Scout leader
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A Scout leader or Scouter generally refers to the trained adult leader of a Scout unit. The terms used vary from country to country, over time, and with the type of unit.
Roles
There are many different roles a leader can fulfil depending on the type of unit. Positions are usually voluntary and are often divided between "uniform" and "lay" roles. For many, this
Uniformed Scout Leaders are primarily responsible for organising the activities of the group, and training the youth members through the Scout programme. Other roles include liaison with parents, districts, or other parties such as the unit's sponsoring (chartered) organisation.
Lay supporters are not always called scout Leaders; although they may assist with activities and training, they do not always hold a formal position and may not have received training. Beyond the Scout programme, lay supporters may take responsibility for administrative tasks such as budgets, managing properties, recruitment, equipment, transport, and many other roles.
The roles of leaders in senior units like
Beyond the group are further uniformed positions (sometimes called Commissioners) at levels such as district, county, council or province, depending on the structure of the national organisation. They also work along with lay teams and professionals. Training teams and other related functions are often formed at these levels. Some countries appoint a Chief Scout or Chief Commissioner as the most senior uniformed member.
Training, screening and appointment of leaders
Scout Leaders participate in a series of training courses, typically aiming for the Wood Badge as the main qualification of an adult leader in Scouting.[2] In most countries, Wood Badge holders can wear a Gilwell scarf, Turk's head knot woggle, and Wood Badge beads.[3]
Scout Leaders are given a formal appointment (called a warrant in many countries). Before appointing an adult leader, most associations perform background checks on candidates to ensure their suitability for working with children.[4][5]
Terminology
This section possibly contains original research. (May 2018) |
Australia
In
There are several different types of Leader in Australia, all of them (and all members of the Rover Section) have the opportunity to complete the Wood Badge training scheme
- Sectional Leaders
Run a Troop, Pack, Unit or Mob each week. They are the ones who go away every weekend with the Scouts and sign off badgework each week.
- Group Leaders
Run the
- Activity Leaders
Have qualifications in activities from Water Activities to Abseilling to Radio and Four Wheel Driving and First Aid, who put these skills at the disposal of a Region or Branch. These leaders often have another role in Scouting at the same time.
- Leader Trainers
Provide the Training to other Leaders and usually have been in Scouting for several years. Training is not usually their only role in Scouting.
- District Leaders
Provide help and assistance to local groups. Most
- Commissioners
are responsible for the management of an aspect of Scouting and/or the leadership of other adults, as opposed to sectional leaders who run the youth program.
- The Scout Fellowship
Is a group of former Leaders who no longer have the time or desire to be a part of Scouting every week. They have the opportunity to help out occasionally when leaders are needed temporarily because of hospital or travel, at large camps such as
All Leader positions are appointments for three years, when the appointment is reviewed and the Leader is renewed, reassigned or resigns. When a new Probationary Leader begins, they are presented with a Certificate of Adult Membership and complete a three-hour seminar called Intro to Scouting (or Rovering) which outlines the basic structure and procedures. After this comes the Basic Sectional Techniques course, which gives the Leader the right to wear the two-strand Turks Head or "Gilwell" Woggle. After the 2007 review of the Venturer Section, Venturer Scouts will soon be allowed to complete Venturer Basic. Leaders are then presented with a Certificate of Adult Leadership, and this is where most people stop their training, but after at least six months, Leaders then are eligible to complete the Advanced Sectional Techniques Course, which allows them to conduct more advanced activities, network with other experienced Leaders and then after successful completion of the Course be presented with the Wood Badge.
Scouts Australia is an Enterprise Registered Training Organisation (RTO:5443) and Leaders can apply to be granted a Certificate III in Business after completing the Basic Course, and a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management after the Advanced Course. Later they can also complete a Diploma of Leadership and Management or Certificate Qualifications in Outdoor Recreation through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training.
