In the Boy Scouts of America, a Scout leader refers to the trained leaders (men or women) of a Scout unit. Adult leaders are generally referred to as "Scouters," and the youth leaders are referred to by their position within a unit (e.g. Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Boatswain). In all Scouting units above the Cub Scout pack and units serving adolescent Scouts, leadership of the unit comprises both adult leaders (Scouters) and youth leaders (Scouts). This is a key part of the Aims and Methods of Scouting. In order to learn leadership, the youth must actually serve in leadership roles.
The Boy Scouts of America have always relied on volunteers to make the organization run.[1] Among the volunteers who provide troop level adult leadership and support, there are Scoutmasters and their uniformed adult leadership (including assistant Scoutmasters and unit chaplain), and committee members. All positions require adults to join the troop by registration. The registration process for adult leaders includes a personal reference and criminal background check, nomination by the committee chairman, followed by appointment by the chartering organization and concluding with acceptance by the district executive (a professional Scouter who is an employee of the local Scout council). A Scouter may be a registered member of more than one unit.[2]
Scoutmasters are responsible for developing and delivering the "program" or the training of youth leadership in how to plan and run a Scout troop's activities. The members of the committee are responsible for "service" or provisioning the troop with the necessary goods and services that allow the Scoutmasters to focus solely on the program.[2]
Committee members may interact with Scouts. For example, they may be assisted by youth leaders (see quartermaster) or they may provide technical training to the Scouts as merit badge counselors. Committee members most important direct interaction with Scouts occurs during boards of review. Committee members assemble in groups of 3 to 6 in order to constitute boards of review. After a Scoutmaster has conducted a Scoutmaster conference with the Scout and determined he is ready for advancement, a Scout must meet with a board of review.[2]
There are similar service and program splits for adult leadership in Cub Scouts, Venturing and Sea Scouts. While there is only limited opportunity for youth leadership in Cub Scouting (i.e. den chief), youth leadership takes an even stronger role in providing both service and program in Venturing.[2]
The leader of a Cub Scout pack is referred to as Cubmaster and who may be assisted by assistant Cubmasters. The Cubmaster is also assisted by any number of den leaders.[2]