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A Scoutmaster is the primary adult leader of a Scout Troop. The Scoutmaster is responsible for guiding the Scouts in running their Troop. By advising the youth leaders (most notably the Senior Patrol Leader) of the Troop, the Scoutmaster seeks to provide them with opportunities for personal growth through leadership and activity.

There are many training programs for Scoutmasters, with the Wood Badge being considered the top level.

Corresponding to the role of Scoutmaster is the position of Cubmaster in Cub Scouts, Team Coach in Varsity Scouts, Crew Advisor in Venturing, and Skipper in Sea Scouting. Scoutmaster is a gender non-specific term, being used for both ladies and gentlemen, though early in Scouting history, Scoutmistress was also commonly used. Some Scout Associations use different terms for these positions.

South Africa

South Africa decided in the early 90s to change the name of a Scoutmaster to Scouter. The reason for this change was due to the apparent negative connotations that the word Master has to certain ethnic groups in South Africa that were affected by slavery.

Therefore in South Africa, the names of the various roles are changed. Troop Scouter in Scout Troops (This includes Sea Scouting and Air Scouting) and Pack Scouter in Cub Scouts. The leader of a Rover Crew is called the Crew Leader. South Africa does not have Varsity Scouts, or Venture Scouts.

In other countries, Scouter refers to any adult leader, professional Scout employee, or any Scout alumnus.

See also

• Harcmistrz, the highest Scouting instructor rank in Poland

External Links

Scoutmaster: Opinion, Know-how, Comment

• Scouting
• Boy Scouts of America