In Boy Scouts, scouts have the opportunity to have leadership positions. These positions range from leading the troop, to keeping track of troop records. Please view navigation at the right to quickly navigate the positions.

Senior Patrol Leader

The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and he does everything he can to help each patrol be successful. He is responsible for annual program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’ council and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a Scout’s time as senior patrol leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities.

Responsibilities

• 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 (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Resources

• Here is a more in depth guide of responsibilities of the SPL

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Patrol Leader

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
• Keep patrol members informed.
• Assign each patrol member a specific duty.
• Represent his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
• Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.
• Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
• Know the abilities of each patrol member.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show and develop patrol spirit.

Resources

• If you need help planning a patrol meeting, please visit this document.

Assistant Patrol Leader

The assistant patrol leader works alongside the patrol leader in running the patrol. He has many of the same responsibilities of the patrol leader.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
• Keep patrol members informed.
• Assign each patrol member a specific duty.
• Represent his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
• Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.
• Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
• Know the abilities of each patrol member.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show and develop patrol spirit.

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Keeps records on patrol/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 (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Scribe

The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, he attends meetings of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of the discussions. He cooperates with the patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records. A member of the troop committee may assist him with his work.

Responsibilities

• 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 (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Historian

The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia and makes materials available for Scouting activities, the media, and troop history projects.

Responsibilities

• Gathers pictures and facts about troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook.
• 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 (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit.

Librarian

The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Set a good example.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Instructor

Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. He must also have the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.

Responsibilities

• Teaches basic Scouting skills in a troop and patrols.
• Schedule/Coordinate Merit Badge Counselor(s) for troop/scout instruction.
• Sets a good example.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

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.

Responsibilities

• Assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities.
• Leads opening prayer at troop meetings
• Encourages troop members to strengthen their own relationships with God through personal prayer and devotion and participation in religious activities appropriate to their faith
• Tells Scouts about the Religious Emblems program for their faith at least once a year.
• Helps recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems.
• Makes sure religious holidays are considered during the troop program planning process.
• Helps plan for religious observance in troop activities.
• Encourages saying grace at meals while camping or at other activities.
• Helps promote annual Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath.
• Sets a good example.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

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 for a Scout

Responsibilities

• Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Helps Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Serves as the activities assistant at den meetings.
• Sets a good example through attitude and uniforming.
• Is a friend to the boys in the den.
• Helps lead weekly den meetings.
• Helps the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
• Knows the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans.
• Meets regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans. Meets as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop.
• Receives training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training.
• Encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible.
• Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
• Helps the Denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Troop Guide

The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. He helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader to provide direction, coaching, and support. The troop guide is not a member of another patrol but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.

Responsibilities

• Introduce new Scouts to troop operations.
• Guide new Scouts through early Scouting activities.
• Help set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior within the troop.
• Ensure older Scouts never harass or bully new Scouts.
• Helps new Scouts earn First Class rank in their first year.
• Coach the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties.
• Work with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.
• Attend patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol.
• Assist the assistant Scoutmaster with training.
• Coach individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges.
• Sets a good example.
• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show and help develop Scout spirit
• Teach basic Scout skills.

Webmaster

The webmaster takes control of most of the troops online resources. He may work with a committee member to run things. A big part of his job is making sure everything is up to date.

Responsibilities:

• Works with various unit members on needed topics.
• Ensures the Web site is as youth-run as possible
• Helps out Web site where needed.
• Sets a good example
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Shows Scout spirit

Order of the Arrow Representative

The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth serving his troop as the primary liaison to the troop’s lodge or chapter. He meets the unit’s needs by providing a communication and programmatic link to and from all Arrowmen, Scouts who are not presently members of the Order, and adult leaders. These efforts are meant to assist the unit and its members in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, and at the same time fulfilling the lodge’s role in the Strategic Plan of the Order of the Arrow of being an integral part of the council. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.

Responsibilities

• Attends troop and chapter or lodge meetings regularly as a youth representative of the troop and Order.
• Serves as a two-way communication link between the troop and the lodge or chapter.
• Arranges with the lodge or chapter election team to conduct an annual Order of the Arrow election for the troop at a time approved by the Patrol Leaders Council.
• Arranges with the lodge or chapter for at least one camp promotion visit to the unit annually.
• Makes at least one high adventure presentation to the troop, to include the OA programs, annually.
• As requested by the SPL, participates in Troop Courts of Honor by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of troop members, leadership of troop members, and other appropriate activities.
• Coordinates the Ordeal Induction process for newly elected candidates by: ensuring they know the time and location of the Ordeal, providing information of what to bring to the Ordeal, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Ordeal, and offering assistance (as needed) to the lodge in the Ordeal process.
• Assists current Ordeal members in the troop in sealing their membership by becoming Brotherhood members by: ensuring they know the time and location of Brotherhood opportunities, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Brotherhood opportunities, and offering assistance to the lodge (as needed) in the Brotherhood process. He may also, at the discretion of the PLC, offer periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order.
• Leads at least one troop service project for the community or charter partner during the year. May also serve, at the discretion of the PLC, as the troop’s service chairman.
• Assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
• In all cases, advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping.
• Sets a good example by: wearing the Scout uniform correctly, showing Scout spirit, and living by the Scout Oath, the Scout law and the OA Obligation.

Outdoor Ethics Guide

The Outdoor Ethics Guide is a youth position of responsibility in a Scouts BSA troop or Venturing crew. The Outdoor Ethics Guide should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace principles and Tread Lightly! guidelines. The outdoor ethics guide helps the troop or crew plan and conduct an outdoor program that effectively practices the principles of outdoor ethics. The guide works to help Scouts and Venturers improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to minimize impacts as they participate in outdoor activities. He supports Scouts who are working to complete the relevant requirements for the Scout through First Class ranks.

Bugler

The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle calls and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge.

Responsibilities

• Makes appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities.
• Set a good example.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have more than one junior assistant Scoutmaster) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

Responsibilities

• Functions as an assistant Scoutmaster.
• Performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster.
• Sets a good example.
• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Shows Scout spirit