In Troop 36, our biggest job as adults is knowing when to get out of the way. We believe in and model servant leadership—the philosophy that a true leader's role is to serve, equip, and empower their team.
If you are used to the adult-led environment of Cub Scouts or youth sports, our approach might look a little different. Here, you won't find our adult volunteers pitching the tents, cooking the meals, or running the weekly meetings.
Instead, we provide the safety net and the scaffolding. We act as mentors on the sidelines, asking the right questions to help our youth leaders solve problems and chart their own course. By intentionally stepping back, we put the growth of the Scouts first. We show them that leadership isn't about giving orders; it's about making sure your team has what they need to succeed. As we serve and support them, they learn to serve each other—stepping up to make decisions, learning from their mistakes, and growing into capable, confident young adults.
Every registered adult volunteer in Troop 36 is required to complete the rigorous Safegarding Youth Training (SYT) and undergo a background check. This comprehensive training covers recognizing, responding to, and reporting abuse, ensuring that our troop remains a safe, secure, and positive environment for every Scout. We strictly enforce 'two-deep leadership' at all times—meaning no youth is ever alone with a single adult
The Scoutmaster Corps is made up of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs). We are the uniformed adults you see at our weekly Wednesday night meetings and out on the trail during weekend campouts.
While we wear the uniform, our job isn't to run the program—our job is to serve the Scouts who do. We act as the troop's advisory board and safety net, practicing servant leadership by equipping our youth with the skills they need to succeed.
The Scoutmaster: Acts as the primary mentor to the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). Instead of standing at the front of the room giving orders, the Scoutmaster works behind the scenes to serve the SPL—offering guidance, asking thought-provoking questions, and helping them prepare to lead the troop effectively.
Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs): Serve as specialized coaches. They mentor other youth roles (like the Patrol Leaders or the Quartermaster), provide the supervision required to ensure all BSA safety guidelines are met, and step in to teach advanced outdoor skills when the youth instructors ask for a hand.
Ultimately, the Scoutmaster Corps is there to serve the troop by providing training, ensuring a safe environment, and then getting out of the way so the Scouts can take the reins.
While the Scoutmaster Corps is out in the field, the Troop Committee operates behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Made up of dedicated parent volunteers, the Committee functions essentially as a board of directors for Troop 36.
This team models servant leadership by taking on the heavy lifting of administration, finances, and logistics. By handling these necessary tasks, the Committee clears the path so the Scouts and the Scoutmaster Corps can focus entirely on the outdoor program and leadership development.
The Committee Chair: Leads the adult support team, organizes the monthly committee meetings, and ensures the troop has the resources and adult volunteers it needs to thrive.
Advancement Coordinator: Serves the Scouts by tracking their progress, managing merit badge records, and organizing the adult panels for Boards of Review when a Scout is ready to rank up.
Treasurer & Fundraising: Manages the troop's budget, collects dues, and helps coordinate the logistics for our fundraisers so the Scouts can afford gear, campouts, and summer adventures.
Ultimately, the Troop Committee provides the solid foundation and the vital behind-the-scenes service that makes our youth-led program possible!
It takes a dedicated team of adults to support the adventures of Troop 36. Whether you love being out in the woods or prefer organizing spreadsheets from the comfort of home, there is a place for you to make an impact.
Assistant Scoutmasters (The Field Mentors): If you enjoy camping, hiking, and teaching outdoor skills, this is for you. Assistant Scoutmasters are the frontline coaches. You'll attend troop meetings and campouts, providing supervision and safety, while mentoring our youth leaders as they execute their plans.
The Troop Committee (The Behind-the-Scenes Backbone): If sleeping in a tent isn't your thing, the Committee is the perfect fit. This group of parents and volunteers functions like a board of directors. They handle the vital administrative work—managing troop finances, organizing fundraisers, coordinating transportation, and conducting Boards of Review—ensuring the Scouts have the resources they need to succeed.
Merit Badge Counselors: Have a specific hobby, career, or skill? You can register to mentor Scouts working on specific merit badges, sharing your expertise and guiding them through the requirements on your own schedule.
Ready to step up by stepping back? Come chat with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair at our next meeting to find out where your skills can best support the troop!