Boy Scout Troop 877

The Scoutmaster

Edgar Guest

There isn't any pay for you, you serve without reward,
The boys who tramp the fields with you but little could afford.
And yet your pay is richer far than those who toil for gold,
For in a dozen different ways your service shall be told.

You'll read it in the faces of a Troop of growing boys,
You'll read it in the pleasure of a dozen manly joys,
And down the distant future you will surely read it then,
Emblazoned thru the service of a band of loyal men.

Five years of willing labor and of brothering a Troop,
Five years of trudging highways, with the Indian cry and whoop,
Five years of campfires burning, not alone for pleasure's sake,
But the future generation which the boys are soon to make.
They have no gold to give you, but when age comes on to you

They'll give you back the splendid things you taught them how to do
They'll give you rich contentment and a thrill of honest pride
And you'll see the nation prosper, and you'll all be satisfied.

Troop 877 Scoutmasters Over the Years

The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.

The Scoutmaster's duties include:

• Train and guide boy leaders.
• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
• Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
• Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
• Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Attend troop committee meetings.
• Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.
• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.
• Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are promptly registered.
• Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
• Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.
• Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.
• Participate in council and district events.
• Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.
• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.