Leadership
Troop Leadership Positions
The following leadership positions count toward Boy Scout Rank advancement. For more information see the Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA #32501) and the Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA #32502A).
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
The assistant senior patrol leader works closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward and serves as acting senior patrol leader when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among his specific duties, the assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the troop quartermaster, scribe, and Order of the Arrow representative. Troop796 may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader, one is the outgoing SPL and another is appointed by the senior patrol leader. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: Star or above
As assistant senior patrol leader, I will support the senior patrol leader:
Assign duties and responsibilities to troop leaders and make sure they are completed
Support and assist the SPL in all PLC meetings, troop meetings, and troop outings
Lead troop in all activities when the SPL is unavailable
Participate in Leader Training and Troop Planning workshop
Discuss progress of all scouts reporting to me at 2, 4, and 6 month points of term
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months
Patrol Leader (PL)
The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all patrol leaders' council meetings and the annual program planning conference and keeps patrol members informed of decisions made. He plays a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities of other patrol members and full involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. He encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements and sets a good example by continuing to pursue his own advancement.
As patrol leader, I will do my best to build patrol spirit and lead my patrol:
Plan and lead at least 6 patrol meetings or activities
Keep all patrol members informed of troop plans
Track activities, attendance, and advancement of my patrol on Web site
Volunteer myself and my patrol as needed to make the troop run well
Assign jobs to patrol members and help them succeed in those jobs
Attend all PLC meetings and training sessions
Prepare my patrol to successfully participate in all troop activities
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Quartermaster (QM)
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 he 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. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: First Class or above
As quartermaster, I will manage my troop’s equipment:
Keep the troop equipment inventory list up to date on the web site
Keep troop equipment in good condition
Participate in at least 3 PLC meetings to report any equipment needs and status
Receive and record a patrol equipment inventory from each patrol at least once
Supply patrol quartermasters with needed equipment
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months.
Scribe
The scribe is the troop's recorder. Though not a voting member, he attends meetings of the patrol leaders' council to keep a record of the discussions. He records attendance at troop meetings and helps maintain troop advancement records with the adult advancement chairman.
As scribe, I will keep my troop informed about activities:
Record on the Web site, an account of every PLC and troop meeting
Collect attendance at every troop meeting
Arrange a replacement scribe for activities as needed
Publish 6 newsletters about the troop’s activities
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months
Chaplain's Aide
The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. He ensures that religious holidays are considered during the troop's program planning process and promotes the BSA's religious emblems program.
As chaplain aide, I will promote the concept of Reverence in the troop:
Provide an appropriate prayer for every Troop meeting opening and closing event
Attend every troop campout or arrange a replacement beforehand
Lead or ensure there is a religious service at every campout which includes a Sunday morning
Prepare a grace and lead the troop before every meal
Maintain the Chaplain’s area of the Web site with graces, prayers, and resources
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months.
Troop Guide
The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to for new-Scouts. He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. He helps the new-Scouts in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader to provide direction, coaching, and support. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: First Class or above
As troop guide, I will support the new scouts in my troop:
Lead new scouts and provide direction, coaching, and support to new scouts to strengthen their scouting experience in my troop
Help all scouts in my charge advance at least one rank
Organize new scout training or events every month – 6 meetings
Participate in at least 4 PLC meetings to organize new scouts preparation and events with Patrol Leaders
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months
Leave No Trace Trainer
The Leave No Trace Trainer specializes in teaching Leave No Trace principles and ensuring that the troop follows these principles on outings. He can also help Scouts earn the Leave No Trace award. He should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace. Ideally, he should have completed Leave No Trace training and earned the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: First Class or above
Troop Webmaster
The Webmaster helps ensure the Troops Web site is a current and accurate location for Scouts, Leaders, and parent to find information and forms concerning Troop plans and activities. In partnership with the Troop Scribe, Historian, Scoutmaster and others the Webmaster will gather information or ensure others are updating the Web site.
As Troop Webmaster, I will improve communication in the troop:
Maintain a usable information site for use by scouts, parents, and interested boys
Publish calendar, permission forms, news, and other information in conjunction with the Troop Scribe and Historian
Publish documents, forms, and information requested by troop leaders
Keep troop information up to date and published in a timely manner
Train and assist other scouts in troop positions with maintaining their areas
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, and practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months
Order of the Arrow Troop Representative
The Order of the Arrow representative serves as a communication link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, he promotes the Order, encourages Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs. The OA troop representative assists with leadership skills training. He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: Any (must be an OA member)
Den Chief
The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. He takes part in den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model for younger boys. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience. SUGGESTED RANK REQUIREMENT: First Class
Historian
As historian, I will document the activities of my troop:
Maintain and add to the troop history record on the web site
Publish photographs from troop activities on the web site
Submit at least one article about a troop event to local newspapers
Write about troop awards and recognitions in the troop record
Update troop record information, such as new eagle scouts, troop leaders, troop roster
Keep historic items safe such as ribbons, awards, and memorabilia
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months.
Librarian
As librarian, I will keep troop library and materials organized and accessible:
Maintain and organize all troop books, pamphlets, and related materials
Make troop resources available on the web site for scouts to check out
Maintain a record of which scouts have checked out materials
Report at least 2 times to the PLC on materials needing replacement or updating
Retrieve all checked out materials before the end of my term
Purchase merit badge pamphlets and other materials as needed
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months
Bugler
As bugler, I will support the Senior Patrol Leader:
Practice bugling so I am prepared when called on
Sound Taps, Revelry, and Assembly at troop campouts
Sound appropriate calls at Courts of Honor and other assemblies as directed by SPL
Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law
Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months