Req 9b — Serve as a Scouting Volunteer

Scouting Runs on Volunteers

Every troop meeting, campout, court of honor, and summer camp program depends on volunteers. Scouting America is one of the largest volunteer-powered organizations in the country. Understanding the volunteer landscape will help you see how you could give back at every stage of your life.

Volunteer Roles at Every Level

Unit Level (Troop, Pack, Crew, Ship)

• Assistant Scoutmaster: Helps lead the troop program, mentors Scouts, and supports the Scoutmaster. Often the first adult volunteer role former Scouts take on.
• Merit Badge Counselor: Teaches and evaluates Scouts on specific merit badges. If you earn Scouting Heritage, you already have deep knowledge you could share.
• Committee Member: Handles logistics, fundraising, transportation, and other support functions that keep a unit running.
• Scoutmaster / Cubmaster / Crew Advisor: The lead adult volunteer responsible for the unit’s program and youth development.

District Level

• District Committee Member: Serves on committees for activities, camping, advancement, training, or membership.
• Roundtable Staff: Helps plan and run monthly roundtable meetings where unit leaders share ideas and get support.
• Commissioner: A volunteer who visits and supports multiple units, helping them deliver a quality program.

Council Level

• Camp Staff: Works at a Scout camp during the summer — often one of the first volunteer (or paid) roles young adults take.
• Council Committee or Board Member: Helps set policy, raise funds, and guide the council’s overall direction.
• Training Staff: Teaches courses like Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, Wood Badge, and other leader training.

Regional and National Level

• National Jamboree Staff: Helps plan and run the National Jamboree.
• National Committee Member: Serves on committees that shape program, policy, or training at the national level.
• Order of the Arrow Adviser: Supports the youth-led OA lodge, chapter, section, or national organization.

Training Needed

Most volunteer positions require some form of training:

• Youth Protection Training: Required for all volunteers. Completed online, renewed every two years.
• Position-Specific Training: Each role (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, etc.) has its own training course, usually available online and in person.
• Wood Badge: An advanced leadership course for experienced volunteers. Considered the “gold standard” of Scouting leadership training.
• National Camping School: Specialized training for camp staff and program directors.

Expenses

Most volunteer roles involve minimal personal cost:

• Registration fee: Annual registration with Scouting America
• Uniform: The cost of a leader uniform
• Training: Most training is free or low-cost; Wood Badge has a course fee
• Travel: Depending on the level, you may travel to district, council, or national events

Setting Goals

The requirement asks you to think about short-term and long-term goals. Here is a framework:

Short-term (next 1-5 years):

• Serve as a den chief, JASM (Junior Assistant Scoutmaster), or OA lodge officer while still a youth member
• Work as summer camp staff
• Complete NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training)

Long-term (as an adult):

• Register as an Assistant Scoutmaster or merit badge counselor
• Complete Wood Badge
• Serve on your district or council committee
• Mentor future Eagle Scouts

Official Resources