Troop Leadership Positions

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the troop. He needs to attend as close to all troop functions as possible. One of the major parts of the SPL's job is to appoint other troop leaders. He must choose leaders who are able, not just his friends or other popular Scouts.  Elected by the members of the troop.

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest-ranking patrol leader in the troop.  The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the SPL or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop. The most important part of the ASPL position is his work with the other junior leaders. The ASPL should be familiar with the other positions and stay current with the work being done.  Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader

The Patrol Leader (PL)

The Patrol Leader may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide them. The Patrol Leaders, along with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are the primary members of the Patrol Leaders' Council. Elected by the members of the troop.

The Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)

The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence. Substituting for the Patrol Leader is only part of the Assistant Patrol Leader's job.  The APL actively helps run the patrol. Appointed by the Patrol Leader.

The Instructor - Open

The Instructor teaches scouting skills. The Instructor will work closely with both the Troop Guide and with the Assistant Scoutmaster for new Scouts. The Instructor does not have to be an expert but should be able to teach the Scoutcraft skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The troop can have more than one instructor. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Troop Guide

The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year. The first year as a Boy Scout is a critical time with new places, new people, new rules, and new activities. The Troop Guide is a friend to the new Scouts and makes the first year fun and successful. This is an important position. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Den Chief

The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. The Den Chief provides knowledge of games and Scout skills that many Den Leaders lack. The Den Chief is also a recruiter for the troop. This function is important because no troop can thrive without new members and most new members will come from Cub Scouting. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Troop Librarian

The Troop Librarian takes care of troop literature, especially the Troop Merit Badge Library.  The library contains books of historical value as well as current materials. All together, the library is a troop resource worth hundreds of dollars. The Librarian manages this resource for the troop. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Troop Quartermaster

Current Quartermasters

The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. The Quartermaster does most of his work around campouts. There are times when the Quartermaster has to be available to check equipment in and out. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Troop Scribe

The Scribe keeps the troop records, and writes newsletter articles. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. To be a good Scribe you need to attend nearly all troop and Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Chaplain’s Aid

The Chaplin Aide works with the Troop Chaplin to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious awards program. "Duty to God" is one of the core beliefs of Scouting. The Chaplin Aide helps everyone in the troop by preparing short religious observations for campouts and other functions. The Chaplin Aide does not always lead the observation himself and can have other troop member’s help. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The Troop Historian

The Troop Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities. The true value of a good Historian does not show up until years later. The Historian provides material for displays and presentations of current activities. In addition, the work of the Historian provides a link with the past. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

The 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.  The Scoutmaster appoints him because of his leadership ability. In many cases the JASM has the same responsibilities as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Troop Webmaster

The Troop Webmaster reports to the Senior Patrol Leader.  Responsibilities for this position in the troop are still being defined.  Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

Leave No Trace Trainer -

The troop Leave No Trace Trainer helps minimize impact on the land by teaching members the principles of Leave No Trace and improving Scouts' outdoor ethics decision-making skills. 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. 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.

The Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC)

The Patrol Leaders’ Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s), all Patrol Leaders, and Troop Guides. The Patrol Leaders’ Council plans the yearly Troop Program at the annual Troop planning retreat and Leaders Camp. It then meets monthly, during one of the normal Troop meeting nights, to complete the plans for the upcoming months.

The Patrol Leader, the Scout is a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council, and the Patrol Leader serves as the voice of his Patrol members. Patrol Leaders should present the ideas and concerns of their Patrol and in turn share the decisions of the Patrol Leaders’ Council with his Patrol members.

Troop Leadership Position Process

The Troop selects its Leaders every 6 months, in March and April. Prior to elections, the Troop will make a call for Scouts who are interested in leadership positions for the next 6 months to fill out and submit a Leadership Position interest form.

The SPL and PL are positions that are elected by the Scouts in the Troop. The SPL and PL candidates make a speech on why they want the position and what they would do in the position.  The SPL and PL’s would then select their respective ASPL(s) and APL’s. Scouts interested in the remaining positions would interview for the desired position(s) with the Assistant Scoutmaster who oversees that position. The adult leaders caucus following the interview process and make the selections for the remaining leadership positions.

Once selected, all leadership candidates will need to complete a Leadership Commitment Form which they will need to get signed by their parents, basically saying that they understand their duties and will do their job to the best of their abilities for the upcoming year.