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Durham,
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Adults
Committed and enthusiastic adult leaders are essential to the ability of Troop 451 to function and to offer a complete Scouting program to the boys it serves. Adults, especially parents, are encouraged to get involved with the Troop in a number of different leadership and support roles.
Volunteer Positions | Training Opportunities
Joining the Troop
Adults can be members of BSA just like youth. To become a registered member, just fill out an application form and submit a check payable to Troop 451 for $12, which includes the amount charged by Occoneechee Council for a full year's registration. Dues are prorated if you are joining during the charter year. The charter year expires every April 30, and we collect annual dues at Registration night on the first Tuesday in March.
The Troop Committee
All parents, whether registered with BSA or not, are invited to become part of the Troop Committee, or to just show up for committee meetings. The committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Calhoon Cabin at Westminster Presbyterian Church which is located at 3639 Old Chapel Hill Road in Durham, North Carolina. Directions.
The Troop Committee's job is to help set troop policy, and particularly to free up as much of the Scoutmaster's time as possible. Committee members are involved in the troop budget and finances, fund raising, the merit badge program, growth of the Troop, liaison with Cub Pack and Webelos dens, etc. As boys grow older and leave the troop, their parents go with them; we constantly need members and can use your help. This is a great way for parents of brand-new Scouts to get a handle on what is happening in the Troop.
- Assistant Scoutmaster - Assist the Scoutmaster in
running meetings and events; conduct Scoutmaster Conferences with
individual Scouts; help lead the Troop's New Scout program
- Merit Badge Coordinator - One or more positions;
recruit adults to teach merit badges in the Troop, and assist those
adults by providing expertise and Troop resources; be responsible for
signing up Scouts for classes at Courts of Honor and whenever merit
badge classes are offered
- Merit Badge Counselor - Merit badges can be earned
by Scouts at summer camp or within the Troop 451 program with the aid
of an adult counselor. Most of our merit badges are taught by an
interested Scout parent in a group class format. Look over the merit
badges in your son's handbook, and let one of the Merit Badge
Coordinators know which subject you would be willing to teach. We
particularly need counselors for required merit badges such as First
Aid, Personal Fitness and the three Citizenship badges. You do NOT have
to be an expert to be a counselor for a merit badge, only have interest
in the subject and a willingness to share this interest with the boys.
- Trip Coordinator - Trip coordinators help with the
logistics for Troop outings - make reservations, collect fees, make
sure there are enough drivers and seat belts for everyone going, etc.
| Adult Training Opportunities |
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BSA and Troop 451 are very committed to having adult volunteers trained so that, like the Scouts, they can "Be Prepared" to fill their roles, and "Do Their Best" in those roles. A variety of training courses are offered by volunteers in Durham County and adjoining counties. In addition to position-specific training, there are a number of very important training courses related to youth protection and safety. The Troop pays the very reasonable fees for training. Most training is scheduled for Saturdays, either half-day or full day. Occasionally, training will be a few hours on a weeknight. Training is also offered to adults during summer camp at Camp Raven Knob. Available courses include:
- Youth Protection Training - All Scouting activities
require the presence of at least two adults at all times, at least one
of whom must have successfully completed Youth Protection Training.
This course is taught as a two hour session . It covers such questions
as how to spot child abuse, how children can resist it, and how to
report it within the BSA organization.
- New Leader Essentials - Leaders learn about the
objectives of the Scouting program and the methods used to achieve
them. They also gain a basic understanding of youth development, as
well as how Scouting is organized and financed, policies related to the
program, and resources to help leaders succeed. The training is for all
new adult leaders.
- Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training - Scoutmasters
and Assistants discuss the role of the Scoutmaster in a Boy-led Troop,
the Outdoor Program, the Advancement Program, and Program planning.
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills - This is
a hands-on training program to give adult leaders the practical skills
they need to lead Scouts in the Outdoors like setting up a campsite,
pitching a tent, hiking, and outdoor cooking. The course is a day and a
half long and is required training for Scoutmasters and their
Assistants.
- Safe Swim Defense - Before a BSA group may engage in
swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must
complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card with them,
and agree to use the eight defenses in the Safe Swim Defense plan. This
and the other safety training courses are 30 minutes each and are often
taught as a group.
- Safety Afloat - Before a BSA group may engage in an
activity on the water involving canoes, rafts, sailboats or other
craft, adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat
Training, have a commitment card with them, and be dedicated to full
compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.
- Climb On Safely - Before a BSA group may engage in
climbing or bouldering activities, a minimum of one adult leader must
complete Climb On Safely training.