Troop Leadership Positions

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The junior leader with the most responsibility in a troop is the senior patrol leader. He is elected by all members of the troop. Each troop sets its own requirements and schedule of elections, though senior patrol leaders are usually chosen at six-to-twelve-month intervals and can be re-elected. During a Scout's tenure as senior patrol leader, he is not a member of a patrol. The senior patrol leader of an established troop is often selected from among experienced Scouts of a certain age and rank. In a new troop or a troop without older members, boys are still likely to choose a Scout whom they respect and believe will provide the best leadership. The patrol leaders' council might offer an opportunity for those in the running to make short presentations to the troop, explaining their qualifications and reasons for seeking the office. This provides good practice for the candidates and enables those who do not know them well, younger Scouts in particular, to gain a better sense of what they propose to do for the troop. The senior patrol leader is in charge of troop meetings from beginning to end. He chairs meetings of the patrol leaders' council as they plan troop activities and programs. In short, the senior patrol leader's job is to see that the troop runs in an orderly and timely manner. The relationship between a senior patrol leader and his Scoutmaster is often one of friendship and mutual admiration.

Evaluation form for Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
With the approval of the Scoutmaster, the assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader, serves as his assistant, and takes his place when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among his specific responsibilities are training and providing direction for the troop quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, and instructors. During his tenure as assistant senior patrol leader, the Scout is not a member of a patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader.

Evaluation form for Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

Patrol Leaders
One patrol leader is elected by the members of each patrol. He takes responsibility for the patrol's activities and represents the patrol as a member of the patrol leaders' council. Each patrol leader appoints an assistant patrol leader to serve with him.

Evaluation form for Patrol Leader

Venture Patrol Leader
A Venture patrol is a group of older Scouts within the troop. Elected by members of his patrol, the Venture patrol leader helps his patrol get the most out of high adventure experiences and sports activities.

Troop Guide
The troop guide is both a leader and a "mentor" to the members of a new Scout patrol. He is an older Scout, at least First Class in rank, who helps the patrol leader of a new-Scout patrol in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader-providing direction, coaching, and support as determined by the skill level and morale of the patrol leader and members of the new-Scout patrol. The troop guide is usually not a member of another patrol, but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.

Evaluation form for Troop Guide

Quartermaster
The quartermaster is the supply and equipment boss. He keeps a current inventory of troop equipment and sees that it is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it, and reports to the patrol leaders' council on equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out his responsibilities, he may work closely with a member of the troop committee.

Evaluation form for Quartermaster

Scribe
The scribe is the troop's secretary. He attends meetings of the patrol leaders' council and keeps a logbook of their discussions, but is not a voting member. During troop meetings he records attendance and dues payments and maintains troop advancement records. He may be assigned to a member of the troop committee to help him with his work.

Evaluation form for Scribe

Historian 
The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. He might also collect and organize information about former Scouts and leaders and make materials available for Scouting activities, media contacts, and troop history projects.

Evaluation form for Historian

Librarian
The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report on the need to repair or replace any current holdings.

Evaluation form for Librarian

Instructor
Each instructor is an older troop member proficient both in a Scouting skill and in the ability to teach that skill to others. First aid, camping, backpacking-the subjects can encompass any of the areas that Scouts will want to master, especially those required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop may have more than one instructor.

Chaplain Aide
The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in religious services for the troop. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning and promotes the religious emblems program.

Evaluation form for Chaplain Aide

Den Chief
A den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult den leader. He assists with den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and serves as a role model for younger boys. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. Webelos Den Chief A Webelos den chief meets each week with a Webelos den and helps their adult leader guide Webelos Scouts in their program. He can plan and assist with den meetings and field activities, lead songs and stunts, and encourage Webelos Scouts to progress into the Scout troop. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster IA Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have more than one junior assistant Scoutmaster) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

Evaluation form for Den Chief

Patrol Leader's Council (PLC)
The patrol leaders' council (PLC) plans and runs the troop's program and activities and gives long-range direction with an annual program planning conference that lays out the troop's calendar for the coming year. Composed of the youth leaders listed above, the patrol leaders' council also meets each month to fine-tune upcoming troop meetings and outings. They might also get together briefly after each troop meeting to review the plans for the next troop meeting and make any adjustments to ensure its success.  Meetings of the patrol leaders' council are conducted by the senior patrol leader. Patrol leaders and troop guides present the ideas and concerns of their patrols, then take the council's decisions to the rest of the troop members. The Scoutmaster attends patrol leaders' council meetings as a coach and an informational resource. As much as possible, a Scoutmaster allows the boys to run the meetings and make the decisions, stepping in with suggestions and guidance when that will enhance the program for the troop, the patrols, and individual boys. The Scoutmaster and troop committee retain veto power over decisions of the patrol leaders' council, but should need to exercise it only on rare occasions when the plans of the patrol leaders' council would violate BSA policy or could lead to a situation that might jeopardize the safety and well being of troop members.

Order of the Arrow Representative
The Order of the Arrow is an honor position.  It is way to recognize Scouts who uphold the values of Scouting.  The Troop's OA Representative represents their Troop's values to others.

Evaluation form for Order of the Arrow Representative

Bugler
The bugler is responsible for "announcing" the beginning and end of Troop activities.  These typically include the start and end of the day, the raising and lowering of the flag and mealtime.  If the bugler does not have strong musical abilities, the bugler may use one note/tone, with a specified number of repeats to represent the Troop activity.  The Bugler takes direction when to play the announcements from the Senior Patrol Leader.

Evaluation form for the Bugler

Election Results

Last Updated: 11/21/2005