Scouts BSA is a non-profit participant-driven organization, which is youth led, emphasizing the independence of scouts in the design and management of programs.
The Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are senior scouts within the troop who are tasked with planning, organizing and making decisions regarding the direction of the troop, while gathering feedback from the other scouts. They provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events - with adult leaders offering guidance and help, only when needed.
The Patrol Method
The Troop is divided into groups of scouts who will operate as a unit within the troop, called patrol's. Each patrol has a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leaders. For most young people, being in a Scout patrol will be the first time they have to rely upon themselves and other young people to follow an array of necessary steps to satisfy objectives that requires a wide range of life skills. For scout events, they take on the responsibility of planning the agenda and obtaining supplies needed. Senior scouts also serve as mentors to younger scouts; guiding them toward personal goals and demonstrating how to live the Oath and the Law each day.
It's important to understand that being scout-led is a fundamental principle of the BSA program. It is this principle that allows youth to build leadership skills. Things do not always run perfectly in a scout-led environment, but adult leaders are there to keep everyone safe, proving oversight and assistance only when needed.
Adult leaders are instrumental in the sharing of knowledge and expertise through merit badge achievements, rank advancement work and guiding the scouts when needed. Prior to approval, each leader submits to a thorough background check. All adults must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training.
Troop 1028 has been fortunate enough to be able to rely on leaders also active with Troop 28 which has enjoyed significant adult participation for many years. However, the troop cannot maintain it's high level of excellence without new help.
Please consider joining us! There are a number of roles with varying levels of commitment - you can certainly find one that fits within your life! With the support of current leaders and a broad array of training programs, it is easy to contribute at any level. All support is truly appreciated!
Some of the role adult volunteers provide for Troop 1028:
Various Chair Positions help with the logistics of trips & events and provide general support in a specific area (such as advancements, website, equipment, etc.) as needed.
Commitment: Dependent upon the specific area, varying from a few times a year to weekly. Complete online training.
Merit Badge Counselor Choose an area of expertise or interest from more than 100 options and offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest.
Commitment: There are online and in-person training opportunities. Once trained, the commitment to
troop activities are up to you and what your schedule allows.
Assistant Scoutmaster Assist the Scoutmaster in implementing the BSA program, guiding the scouts as needed. Provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the BSA.
Commitment: Complete online training. Attend weekly meetings and events as able.
For more information on how to participate in the troop please contact:
Troop Scoutmaster
Sam Izzarelli
860-228-7747
Troop Committee Chairperson
Tim Weers