The Troop Committee is the collection of officially registered volunteer “Scouters” (adults) who guide the Scouts as they operate the Troop. Under our bylaws, Troop 354 has a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer who are elected to their positions by the other Committee members roughly every two years or so. The Chairman appoints other officers such as the Advancement Chair (which is a standing position with us).
Currently, we have Monthly Campout Coordinators who helps organize the logistics of each campout or other event, a Webelo Liaison who is our “Go-To” for all Cub transition contact with our Troop (visits, campouts, Crossover Ceremonies, etc.), and an Advancement Coordinator who helps the boys plan major excitement and fun.
A Troop Committee member becomes that way upon filling out an adult application form (and signing the background check authorization), which is countersigned by the Committee Chairman and Charter Organization Representative and, after their scrutiny, submitted to local Council and National Council.
Committee membership dues are $57.00 a year. Committee members receive a Council publication and the national BSA’s glossy slick leaders’ magazine, as well. You are encouraged to explore the various training opportunities offered through the local Council.
The troop committee is a cross between a board of directors and a parent support group. It sets troop policies/by-laws and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts.
A robust troop committee supports an effective scouting program.
Committee Positions
Committee Chair – Chris Hill
- Organizes the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed
- Maintains a close relationship with the Chartered Organization Representative and the Scoutmasters
- Interprets national and local policies to the troop
- Prepares troop committee meeting agendas
- Calls, presides over, and promotes attendance at monthly troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called
- Ensures troop representation at roundtables
- Arranges for charter review and recharter annually
- Plans the charter presentation
Secretary – Ben Flanders
- Keeps minutes of meetings and sends out committee meeting notices
- Handles publicity
- Prepares a family newsletter of troop events and activities
- Conducts troop resource survey
- Plans for family night programs and family activities
- Reports the minutes of previous meetings
Treasurer – David Hop
- Handles all troop funds
- Pays bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop Committee
- Maintains checking and/or savings accounts
- Keep adequate financial records
- Supervises camp savings plans
- Leads in the preparation of the annual troop budget
- Leads the Friends of Scouting campaign
- Reports to the troop committee at each meeting
Advancement Coordinator(s) – Brad Nygaard and Todd Hollen
- Encourages Scouts to advance in rank
- Works with the troop Scribe to maintain all Scout advancement records
- Arranges quarterly troop boards of review and courts of honor
- Recruits merit badge counselors
- Makes a prompt report of advancements using online tools or appropriate paper forms to the council service center
- Secures badges and certificates
- Works with the troop Librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature
- Report to the troop committee at each meeting
Webmaster – Gabriel Gloria
- Maintains the troop’s website, ensures information posted is correct and up to date
- Works with various unit members on needed topics
Arrow-of-Light Liaison – Ben Flanders
- Acts as a bridge between the troop and local AOL dens, promoting a smooth transition to Scouts BSA
- Organizes joint activities and events to introduce AOLs to troop life and build relationships
- Provides information and guidance to AOL leaders, Scouts, and parents about troop programs and membership
High Adventure Coordinator – VACANT
- Plans and organizes high-adventure trips, ensuring Scouts have challenging and exciting outdoor experiences
- Coordinates logistics, including travel, equipment, and permits, while ensuring safety and adherence to BSA guidelines
- Promotes participation and helps Scouts prepare physically and mentally for high-adventure activities
Fundraising Chair – VACANT
- Coordinates and oversees all troop fundraising activities to ensure successful financial support for troop programs
- Develops and implements fundraising plans, setting goals and tracking progress throughout the year
- Works with Scouts and parents to organize events, promote participation, and ensure compliance with fundraising guidelines
- Manages fundraising logistics, such as securing venues, supplies, and permits as needed for events
- Ensures funds are properly collected, documented, and allocated to support troop operations, activities, and equipment needs
Training Coordinator – Walt Fredricks
- Ensures troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training
- Maintains an inventory of up-to-date training materials and resources
- Responsible for Youth Protection Training compliance within the troop
- Encourages periodic youth leadership training within the troop and at the council and national levels
- Reports to the troop committee at each meeting
Chaplain – Nick Knebl
- Provides a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities.
- Gives guidance to the Chaplain Aide (youth position)
- Promotes regular participation in religious organization/activities.
- Reports to the troop committee at each meeting
- Encourages Scouts/adults to earn their appropriate religious emblems
Life-to-Eagle Coordinator – Gabriel Gloria
- Guides Life Scouts through the Eagle Scout rank advancement process, offering support on requirements and paperwork
- Assists Scouts in planning and executing their Eagle projects, ensuring they meet guidelines and objectives
- Monitors progress and coordinates with troop leaders and the local council to ensure a smooth path to Eagle rank completion
New Member Coordinator – VACANT
- Welcomes and orients new Scouts and their families, helping them understand troop activities, policies, and expectations
- Facilitates the integration of new members into the troop through mentorship and support from experienced Scouts
- Organizes recruitment events and follow-up activities to encourage participation and retention of new members
Outdoor Activities Coordinator – VACANT
- Plans and organizes outdoor events and activities for the troop, ensuring a diverse range of experiences that align with Scouts’ interests
- Coordinates logistics, including location, permits, and transportation needs for outdoor activities
- Promotes safety and preparedness by leading training sessions and ensuring compliance with BSA guidelines for outdoor adventures
Equipment Coordinator/Quartermaster – Josh Deline
- Manages the troop’s inventory of equipment, ensuring all items are well-maintained, organized, and readily available for use
- Oversees the checkout process for gear, tracking usage and returns to maintain an accurate inventory
- Works with youth Quartermaster to report on repairs and replacement of equipment, advises troop leadership on purchasing needs based on upcoming activities
- Hitches/brings troop trailer to events, if necessary