Assistant Scoutmaster

Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) help the Scoutmasters operate the Troop and give the program the two-deep leadership Scouting requires. Each ASM is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. ASMs wear many hats. These are the main ones at Troop 33.

Patrol Advisor

Most ASMs advise a patrol. See Adult leaders for what that means. Good practice, as goals:

• Introduce yourself to the patrol as soon as the term starts, in person or by email, and explain how and when you can be reached.
• Attend most (half or more) of the Troop meetings in the term.
• Check in one-on-one with each Scout on advancement about twice a term, once early and once late. For Scouts in positions of responsibility, go over the expectations and offer help.
• Watch, at least loosely, how active each Scout is.
• Hold Scoutmaster Conferences only when a Scout has shown proof of being ready. If the last requirements are submitted but not yet in Scoutbook, you can go ahead if you are completely sure; do not take the Scout's word for it. Let the Advancement Coordinator know afterward.
• At the end of the term, tell Scouts how they did in their positions and send the Advancement Coordinator the credit decisions.

Scoutmaster in Charge

Each outing has a Scoutmaster in charge (SMIC), usually an ASM. Each ASM aims to lead one about every six months to a year.

• Lean on the Activity Coordinator for planning, and introduce yourself early to answer their questions.
• Pick a Scout in Charge. The Scout in Charge takes attendance at the start and end of the event (and safely hands Scouts to their parents) and coordinates patrol duties, especially taking gear home and cleaning it.
• Make sure the adult-to-Scout ratios Scouting requires are met, through the Activity Coordinator. See Safeguarding Youth Training.
• Handle anything specific to the event: materials, training and coordination.

First Year Program Director

One ASM directs the First-Year Program. The Director:

• assigns the first-year patrols and tries to keep dens and friend groups together;
• runs the program from March to the following February, including the first meeting and the parent orientation;
• appoints the Troop Guides each spring and works with them and with the Troop Instructors on training;
• coordinates the whole Trail to First Class curriculum for the first-year Scouts;
• is the leader the Troop Guides report to.

How to become an ASM

Contact the Troop. ASMs register with the BSA as adults and complete training.