Troop Leadership

NOTE: The following folder has the Leadership Duties and Goals form for these leadership roles. These forms are completed before the service start date. These forms provides the basic duties for this leadership position and documents the Scout’s SMART goals for his tenure in this leadership role. Here's a guide for creating SMART goals.

The SPL and Scoutmaster (or designated Assistant Scoutmaster) will review and approve these goals before they are finalized to ensure good Troop organization and planning. A parent must also initial the form to acknowledge that their Scout has committed to the goals on this form. After completion of his tenure, the Scout will use the form to document their successes and where they see opportunities for improvement in themselves and in the Troop. The completed form will be the official record that the Scout has completed his requirement for any requested rank advancement. These forms will be kept in a binder in the Troop locker for easy reference and use for Scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review.

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Senior Patrol Leader

The Scout with the most responsibility in a Troop is the Senior Patrol Leader. He is elected by all of the members of the Troop. Each Troop sets its' own requirements and schedule of elections, though senior patrol leaders are usually chosen at six- to 12-month intervals and can be reelected. He reports to the Scoutmaster. His responsibilities include: 

• Runs all Troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.

• Runs the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings.

• Appoints other Troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.

• Assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.

• Assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training.

• Sets a good example.

• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform.

• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Shows Scout spirit.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the Troop. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the Troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. His responsibilities include:

• Helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities.

• Runs the Troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader.

• Helps train and supervise the Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Librarian, Historian, Webmaster, and Chaplain Aide.

• Serves as a member of the patrol leaders' council.

• Sets a good example.

• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).

• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law

• Show Scout spirit.

• Lends a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit.

• Wears the uniform correctly.

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Patrol Leader

The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as patrol leader. The Troop determines the requirements for patrol leaders, such as rank and age. To give more youths the opportunity to lead, most Troops elect patrol leaders twice a year. Some may have elections more often. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council and reports to the Senior Patrol Leader. His responsibilities include: 

• Represents the patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council.

• Plans and steers patrol meetings.

• Helps Scouts advance.

• Acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts.

• Keeps patrol members informed.

• Knows what his patrol members and other leaders can do.

• Sets the example, wears the uniform correctly, lives the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Assistant Patrol Leader

The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He reports to the Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: 

• Helps keep patrol members informed.

• Helps the patrol get ready for all Troop activities.

• Represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend.

• Helps the patrol leader plan and steer patrol meetings and activities.

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Quartermaster

The quartermaster is the Troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it, and at meetings of the patrol leaders’ council reports on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out his responsibilities, he may have the guidance of a member of the Troop committee. His responsibilities include:

• Keeps records on patrol and Troop equipment.

• Makes sure equipment is in good working condition.

• Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition.

• Makes suggestions for new or replacement items.

• Works with the Troop committee member responsible for equipment.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Troop Guide

Each new Scout patrol in a Troop should have its own Troop guide. A Troop guide is an older Scout who holds the rank of First Class or higher, has strong teaching skills, and possesses the patience to work with new Scouts. As a mentor to the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol, he provides direction for the patrol leader and helps him with his patrol leader responsibilities. The Troop guide accompanies the new Scout patrol on Troop campouts and makes himself available to assist the new Scouts as they learn fundamental Scouting skills. Along with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol, he is a member of the patrol leaders’ council. The Troop Guide can use the "Troop Guide Handbook for Training New Scouts." Responsibilities include:

• Introduces new Scouts to Troop operations.

• Guides new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts.

• Helps new Scouts earn First Class rank.

• Teaches basic Scout skills.

• Coaches the Patrol Leader of the new Scout patrol on his duties.

• Works with the Patrol Leader at Patrol Leaders' Council meetings.

• Attends Patrol Leaders' Council meetings with the Patrol Leader of the new Scout patrol.

• Assists the assistant Scoutmaster with training.

• Counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Troop Scribe

The Troop Scribe is the Troop’s secretary. He keeps the minutes of the patrol leaders’ council meetings but is not a voting member of the council. The scribe may also keep attendance records of other Troop activities, such as campouts and service projects. During Troop meetings, he works with patrol scribes to ensure the accurate recording of attendance and payment of dues, and to keep advancement records up-to-date. An adult who is a member of the Troop committee may be assigned to help the Troop scribe carry out his responsibilities. His responsibilities include: 

• Attends and keeps a log of Patrol Leaders' Council meetings.

• Records individual Scout attendance and dues payments.

• Records individual Scout advancement progress.

• Works with the Troop committee member responsible for records and finance.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

Instructor

Each instructor is an older Troop member who is proficient in Scouting skills and has the ability to teach those skills to others. The subjects that instructors may wish to teach include any of the areas that Scouts want to master, especially those such as first aid, camping, backpacking, orienteering, and others required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A Troop may have more than one instructor. Responsibilities include: 

• Teaches basic Scouting skills in Troop and patrols.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Outdoor Ethics Guide

The Outdoor Ethics Guide specializes in teaching Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles and ensures that the Troop follows the principles of Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! on all outings such as camping and other outdoor activities.

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He can also help Scouts earn the Leave No Trace award. He should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly!. Ideally, he should have completed Leave No Trace training or Tread Lightly! training as well as earned both the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges.

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The senior patrol leader may appoint a Scout, 14 years or older who has successfully completed the official 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer training course, to serve as the Troop Leave No Trace Trainer. 

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A Scout under the age of 14, or who has not completed Leave No Trace Trainer training, may serve as an instructor teaching Leave No Trace skills until he obtains the necessary training.

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Webmaster

The Webmaster runs the website, which has the following goals:

• Improve Troop communication and coordination (especially among Patrol members);

• Document past activities for future Scouts and adult leaders (esp. helpful for Troop Historian);

• Help answer questions for new Scouts and parent; and 

• Provide links to useful websites and other Scout resources.

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The Troop Webmaster reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: ​

• Ensures the Troop's communication resources are as youth-run as possible and follows Scouting America web guidelines. See the following page for a listing of these resources.

• Trains Scouts and parents on how to sign-up and use the Troop's communication resources.

• Helps maintain the Troop communication resources.

• Trains his successor.

• Sets a good example and shows Scout spirit.

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Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability. He reports to the Scoutmaster and his responsibilities include: 

• Functions as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

• Performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Troop Order of the Arrow Representative

The Order of the Arrow Representative serves as a liaison between the Troop and the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge. He reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: 

• Encourage year round and resident camping in the Troop, older Scout participation in high adventure programs, and participation in community service projects

• Assist with leadership skills training

• Encourage Arrowmen to fill leadership positions in Troop, and participate in OA activities

• Sets the example, wears the uniform correctly, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Den Chief

The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. He reports to the Den Leader in the Pack and the Scoutmaster. His responsibilities include: 

• Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting.

• Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks.

• Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Troop upon graduation.

• Assists with activities in the Den Meetings.

• Is a friend to the Scouts in the Den.

• Helps out at weekly Den Meetings and monthly Pack meetings

• Meets with adult members of the Den, Pack, and Troop as necessary.

• Sets the example, wears the uniform correctly, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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The following webpage provides more details on this leadership position.

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Troop Librarian

The Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, and other literature. He reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: ​

• Sets up and takes care of a Troop library.

• Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the Troop.

• Adds new or replacement items as needed.

• Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing.

• Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out, and follows up on late returns.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Troop Historian

The Troop Historian preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. He reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: ​

• Gathers pictures and facts about Troop activities and keeps them in a historical file, scrapbook, or website.

• Takes care of Troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of Troop activities.

• Keeps information about former members of the Troop.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Chaplain Aide

The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the Troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. He reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and his responsibilities include: 

• Assists the Troop chaplain with religious services at Troop activities.

• Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith.

• Makes sure religious holidays are considered during the Troop program planning process.

• Helps plan for religious observance in Troop activities.

• Sets a good example, enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform, lives by the Scout Oath and Law, and shows Scout spirit.

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Bugler

The Troop Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at Troop/team activities. He reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

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