Members of Troop 73 are divided into small groups of eight to twelve boys known as Patrols.Each patrol elects a patrol leader. The patrol leader serves for six months and then another boy is elected. In this way, every boy should have a chance to assume a leadership role and learn valuable leadership skills. Each patrol will be assigned a Troop Guide. This is an older, more experienced Scout who helps the younger Scouts.
The troop elects one of its older Scouts to the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The Senior Patrol Leader presides at all Troop meetings, events and activities. He chairs the Patrol Leaders Council. He also appoints a Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL), who fills in for the SPL when he is not available, as well as managing the “Staff” roles including Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructors, Chaplain’s Aide among other positions.
The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is composed of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders and Troop Guides from each patrol. The Patrol Leaders Council meets once a month (usually the first Monday of each month) to plan troop meetings and activities.
Adult Supervision
Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster serves as counselor and guide to the Senior Patrol Leader and other Junior Leaders. He is responsible for the training of all Junior Leaders and for the health and safety of the Troop. He is helped by his Assistant Scoutmasters and is supported by the Troop Committee.
Assistant Scoutmasters
Parents who enjoy working with and teaching boys, enjoy camping and the outdoors, and can devote some spare time to the troop are invited to serve as Assistant Scoutmasters. The ASMs are specifically trained adults who interact with scouts and assist the scoutmaster.
Troop Committee
Troop committee members are volunteers who support the work done by the Youth Leaders, the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters. The troop committee:
- Advise the scoutmaster
- Secure meeting facilities
- Manage budgeting and finances
- Organize fundraising drives
- Obtain permits and reserve campsites
- Serve on boards of review and assist with courts of honor
- Maintain equipment including the trailer and common camping gear
Troop Sponsor
Our chartering organization, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, sponsors our troop. The chartering organization owns our troop and is responsible for approving leadership and providing us with a place to meet. It is located at 8245 Getwell Rd, Southaven, MS 38672.