Trail life emphasizes men mentoring young men. Most roles which directly interact with the boys are restricted to male mentorship. These include: Troop Chaplain, Troopmaster, Ranger, Trailmaster, Advisor, Guidon Coach, and all Navigator and Adventurer Trail Guides.

The Charter Organization Representative is not restricted to males unless dual-registering as the Chaplain.

All other positions may be held by females including all other Committee Members, and Trail Guides for the Foxes and Hawks.

The following are a brief description of normal troop-level leadership positions:

Troop Committee: Core Leadership Team

Troop Ministry Liaison (TML) The Charter Organization Representative is the most important Troop leader and is appointed by the Institutional Head. The TML is the Charter Organization’s appointed official, their Troop liaison, an Area resource, and a National voter.

It is the duty of the TML to review and approve every adult Troop member applicant. The TML approves Troop leaders, providing the spiritual authority, pastoral recommendation, and final oversight of their Charter Organization’s membership on behalf of the Institutional Head (IH).

Troop Chaplain (CHAP) The Troop Chaplain assures that the Troop emphasizes and stays true to its Christian mission (organizing prayer for meetings, services at campouts, etc). He leads by example, is qualified to give biblical advice, has a passion for discipleship, and involves and empowers other members (youth and adult alike) in providing opportunities for spiritual growth.

Committee Chair (CC) The Committee Chair presides over Troop Committee Meetings, and follows up with Committee members as they complete their work. May appoint, with approval of the TML, as many Committee members as needed to maintain an effective Troop. See typical positions listed below in “Other Leadership Roles”. Utilizes resources available to grow a thriving Troop.

Treasurer (TREAS) The Treasurer is a record keeper, maintaining accounts for all financial transactions. He/she regularly reports the financial status of the Troop; coordinates and communicates to parents the process of Troop Budgeting; understands, coordinates, communicates, and supervises approved TRAIL LIFE USA fundraising guidelines; handles unit funds and pays bills. These duties can be delegated to other volunteers, but will still fall under the Treasurer’s supervision.

Troopmaster (TM) Oversees all “direct contact” leaders (those volunteers who work directly with the boys each week), understands all programmatic operations of the Troop, reports successes and systemic challenges faced by leaders and youth. The Troopmaster is the coach of, and Troop Committee representative for, the Ranger, Trailmaster, Advisor, Guidon Coach and their Trail Guides.

Direct-Contact Leaders

Ranger (RAN), Trailmaster (TRL), and Advisor (ADV) Adults (age 21 or over) who oversee the operation of specific age-levels within the Troop by providing direction, coaching, and support.

These positions are NOT voting members of the Committee, but they may be asked to attend Troop Committee meetings.

Trail Guides (TG) Adults (age 18 or over for Woodlands Trail, Navigator and Adventurer, age 26 or over for Guidon) who assist the Ranger, Trailmaster, Advisor, or Guidon Coach in delivering the Troop program. Trail Guides are NOT formal members of the committee and they do NOT attend Troop Committee meetings.

Guidon Coach (GC) An older adult male (26+ years old) that is a representative of the Charter Organization and serves to oversee and provide insight as needed to the younger adults in the Guidon Unit. We do not currently have a Guidon program at TX-5662.

NOTE: 18-20 year olds do not count as a part of the 2-deep safety supervision requirement.

Troop Committee Leadership Roles

Troop Advancement Chair (CM-ADV) Ensure that the Troop has regular boards of review (at least monthly), regular courts of honor, and is providing opportunity for timely advancement within the Trail Life USA model. Also, responsible for record keeping and submitting advancement reports.

Troop Activities Chair (CM-OUT) Researches and secures permission to use camping sites or other outdoor locations for planned activities. Serves as transportation coordinator and ensures a monthly robust outdoor program for all levels.

Troop Training Chair (TRAIN) Provide (or educate members about available) training opportunities; maintain training records and materials. Assists leaders in obtaining First Aid and CPR training as required.

Troop Onboarding Facilitator (ONBRD) Orient new families, walking them through the Troop Fast Start Checklist and making sure they understand the customizable Welcome to Our Troop letter.

Troop Community Service Chair (CM-SVC) Coordinate regular community service efforts (should include four Troop service projects per year.).

Troop Secretary (SEC) Keep meeting minutes and records, send notices to members, etc. Troop Equipment Coordinator (CM-EQUIP) | Work with the youth Quartermaster. Responsible for inventory, storage, and maintenance of equipment.

Troop Fundraising Chair (CM-FUND) Organizes and supervises fundraising events and ensures that every youth member has the opportunity and tools necessary to participate. Coordinates exciting kickoffs of your one or two focused fundraisers each year.

Troop Health and Safety Chair (CM-HS) Keeps everyone up to date on Trail Life USA’s policies and procedures. Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of Health and Safety Guide and related documents. Ensures activity permissions and notifications are filed with the Charter Organization and Trail Life USA Home Office as required.

Other Roles

Registered Adult (RA) This position is for registering parents or guardians who, while not serving in defined position listed above, may want to have a more active role with their boys in the program. They pay the regular member fee, agree with the Statement of Faith, submit to a background check, complete the Child Safety Youth Protection Training and are approved by the Charter Organization Representative. They will receive an ID card from the Home Office that identifies them as registered. This allows the local leadership to confidently request their assistance at Troop activities, but doesn’t obligate the Registered Adult to any specific service role. This member is regularly involved and (if over 21) helps to meet the two-deep safety supervision requirement.

Guidon Member (GM): Young Christian men and women ages 18 to 25 years old that have been accepted as members according to the membership criteria established by the local Guidon Unit. We do not currently have a Guidon program at TX-5662.

Please note: All adult Troop members of Trail Life USA complete a registration process that consists of filling out the membership application, signing our statement of faith agreement, paying the member fee, successfully passing a background check, finalizing online Child Safety Youth Protection Training, and receiving certification from the Charter Organization Representative and approval from the Trail Life USA Home Office.