In Scouts BSA, there are several leadership positions within a troop that Scouts can hold. These positions provide opportunities for Scouts to learn responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Here’s a brief overview of some key positions:
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Expectations
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) - The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. Qualifications:
First Class rank or higher
Must be approved by the Scoutmaster
Senior Patrol Leader duties: Before running, have a conversation with your parents and yourself. Understand the upcoming 6 months calendar. What commitments do you have outside of scouting (e.g., Music, Sports, Clubs). Preside at majority of troop meetings and activities. Attendance expectation 80% (i.e., 6 month term typically has 25 Meetings, SPL must be able to attend 20 meetings and not miss 3 consecutive meetings.
Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 65%. Generally 6 outings (attend at least 4)
Established communication channel with Scoutmaster, PL, Quartermaster, Outdoor coordinator of upcoming events and meetings in terms of absentee, agenda, communication to PLC topic presenter.
Appoint Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster
Assign specific duties to other youth leaders (e.g., Quartermaster, Scribe) based off of interest initially and Scoutmaster approvalAssist the Scoutmaster in training youth leaders
Delegate tasks to the ASPL. Make sure ASPL attends any meeting/function he will not be able to attend
Oversee the planning efforts of scouts for all troop events
Set a good example
Wear the field uniform (class A) correctly to all regular troop meetings and religious services
Wear the activity uniform (class B t-shirt) to all outings and other troop activities
Live by the Scout Oath and Law
Show Scout spirit
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): Assists the SPL and takes over leadership in their absence; often oversees specific tasks and other junior leaders.
Patrol Leader (PL): Leads a patrol within the troop, plans patrol meetings, and represents the patrol at the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL): Supports the PL and steps in to lead when the PL is unavailable.
Troop Guide: Provides guidance to new Scouts and helps them feel comfortable and integrated into the troop.
Quartermaster: Manages and maintains troop equipment and ensures materials are available for troop events.
Scribe: Keeps meeting minutes, attendance records, and tracks advancement requirements.
Den Chief: Serves as a liaison and role model for Cub Scouts, helping them transition to Scouts BSA.
Chaplain’s Aide: Assists with the troop’s spiritual needs and helps plan and conduct religious services at troop activities.
Historian: Documents troop activities and maintains archives, including photographs and memorabilia.
Instructor: Teaches Scouting skills to other troop members and helps with merit badge instruction.
Librarian: Manages troop literature, including merit badge pamphlets, books, and other resources.
Webmaster: Maintains the troop’s website and ensures that content is up to date and accurate.
Bugler: Plays the bugle (or similar instrument) to mark key moments during troop events, like reveille and lights out.
Order of the Arrow Representative: Acts as a liaison between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge.
Outdoor Ethics Guide: Educates the troop on Leave No Trace principles and ensures outdoor activities are environmentally responsible.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: A Scout at least 16 years old who assists the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders, serving as a bridge between youth and adults.