Our Leaders

Scouting is an association of boys, young men and women, and volunteer leaders. Scouting hopes to help young people grow to be responsible, resourceful members of their communities, their country, and the world. As a leader, you help Scouting to achieve this goal.

Leaders in Scouting work with boys and their families to improve their communities by enriching the lives of the families who live in them. Leaders help boys respect their homes and families and help families understand their boys better through doing things with them.

Scouting leaders take a positive stand in support of the family, and they take an active part in helping to strengthen those families and their boys by providing a fun-filled, worthwhile program that teaches values.

Successful leaders have

• Character
• Honesty
• Ability to guide and influence boys
• Energy
• Patience and tact
• A sense of humor
• A sense of purpose and direction

Scouting leaders are selected for their qualifications and interest in the Scouting program. They have certain responsibilities to the organization. A leader must:

• Be able to accept and live by the purpose and aims of Scouting.
• Do his or her best to model the ideals of Scouting for the boys by personal example.
• Be willing to assure that a well-rounded, quality program is presented to the boys that meets their needs and is compatible with the purposes of Scouting.
• Make an effort to learn as much as possible about Scouting and his or her responsibilities as a leader.
• Wear the official uniform to show support for the aims of Scouting and to show membership in a worldwide movement.

Being a Scouting leader means more than an hour a week at a unit meeting. The unit programs must be planned. Detailed preparations must be made so that they will run smoothly. Consider that an hour of preparation time is needed for an hour of program. Special activities might take more time to prepare. Attending planning meetings, training courses, and monthly roundtables also takes time. The amount of time you invest in Scouting will depend on your enthusiasm, dedication, and personal involvement. Usually, the more time you spend, the better the program the boys receive.

Your attitude will affect your success as a Scouting leader. A confident and enthusiastic attitude is of great benefit. Other people will be infected by your enthusiasm. You can inspire others to believe in you, to work with you, and to follow you. Throw yourself wholeheartedly into your Scouting responsibilities. Be optimistic. Plan your work, and then work your plan. Your actions will tell other people how you feel about Scouting.

Responsibilities to the Boys

Scouting leaders have certain responsibilities to the boys. Each leader should

• Respect boys' rights as individuals, and treat them as such.
• See that boys find the excitement, fun, and adventure that they expected when they joined Scouting.
• Provide enthusiasm, encouragement, and praise for boys' efforts and achievements.
• Develop among the boys a feeling of togetherness and team spirit that gives them security and pride.
• Provide opportunities for boys to experience new dimensions in their world.