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Troop 632 | Gulf Coast Council | Pensacola, Florida |
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Troop 632 | Gulf Coast Council | Pensacola, Florida |
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Scouting's founder, Robert Baden-Powell, wrote in his Aids to Scoutmastership:
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Boy-run scouting is a method to achieve that end. Troop 632 is a boy-run troop. What does that mean? The short answer is that, unlike cub scouting, the boys are expected to provide direction for the troop! All program planning and implementation is undertaken by the boys. Adults provide coaching and logistical support. Again, Baden-Powell reminds that:
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The boys at 632 elect a Senior Patrol Leader from among their number. The SPL guides the troop for a term of six months with the assistance of a leadership team that he appoints: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader; the Quartermaster; the Scribe; and the Chaplain's Aide. The ASPL runs the troop meetings on Tuesday nights and handles troop business in the absence of the SPL. The Quartermaster is responsible for the maintenance and transport of all troop equipment. The Scribe handles troop finances and the Chaplain's Aide attends to the troop's religious duties. These leaders gather at a Patrol Leaders' Council on the first Monday of each month to plan troop program. |
| The troop also works on the patrol method. That is, the work of the troop is done by teams of six to eight boys. Each patrol elects its own Patrol Leader, who in turn appoints his leadership team. Patrols are then represented by these leaders at the troop's monthly Patrol Leaders' Conference. "The patrol is the unit of Scouting always, whether for work or for play, for discipline or for duty." Aids to Scoutmastership. Serving in troop leadership is required for rank advancement. |
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| The Troop Committee meets at the Scout Hut on the second Thursday of each month. The committee is open to the parents of all scouts and the adult leaders at 632. |
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| The Scoutmaster is assisted in oversight of the boy-run troop by other uniformed adults. Assistant Scoutmasters are required to attend District Leader Training and are encouraged to attend Woodbadge. Training is also recommended for all adults interested in gaining greater insight into the methodologies of scouting. All troop functions are opened to parents or guardians of scouts or such other adults as are approved by the troop committee. Adults who attend outdoor program activities camp together in their own patrol- the Old Goats. |
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John Dickinson began his adult scouting career when his son crossed over from Pack 632 in 1995. He assumed the duties of scoutmaster in 2000. Mr. Dickinson completed Scoutmastership Fundamentals in October 1995. He attended the week-long Wood Badge course (SR-132) for the Gulf Coast Council in May 1996 and received his beads shortly thereafter. Mr. Dickinson earned his third bead when appointed an assistant course director for Wood Badge course SR-254 in May 1998. He received the District Award of Merit in January 2000. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Yustaga Lodge. He is the recipient of the Boy Scout Leader's Training Award and the Scoutmaster's Key. John is also a three-time Philmont Trek veteran. When not scouting, Mr. Dickinson is a prosecutor in the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit of Florida. |
