scouting's policies and procedures.

Willing to:

• Acquire the knowledge and skills appropriate to his/her volunteer role in Scouts Canada.
• Work co-operatively with other adults.
• Be open and honest.
• Be objective in evaluations.
• Provide a role model of appropriate adult behaviour.
• Wear the official Scouter uniform.
• Participate in, and support, Scouts Canada volunteer screening measures.