BSA Troop 168
Troop 168 is sponsored by Saint Patrick Parish | Carlisle, PA.
Troop 168 is sponsored by Saint Patrick Parish | Carlisle, PA.
Adults, can you volunteer?
Troop 168 has long enjoyed a committed group of adults serving in many capacities – you often see the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters during T168 meetings; behind the scenes are Committee Members, Merit Badge Counselors, etc.
Be advised that most volunteer opportunities require your compliance with Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection requirements..
Some of the adult volunteer positions are:
---- Assistant Scoutmaster
---- Committee Member
Committee meetings are generally held monthly beginning at 6:30 PM. They often overlap a bit with the Troop meeting.
The Scouts BSA Troop Committee Guide For Successful Troop Operations [(previous version: Troop Committee Guidebook: For Successful Troop Operation, (BSA’s 34505, ©2013; Kindle Publication Date: May 20, 2014)] states “[t]he troop committee is the troop’s board of directors and supports the troop program.” Three committee members also sit on every Scout Board of Reviews (BORs). An individual may hold a specific committee position (i.e., Chair; Secretary; Treasurer; Outdoor/Activities Coordinator; Advancement Coordinator; Chaplain; Training Coordinator; Equipment Coordinator; Membership Coordinator; New Scout Parent Unit Coordinator; Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator; Order of the Arrow Troop/Team Representative Advisor) or be an “at large” member.
Each committee member brings his or her life skills and background to the troop to assure the continued success and growth of the troop. It may be a mundane as approving the minutes from the previous meeting to authorizing the purchase of new equipment, providing Scout and adult training or assuring every Scout has the opportunity to fully participate in the program.
---- Merit Badge Counselor
Anyone interested in serving as a merit badge counselor should complete and submit the Merit Badge Counselor Application, as well as a BSA adult membership application, regardless of current registration status. Each applicant’s vocational/avocational qualifications will then be screened by the district advancement committee.
As noted in the 2021 Guide to Advancement at §7.0.1.1 Qualifications of Counselors (p.42), "Several badges involve activities for which the Boy Scouts of America has implemented strategies to improve safety, enhance the Scouts’ experiences, and manage risk. These activities often require supervision with specialized qualifications and certifications." Though not an exhaustive list, this impacts the following merit badges: Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Shotgun Shooting, Snow Sports, Swimming, and Whitewater.
BSA publication 512-065, A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling, is linked.
---- Other opportunities exist! Please speak to the Scoutmaster!