Ireland
A uniformed adult member of Scouting Ireland who commits to the
Philippines
In the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, all uniformed adults, including office employees, are "Scouters." Not all Scouters are Unit Leaders, but all Unit Leaders are Scouters. The generic term for an adult in charge of a Scout unit is "Unit Leader." There are five types:
- 1. A "Langkay Leader" takes charge of KID Scouts.
- 2. A "Kawan Leader" takes charge of KAB Scouts.
- 3. A "Troop Leader" takes charge of Boy Scouts.
- 4. An "Outfit Advisor" takes charge of Senior Scouts.
- 5. A "Circle Manager" advises Rovers and Roverettes.
Langkay Leaders and Kawan Leaders are women. Troop Leaders, Outfit Advisors, and Circle Managers may be men or women, and are often informally called "Scoutmasters."[7]
Poland
Scoutmaster of Polish People's Republic was the highest honourable rank in
This rank was given to approximately 6000 people, which significantly diminished its initial purpose. Nominations to the rank were ended with collapse of
South Africa
United Kingdom
The Scout Association
Traditionally the primary adult Scout Leader is called Skip, short for Skipper, but recently more often by their first name.[11] Similarly, the primary Cub Scout Leader is called Akela, after the leader of the Wolf pack in The Jungle Book, although this is more common.[12]
At District level a District Commissioner may appoint a District Beaver Scout Leader, District Cub Scout Leader and a District Scout Leader to assist the Assistant District Commissioners for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. A District Explorer Scout Leader may also be appointed to assist a District Explorer Scout Commissioner. A District Scout Network Leader may be appointed to lead a District Scout Network. At County Level a County Commissioner may appoint a County Beaver Scout Leader, County Cub Scout Leader and a County Scout Leader to assist the Assistant County Commissioners for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. A County Explorer Scout Leader may also be appointed to assist an Assistant County Commissioner for Explorers. A County Scout Network Leader may be appointed to assist a County Scout Network Commissioner.
Baden-Powell Scouts' Association
- Adult leaders
The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association continue to use the traditional title of Scoutmaster. Other adult leaders in the Scout Troop are called Assistant Scout Masters. Other titles include Cub Scout Master, Assistant Cub Scout Master and so on. The Group is led by a Group Scout Master. In common with The Scout Association, adult leaders are sometimes referred to as Scouters.[13]
- Youth leaders
In the Scout and Senior Scout sections, youth leaders include Senior Troop Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Quartermaster, and Instructor.
United States
Boy Scouts of America
In the
A properly run Boy Scout troop is run by the Senior Patrol Leader, who is elected by the troop, and their assistant, who may either be elected or appointed. These and the other youth leaders are advised and supported by the adult leaders.
Girl Scouts of the USA
Volunteers are important in the
Other countries
In other countries, Scouter refers to any adult leader, professional Scout employee, or any Scout alumnus.[15]
See also
References
- ^ Wendell, Bryan (14 October 2019). "From literal poster child for the BSA to Eagle Scout: 11 years, countless memories". Bryan on Scouting. Scouting Magazine. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
- ^ "B-PSA Ireland: Leader Training". Archived from the original on 21 February 2009.
- ^ Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR): Adult Leader Training (PDF). The South African Scout Association. 2008 [1979]. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 October 2008.
- ^ Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR): The Appointment Process (PDF). The Scout Association. 2008 [1979].
- ^ "BPSA British Columbia: Leader Screening". Archived from the original on 24 July 2010.
- ^ "Scouting Ireland Constitution" (PDF). §18.
- ^ Published BSP references: Langkay Leader's Manual. Kawan Leader's Manual. Troop Leader's Manual.
- ^ Introduction to Adult Leadership. Cape Town: South African Scout Association. 1995.
- ^ "Job Description: Rover Scouter" (PDF). Scouts South Africa. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) (PDF). The Scout Association. 2008.
- ^ "Scouts - Who leads Scouts?". www.scouts.org.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ "Scouts - What does a Cub Pack look like?". www.scouts.org.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Policy, Association & Rules (PAR). Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. 2007.
- ^ "Volunteer". GSUSA.
- ^ "scouter". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)