Troop Guide
A Troop Guide works with new Scouts in the First-Year Program, helping them feel comfortable and earn First Class in their first year. It reports to the Assistant Scoutmaster who directs the First-Year Program.
What a Troop Guide does
- Introduces new Scouts to how the Troop works and guides them through early scouting activities.
- Teaches basic Scout skills and coaches individual Scouts on challenges.
- Helps new Scouts earn First Class in their first year.
- Coaches the Patrol Leader of the new-Scout patrol and attends planning meetings with them, as the calendar event specifies (Green Bar, the meeting of everyone who holds a position, or the Patrol Leaders' Council).
- Helps set the tone for good Scout behavior and makes sure older Scouts never harass or bully new Scouts.
- Helps the Assistant Scoutmaster with training.
- Sets a good example, wears the uniform correctly, and lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Term
Troop Guide is a one-year position. Scouts commit from March 1 to the following March 1, matching the First-Year Program. Credit is given for each six months served. Troop Guides are appointed by the First Year Program Director in the spring.
Credit expectations
These are the minimum levels for each category. A Scout earns full credit with a total of at least 15 and no 1 in any category.
| Expectation | Basic (3) | Target (4) | Excels (5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Help the Assistant Scoutmaster with training and teach basic skills | 75% of meetings, 2 briefings | 85% of meetings, 3 briefings | 95% of meetings, 4 briefings |
| Attend planning meetings | 3 meetings, or 2 plus the annual planning meeting | 4 meetings, or 3 plus the annual planning meeting | 6 meetings, or 4 plus the annual planning meeting |
| Guide new Scouts through early activities | 2 first-year activities | 3 first-year activities | 5 first-year activities |
| Help patrol members advance in rank | 4 Scouts advance | 6 Scouts advance | 8 Scouts advance |
The rubric is built around a six-month term, so a Troop Guide who serves the full year earns credit for each six months.
Scoring is explained under How credit works. Every position also has a Scout Spirit category, judged by the Patrol Advisor.