Question... I'm a new ASM; what can I do to help?

[hikebarefoot]

I am new to this forum and also a newly trained assistant scout master. My son and some of the other new scouts in the troop were unable to attend camp this sommer. I am cureous if it is permitted for me to work with any of the boys and sign off in there books towards rank?

[wagionvigil]

First Welcome
Second what did you learn at training about that?

[hikebarefoot]

All activities would strictly adhere to youth protection guidelines of course. I can't think of much else.

[wagionvigil]

In most troops the older boys can sign off the requirements that the younger boys have completed You mentioned your son I would let someone else sign him off on requirements. I also would check with your SM as to what he wants you to do.

[hikebarefoot]

thank you

[wagionvigil]

Take some time and use the search engine on the forum. You will find several threads about this subject.

[smtroop168]

I am new to this forum and also a newly trained assistant scout master. My son and some of the other new scouts in the troop were unable to attend camp this sommer. I am cureous if it is permitted for me to work with any of the boys and sign off in there books towards rank?

Of course you can work with the boys. Ask the SM if he has anything he wants to make sure is covered. Also there is absolutely no restriction on you signing off your son's stuff, rank or MBs. Some don't like to do so and that's your call but there is no BSA restriction.

[Nuts4Scouts]

Yes, you can work with the boys on the Scout Skills for their Rank requirements.

However - unless you have the specific approval of your SM, you may not sign off on those skills. This is not Cub Scouts anymore.

Per the BSA Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures -

A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates.

My emphasis on the last sentence.

Also, you can not sign off on any Merit Badge work unless you are a registered Merit Badge Counselor for that badge.

So, I would work with the boys on their skills. Get them learning stuff and having fun doing it. Then when they get back to their Troop meeting their Troop Guide, SPL, or whoever the SM has authorized, can test them and sign them off.

[Quailman]

Welcome to the forum! You might want to edit your profile to include your home council in the location filed. You may find you have real-life neighbors here.

[WVBeaver05]

Yes, you can work with the boys on the Scout Skills for their Rank requirements.

However - unless you have the specific approval of your SM, you may not sign off on those skills. This is not Cub Scouts anymore.

Per the BSA Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures -

A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates.

My emphasis on the last sentence.

Exactly right! However, whenever possible I want to have other Scouts working with the younger ones to help develop their skills (both in the subject and in training).

As a district trainer, I am interested to know which trainings you have completed? I won't bother finding the sylabus right now but I thought who could sign off requirements was covered in one or both of the Scoutmaster courses.

And, of course, WELCOME!!

YiS

[Bill Pitcher]

Welcome to the forum, hikebarefoot. I'm just up the road from you in the Mid-Hudson Valley. I concur with the above advice. It's OK to work with your son, and have him invite his patrol or other Scouts of the same skill needs, when you do. This develops great friendships and gets things done. Working with your son ONLY is OK, but doesn't look good. I had two sons (both Eagles) who would ask for help, but always went to the SPL, another ASM, or Troop Guides to get things signed off. They knew that I was uncomfortable signing their books unless it was a patrol thing. Gook Luck and enjoy watching him grow.