Troop Positions

When a Scout accepts a position as a Youth Leader, whether in a Troop level position or a Patrol level position, he agrees to provide service and leadership in our Troop. This responsibility should be fun and rewarding. The position descriptions below provide some of the things he is expected to do while serving as a Youth Leader.

The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the Troop. He is an experienced Scout who attends as many Troop functions as possible and has a thorough understanding of all Scouting activities and principles. He sets the example for the Troop by wearing his uniform correctly. He lives the Scout Oath and Law on a daily basis. He is on time and understands his actions are judged by the community and the other Scouts.

The SPL reports to the Scoutmaster and gives direction to the Patrol Leaders and his Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, who help the SPL in the running of the Troop and are next in line in case of absence of the SPL.

Specific Duties:

• Run and manage all Scout Meetings, events, and activities, and works closely with the Scoutmaster in Troop planning.
• Runs the Patrol Leader's Council Meeting.
• Maintain the spirit of the Troop and encourage Scout enthusiasm and active participation for all activities.
• Assign duties and responsibilities to other leaders.
• Work with Scoutmaster in training Youth Leaders.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Troop’s two Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are the second highest-ranking leaders in the Troop and act as the Senior Patrol Leader when he is absent. They are also responsible for training and giving direction to the Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, and Librarian. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders attend as many Troop functions as possible and are active Scouts who set an example by wearing they uniform properly. They live the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday lives.

Specific Duties:

• Act as assistant for the Senior Patrol Leader.
• Responsible for training and giving direct Leadership to the following appointed your Leaders: Troop Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, and Bugler.
• Run and manage all Scout Meetings, events, and activities in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader.
• Responsible for safety and discipline at Scout functions and Meetings
• Perform tasks assigned by the Senior Patrol Leader.
• Serve on the Patrol Leaders' Council.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scribe attends all Scout Meetings and functions and keeps the Troop records. He collects dues at Troop Meetings and keeps the minutes of the PLC Meetings.

Specific Duties:

• Collect dues during Troop Meetings and reports to the Treasurer.
• Record attendance (with help from Assistant Patrol Leaders) and reports to the Advancement Chair.
• Attend and keep a log of Patrol Leaders' Council Meetings.
• Assist Troop Committee members responsible for Finance, Records, and Advancement.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Librarian attends all Scout Meetings and functions and keeps track of the Troop library: books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by Troop members.

Specific Duties:

• Manage the Troop library by having it available at each Troop Meeting.
• Keep records on literature owned by the Troop.
• Maintain list of merit badge pamphlets.
• Maintain list of Merit Badge Counselors.
• Have literature available for borrowing at Troop Meetings.
• Keep system to check literature in and out.
• Take requests from Scouts on the availability of Troop literature.
• Report to Senior Patrol Leader on any literature required for the Troop .
• Add new or replacement items needed.
• Follow up on late returns.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Historian attends all Scout Meetings and functions. He collects and maintains Troop memorabilia and information on former Troop members or more Advancement skills to Troop members.

Specific Duties:

• Gather pictures and facts about past activities of the Troop and keep them in Troop scrapbook or bulletin board.
• Take care of Troop trophies and keepsakes.
• Keep information about Troop alumni.
• Photograph trips and Meeting activities.
• Write up reports on outings and events for publishing on Troop website.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Quartermaster attends all Scout Meetings and functions and manages Troop equipment.

Specific Duties:

• Keep records of Troop equipment.
• Make sure equipment is in good working order.
• Issue Troop equipment to Scouts and see that it is returned in good order.
• Suggest new or replacement items.
• Work with Troop Committee on obtaining new camp equipment.
• Responsible for Troop and American flags at Scout functions.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Bugler attends all Scout Meetings and functions.

Specific Duties:

• Sound Taps, Assembly and Revelry at Troop campouts.
• Sound Assembly at weekly meetings.
• Keep track of schedules.
• Set time at outings.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Chaplain Aide attends all Scout Meetings and functions and leads the Troop in religious observances.

Specific Duties:

• Assist Chaplain in meeting the religious needs of Troop members while an activities.
• Keep Troop Leaders apprised of religious holidays when planning activities.
• Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities.
• Tell Troop Members about religious emblem program of their faith.
• Preside over closing prayer at Troop Meetings.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

See Also

• The Scout Method
• Youth Leadership
• Patrol Leader
• Patrol Positions