Troop 73

Yes. Every leadership position is open to women. In fact, more than one-third of Scout volunteers are women.

There are a variety of training opportunities available, specific to the leadership position you hold. For example, as a new unit leader, training is available immediately to enable you to run your first meeting successfully. More in-depth training is provided throughout the year, and monthly roundtable meetings enable you and other leaders to share ideas on how to organize fun and exciting activities for youth.

You will not have to carry the responsibilities alone. Other leaders and parents in the troop will lend a hand by using their skills to teach the youth or assist with special projects, enabling you to be an effective leader and parent.

A Scoutmaster Conference is a one-on-one conference between the Scoutmaster and a Boy Scout (but held in full view of other adults for youth protection purposes). This conference is a requirement for all rank advancements, and is held when a boy has completed all of the other requirements for that rank. A Scoutmaster Conference can also be requested by a boy or by the Scoutmaster just to catch up”, or if there is some sort of issue that should be addressed.

It is a boy’s responsibility to request a Scoutmaster conference to be scheduled when he is ready for one.

Being a good Scout leader requires more than knowing how to camp. However, the Scouting program does provide outdoor training classes for leaders with beginning, intermediate, and advanced outdoor skills.

Approvals for all adult volunteer positions are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually.

An individual must be at least 18 years of age to serve as a merit badge counselor.

The process usually takes from four to six weeks.

Citizenship is not required of youth or adult members. If you live outside the United States and are not a U.S. citizen, it may be more beneficial to join the Scouting association in your own nation. The World Organization of the Scout Movement provides contact information for all national Scouting organizations on its Web site at www.scout.org

Yes, an Adult Application must be completed for each position in which the individual wants to serve. The application allows only one position per form. For instance, an individual who wants to serve only as a merit badge counselor will need to complete only one application. However, a Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster who wants to serve as a Merit Badge Counselor must complete two applications; one for the Scoutmaster position and one for the counselor position.