Assistant Scoutmaster

An Assistant Scoutmaster is an adult leader age 18 or over who assist the Scoutmaster in delivering the troop program.

General Information

Description: Assistant Scoutmasters help guide the program of the troop. Each Assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. Assistant Scoutmasters provide required “two-deep leadership”.
Comments: Scoutmasters may male or female but must be 18 years old. One Assistant Scoutmaster must be 21 or older to serve as Scoutmaster in the Scoutmaster’s absence. Troop 285 tries to recruit as many Assistant Scoutmasters as possible. Successful troops have four or more Assistant Scoutmasters. 

Types of Assistant Scoutmasters Include:

  • ASM – Senior Assistant
  • ASM – Program
  • ASM – New Scouts
  • ASM – Venture Patrol
  • ASM – Patrol Advisor
  • ASM – Events
  • ASM – Advancement
  • ASM – Physical Arrangements
  • ASM – Camping

Assistant Scoutmaster – Senior Assistant

Serve as Acting Scoutmaster when the Scoutmaster is absent.
Attend Troop meetings; attend Committee meetings; attend Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meetings.
Help conduct Scoutmaster Conferences.
Help Scoutmaster organize, delegate and coordinate other adult leaders.
Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Program

  • Attend troop meetings; attend all Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meetings.
  • Attend roundtables monthly to get new program ideas.
  • Follow up with the SPL to make sure all PLC decisions are delegated and completed,
  • After each troop event, evaluate with the PLC how everything went, and how it could be improved,
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster – New Scouts

  • Recruit new members.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with Cub Scout and Weblos feeder Packs/Dens.
  • Participate in District/Council youth recruiting efforts.
  • Attend Cub Scout Blue and Gold dinners.
  • Attend Webelos bridging ceremonies.
  • Help Troop Guide plan the Webelos campout.
  • Advise Troop Guide and Den Chiefs.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Patrol Advisor

  • Serve as advisor for all patrols; support Patrol Leaders with suggestions and counseling.
  • Follow up to assure, the Patrol Leader is making phone calls, etc.
  • Attend training courses and roundtables.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.
  • Attend training courses.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Venture Patrol

  • Serve as advisor for the Venture Patrol.
  • Help plan three (3) adventures a year.
  • Oversee fundraising opportunities to finance adventures.
  • Support the Patrol with advice and counseling as needed.
  • Attend Venture Patrol events.
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Advancement

  • Stimulate advancement and recognition in accord with National requirements.
  • Help plan and organize four Courts of Honor a year.
  • Encourage Life Scouts to attain Eagle.
  • Advise and counsel Life Scout’s with the planning of Eagle Scout Service Projects,
  • Report to the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Camping

  • Act as Campmaster for Summer Camp when Scoutmaster is unavailable
  • Plan, organize and direct Summer Camp Sign-up 
  • Hold Summer Camp pre-planning meeting
  •  Work with Scouts and Families on obtaining needed forms, documents and information for Summer Camp
  • Ensure ALL Adults attending Summer Camp as Leaders are registered and have required training  

 Assistant Scoutmasters identified in the BSA’s Troop organizational chart are as follows:

  • Assistant Scoutmaster regular (aka experienced) patrol. Assists in providing two-deep leadership in smaller troops; may be assigned to one or more regular patrols in larger troops.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – new-Scout patrol. Works with the Troop Guide, new-Scout Patrol Leader and Den Chief to help deliver the troop program to Scouts without experience (often 11- and 12-year olds) entering the troop. While not the proper title, this position is more commonly known as the “11-year-old Scout Leader” in LDS units because the LDS Primary Organization of the 11-year-old new-Scout patrol is separate from the rest of the troop, and therefore rarely has a Troop Guide.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – Venture. Works with the Venture Patrol Leader in delivering high adventure and sports program the Venture patrol who’s members are usually 13+ and of higher rank.

    Assistant Scoutmasters in larger troops may be directed by the Scoutmaster to assist in skills instruction and adult assistance with delivering the troop program. Duties may overlap or assist with roles in the Troop Committee. Assistant Scoutmasters not on BSA’s troop organizational chart may be assigned and charged for specific duties. Common examples are:

  • Assistant Scoutmaster – Program. Understands the troop program and may be assigned to work with an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in charge of program.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – Service. Assists in the troop’s service activities, and may be assigned to work with the Quartermaster.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – Technology. Understands the troop computer and audio-visual equipment.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – Administration. Assists with records and materials; may be assigned to work with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
  • Assistant Scoutmaster – 11-year-olds. Functions as an “assistant” to the Assistant Scoutmaster – new Scout patrol in LDS units (see above). Provides two-deep leadership in this patrol.

Responsibilities

  • This is the only troop adult leader position for adults age 18-20.
  • Assist the Scoutmaster as directed
  • Works with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
  • Uses the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
  • Can be male or female, but must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Is appointed by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Troop Committee Chair.
  • Abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law.
  • Subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle
  • All volunteers are expected to complete Youth Protection training.