Parents & Volunteers: The Heart of Scouting

Your involvement makes a world of difference. Learn how you can support and contribute.

The Parent's Role in Scouting

As a parent, your encouragement and support are key to your child's successful Scouting journey. While Scouts learn independence, parental involvement enhances their experience and the overall program.

What to Expect:

  • Regular communication from troop leaders about activities and progress.
  • Opportunities to participate in family events and certain outings.
  • Witnessing your child develop new skills, confidence, and friendships.
  • A commitment to helping your child attend meetings and events regularly.

How to Support Your Scout:

  • Encourage participation in meetings, activities, and service projects.
  • Help them work on advancements and merit badges at home.
  • Listen to their experiences and celebrate their achievements.
  • Volunteer your time and talents when possible (see below!).
  • Communicate openly with troop leaders about any concerns or questions.
Parent helping a scout with a project

Volunteer: Make an Impact

Volunteers are the backbone of Scouting, providing leadership, support, and guidance. There's a role for everyone, regardless of experience or time commitment. All volunteers working with youth are required to complete Youth Protection Training and undergo a background check.

Work directly with a small group of Cub Scouts (a den) to lead meetings, activities, and help them advance. This is a highly rewarding role with direct impact.

Training Required:

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT) - Mandatory for all adult volunteers.
  • Den Leader Position-Specific Training.
  • Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) for pack overnight campouts.
  • (Links to national BSA training resources or local council sites would go here)

Support the troop behind the scenes. Roles can include treasurer, secretary, advancement chair, fundraising coordinator, equipment manager, or activities coordinator.

Training Required:

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT).
  • Troop Committee Challenge (online training).
  • Specific role training may be available/recommended.

Share your skills, hobbies, or professional expertise by helping Scouts BSA members earn merit badges. You can counsel for badges related to your specific knowledge.

Training Required:

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT).
  • Merit Badge Counselor Position-Specific Training.
  • Application and approval by the local council.

Assist with specific events, activities, or campouts. This could involve chaperoning, providing transportation (requires YPT and valid driver's license/insurance), helping with setup/cleanup, or supervising an activity station.

Training Required:

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT) is highly recommended, and mandatory if providing transportation or having direct contact with youth.
  • Specific event briefing by troop leaders.

Help the troop raise funds to support its activities, equipment, and financial assistance programs. This could involve organizing events, coordinating sales, or grant writing.

Training Required:

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT) if interacting with youth.
  • Guidance from the Troop Committee or Fundraising Chair.

Ready to Volunteer? Contact Us!

Our Commitment to Safety

Youth Protection is Our Priority

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. Our comprehensive Youth Protection program is designed to protect young people from abuse and create a culture of safety.

Key Safety Measures for Volunteers:

  • Mandatory Youth Protection Training (YPT): All registered adult leaders and volunteers are required to complete YPT before they can interact with youth. This training must be renewed every two years. It covers topics such as the BSA's policies, recognizing signs of abuse, and reporting procedures.
  • Criminal Background Checks: All adult leaders undergo a criminal background check as part of the registration process.
  • Two-Deep Leadership: The BSA requires at least two registered adult leaders to be present at all Scouting activities and meetings. One leader must be 21 years of age or older.
  • No One-on-One Contact: One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is not permitted. All interactions should take place in group settings or within sight of another adult.
  • Buddy System: Scouts are encouraged to use the buddy system, where they pair up with another Scout for activities to look out for each other.

These policies are in place to ensure that all Scouting activities are conducted in a safe and positive manner. We encourage parents to become familiar with these guidelines and to speak with troop leaders if they have any questions.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection resources (links would be provided here).