BSA Chaplains are not counselors, we are advisors, we inspire, we encourage, but we are not counselors. Unless you have professional training in the world of counseling, you should leave the counseling to the professionals. That said, many Chaplains who are clergy are able to provide counseling in their role as a member of the clergy. It is important to make that distinction clear when you shift from Scout Chaplain to Clergy mode. I usually start with “I am now talking to you as a Christian Minister and I have a legal obligation to confidentiality. Also everything that I share will be Christ centered. Is this what you want?” I have never received a “No” response.

If you are not a member of the clergy and serving as a lay Chaplain, the best thing you can do is listen. Be a sounding board, encourage Scouts to think through their issues using the ideals of Scouting. Remember to keep the confidence, what is said between you should stay between you. Your credibility as a Scout Chaplain is important. If you share your conversations with others, it will get back to the Scouts and you will lose their trust. If you want to share your conversation with the parents or other leaders, ask the scout for permission and respect their wishes. 

Always remember, though, a Scout’s health and safety are your primary responsibility. If you feel a Scout is at risk, you have a moral obligation to protect that Scout. You may also have a legal obligation. Make sure that you know and understand your local laws regarding reporting abuse. If you think a Scout may be a danger to him/herself or to others, you need to let the parents know. 

The role of Chaplain is immeasurable rewarding. In my over 25 years as a BSA Chaplain, I have had the opportunity to work with thousands of Scouts identifying their “Duty to God” and teaching them to be “Reverent”. I have seen many Scouts find their faith and grow in it. 

But it doesn’t end with the Scouts. In many cases, the families I serve are unchurched. I am the closest thing that they have to personal clergy. This has opened many opportunities to serve the families in a much greater capacity. I have walked with families though death of loved ones, suicide, the break up of marriages, the joys of weddings and births. 

There is nothing more rewarding and honorable than when a former Scout shows up at a meeting 10 years later to introduce his fiance and asks you to officiate their wedding.

The role of a Chaplain is not to proselytize, but to be the earthly presence of God. Your actions, your language, everything you do should be to glorify God!

I would love to hear about your tools and be able to share them with others. Send your input to me at content@bsachaplain.org.