Becoming an Adult Leader

We cannot exist as a Troop without the continued faithfulness of adult leaders. 

Any adult wishing to assist our Troop becomes a Registered Adult.  This position is for parents / grandparents / guardians who want to have a more active role with their boys in the program or simply serve the Troop as a ministry of the chartering organization.  We require adults to be registered in order to attend Troop meetings and Navigator/Adventurer events.

During Troop meetings in the fall, we invite any non-registered adults to attend “The Journey” which are sessions covering key topics to help orient your family to Life on the Trail.  These are primarily designed for dads and dad-like mentors.  We also strongly encourage families to take the Peak 1 course either in person (late September) or  online (Trail Life University in Trail Life Connect).

Since we are dedicated to providing an environment which embraces Godly examples of male mentorship/leadership, our Troop allows only male leaders to hold Direct Contact roles.  Supporting Committee and other roles are open to all adults.  We are grateful for the countless hours dedicated moms invest in helping prepare their sons for meetings, serving as a transportation hub, helping organize gear and most importantly praying for the men in their lives.

Adults wishing to register must complete the following requirements:

  • Register with Trail Life USA and pay a registration fee of about $35
  • Sign the Trail Life USA Statement of Faith
  • Undergo a background check (no charge)
  • Pass a child protection and safety training class (approx. 1 hour)
  • Complete the Adult Medical Form (basic level)
  • Have your application reviewed and approved by the Troop Committee

SUPPORTING ROLES

Committee Roles – There are many ways to assist the Troop in areas such as Advancement, Outdoor/Activities Planning, Membership/Onboarding, Training, Community Service Planning, Secretary, Equipment Coordinator, Media/Public Relations, Fundraising, or Health and Safety Coordinator.  These are invaluable ways to help the Troop thrive.  We encourage those serving on Committees to complete Peak 1 and Peak 2 training. If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please let us know!

DIRECT CONTACT ROLES

These positions have direct involvement with patrols and the Troop. We ask that all men participating in this way, order and wear a uniform shirt specific to the program level assisting.  In addition, within the first year, we ask leaders to complete Peak 1, Peak 2 and Peak 3 training.

Patrol Assistant – This is for male Registered Adults who are willing to help Trail Guides during Troop meetings with patrol activities, like games, devotionals, focus learning/lesson time or fingers activities.  They also help during campouts or Hit the Trail events as boys engage in specific advancement work.  The most important aspect is being willing to help keep a patrol orderly and on task while a Trail Guide leads. These positions are invited to attend Troop planning meetings.

Trail Guides – Adults (age 21 or over) who assist the Ranger, Trailmaster or Advisor in delivering the Troop program.  They serve two critical functions by preparing/organizing for the patrol element of Troop meetings and executing patrol level activities during Troop meetings, campouts and Hit the Trail events.  There is a high degree of teaching / public speaking in this role, and successful Trail Guides are excellent organizers and leaders that can hold boys’ attention and bring together Patrol Assistants to ensure quality delivery of the program. These positions will attend Troop planning meetings.

Ranger (Woodlands Trail), Trailmaster (Navigators), and Advisor (Adventurers) – Adults (age 21 or over) who oversee the operation of specific age-levels within the Troop by providing direction, coaching, and support. They work with the Troopmaster to plan the program year and ensure execution of program elements successfully and in alignment with Trail Life USA standards and policies and Troop-level policies. These are passionate individuals who enjoy organizing, presenting and designing a first-class outdoor adventure program. These positions will attend Troop planning meetings and may be asked to attend Troop Committee meetings.