Scout Leadership Course Handout

Session area

The Troop Council

Outline of the session

Teamwork is about communicating, sharing ideas and working out solutions collaboratively. In managing a Scout Troop, the communication centres around The Troop Council. But it is not easy to make the Troop Council effective. This session covers ways to make it more effective.

Session Notes

Members

The Troop Council consists of

• Patrol Leaders.
• Assistant Patrol Leaders and other Scouts by invitation.
• The Scout Leader who attends in an advisory capacity.

Functions

The Troop Council administers the policy and organisation of the Troop:

• To plan activities
• To plan programs
• To maintain and improve Troop Standards
• To appoint PLs after approval from the Scout Leader
• To ensure the Troop's reputation and discipline is maintained or improved
• To confirm the appointment of APLs
• To agree on standards and awards of award scheme badges
• To provide some training to PLs

Organisation

The Troop Council can be organised in many different ways:

• Frequency: As often as needed to do the job.
• Time: At a convenient time, for as long as needed.
• Location: Just about anywhere that allows the work to be done.
• Format: Formal, informal, training, games, activities, team-building, good turns, party.
• Recording: Always a good idea to write down who agreed to do what and when.

Importance

The Troop Council is essential to the success of the Scout Troop. Without one, the Scouts are not getting the best opportunity to try Scouting. Successful Troops rely on the ideas shared and planned by the Troop Council to keep the program relevant to the age group, led by young people and efficient. Scouts expect to have opportunities to lead others and develop their own leadership styles. The Troop Council is a good way to help individuals to practice and improve these skills.