Troop Leadership
Scout Leadership
The Scout program depends heavily upon leadership provided by the boys themselves. The troop is divided into patrols with one Scout serving as patrol leader. Patrol leaders in Troop 542 are usually high school students. They must have several years of Scouting experience, and good attendance records. On camping trips, patrols set up their site, plan their menu, buy their food and cook their own meals. Older Scouts in various leadership roles coordinate activities and run the troop meetings with the Senior Patrol Leader organizing this team.
New Scouts joining the troop are placed in a patrol of their own. Every effort is made to keep groups of friends together. At present we have 7 patrols. New Scouts join the Shark patrol. The Cougar, Lightning, Pine Tree, Python, and Raven patrols have Scouts in grades 6 to 11. The Eagle patrol is for the oldest Scouts and senior leadership. Patrol assignments can be changed to suit the desires of the boys.
In addition to the patrol leaders, several older Scouts are assigned as “Troop Guides” to work with the new members. Some of our Assistant Scoutmasters are 100% devoted to working with new boys.
Adult Leadership
Adult leadership comes from Scoutmaster Art Siegel and Assistant Scoutmasters working in various roles throughout the program. We also have a very large and active group of parents on the troop committee, led by Committee Chairman Arland Hotchkiss.
All registered leaders have completed training for their positions, must pass a background check, and complete Youth Protection Training. BSA also follows strict 2-deep leadership rules to protect our youth and leaders.