My "new" role, well, is a role I've already been doing anyway. Now I just have more time to focus on it. I'm focusing in on high adventure activities for the older scouts (14-17 year olds).
My first couple attempts at transition out of this job failed. One failed back in 2007-ish. I transferred the job, but then a couple of weeks later the new adult wanted out. Times were tough and he was over-committed. Another attempt failed this summer where the new candidate was almost ready, but then realized that he'd probably only be able to hold the position for another year and that's a fairly short time.
The parents and other volunteers in this troop are great. They kept helping and looking for one of them that would be good for this position. This position goes to a dad who is former scout, who is an Eagle Scout, has a relatively young boy in the troop, and didn't already have a position. Yay! I look forward to mentoring him as necessary.
Here's the ceremony I put together. It ends with the fairly common "investiture ceremony" found on the Internet. The fist section I wrote myself.
Troop Committee Chair -- INVESTITURE CEREMONY
I appreciate every volunteer and parent involved in this troop. A troop can only operate when supported properly by a Chartered Organization, like Westwood church, a functioning troop committee, as well as the Scoutmaster and an entire cast of volunteers and parents. The troop is only as good as the dedication of its scouts and its parents & volunteers. I have had the privilege to serve as the Troop Committee Chair since April of 2005, nearly 5 1/2 years. I have seen the troop grow and evolve from just a handful of scouts that were tired of the regular routine to what I see as a vibrant and healthy scout troop with a strong program.
Let me tell you more about this position:
The Troop Committee Chair is appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. The troop committee chairman appoints and supervises the committee and the leaders. These responsibilities include: (but is certainly not limited to
- Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed.
- Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster.
- Interpret national and local policies to the unit.
- Call, preside over, and promote attendance at committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called.
The administration of a successful troop goes well beyond that of a single person. I remind us and call upon all of us, scouts, parents, and volunteers to recognize that we each must do a job and play a supporting role in this troop's operation.
Like much in life, Scouting is about the JOURNEY, not the destination. We've come to a new point in our journey where I turn the role the Troop Committee Chair to another for the next segment of our journey.
At this time, I call upon
Place your left hand on the TROOP flag. Give the Scout sign and repeat after me please: " I promise to do my best -- to be worthy of the office -- of TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIR -- for the sake of our scouts -- and fellow leaders in this troop -- and the World Brotherhood of Scouting." Two.
I thank and congratulate you on this position. Fulfill the responsibility to which you committed and be an example to our Scouts and fellow leaders. Please join me in thanking
