Scout Leadership
Our Scouts can do anything they put their minds to and it is important to let our Scouts do the leading. Sure it may look a bit chaotic from time to time, but Scouts won't learn to lead by having it done for them. Adults can show Scouts how to lead by doing things the Scout way with the adult patrol, by wearing the Scout uniform correctly, and by conducting themselves according to the Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code at all times.
Sometimes being a leader can be scary and our youth would like to know what is expected of them before they take the leap in an election. This page should help them navigate the leadership waters. Position descriptions are taken directly from the BSA Troop Leadership Resources. Please visit the link associated with each position for the BSA Responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned to a position depending on the number of scouts in the unit.
In Troop 321 the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Patrol Leaders are elected. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader appointed by the SPL and the "cabinet" of positions are appointed by the ASPL all with approval of the Scoutmaster. The Patrols Leaders select their Assistant Patrol Leaders.
In an effort to effectively train our scouts in their specific leadership positions, we have indicated who they report to AND who they work with. If an adult leader is assigned to their position, it is NOT to do their job for them but to be a mentor in helping them understand the responsibilities of their position and how to do things for the good of the unit.
Senior Patrol Leader
Reportst to the Scoutmaster. Works with the PLC and ASPL.
The senior patrol leader is the highest youth leadership position in a troop. They are the primary link between a troop’s Scouts and its adult leaders. They shoulder the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and the patrol leaders’ council and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events. Reports to the Scoutmaster
ASPL Asst Senior Patrol Leader
Reports to the Scoutmaster and works with the SPL and PLC.
The assistant senior patrol leader is the second highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.
Reports to the SPL and works with Troop Guide if a new patrol and with the ASM assigned to their patrol.
The patrol leader is the patrol’s key leader, representing the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference, and keeping patrol members informed of decisions made. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities, and assure patrols are prepared to participate in all troop activities. They keep their patrol intact so they can work together and share responsibilities to get things done. It is incumbent upon them to be a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop.
Reports to the PL and SPL and work with the Troop Guide if a new patrol and with the ASM assigned to their patrol.
Assists the Patrol Leader in the duties of their office. Fills in for the PL when they are unable to attend. See PL for more details.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the Unit Chaplain.
Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They lead the troop in opening or closing prayer and mealtime blessings. Chaplain aides ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious emblems program.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the PL and ASM over new patrols.
Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts.
The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the Adult Quartermaster .
Quartermasters serve as the troop’s supply boss. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. At meetings of the patrol leaders’ council they report on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out their responsibilities, they may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the PLC and Troop Committee Secretary.
The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, they attend meetings of the patrol leaders’ council and keep a record of the discussions. They cooperate with the patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records. The troop scribe may be assisted by a member of the troop committee.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the PLC and Committee Secretary.
Troop librarians oversee the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. They check out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintain records to ensure that everything is returned. They may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the PLC and Troop Committee Member assigned to the Website.
Troop webmasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. They make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that the privacy of youth and adult troop members is protected. A member of the troop committee may assist them with their work.
Reports to the ASPL and works with the PLC and committee member assigned to the position. The historian collects, assembles, and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia, and makes materials available for Scouting activities, courts of honor, the media, and troop history projects.
Reports to the ASPL and PLC and works with the adult leader assign to this position. Outdoor ethics guides help troops plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the Outdoor Code, the Leave No Trace principles, and the Tread Lightly! principles. Guides work to help Scouts improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to help minimize impacts as they hike, camp, and participate in other outdoor activities. In particular, they should support Scouts who are working to complete the relevant requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.