Leading the way...
What does that mean?
Think about being a Cub Scout. You came to den meetings and did a lot of different and fun things. But who decided what to do and who planned the activities? The Den Leaders, right?
Sports teams are a lot of fun, too. But who decides who plays what position, who's on the starting lineup and when to substitute? The coach, right?
There is one thing that makes Scouting different from all other youth groups. Do you know what it is?
Well, it is not the uniform. Every soccer, basketball, and baseball team has a uniform.
It is not the fun activities. There are a lot of other things that are fun.
And it certainly isn't cleaning dirty pots and pans on a campout!
What makes Scouting special is that YOU make the decisions!
That's right! YOU run the troop. Baden-Powell made it very plain in “Aids to Scoutmastership” when he wrote,
“The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders.”
This is real decision making power. And it's not just Patrol Leaders. All of the troop leadership positions have a hand in making the Troop run. As a troop leader you will:
Plan and run troop meetings,
Pick troop outings, where to camp, what to do,
Plan advancement opportunities for all troop members
Select High-Adventure programs
Determine troop policy
Help other Scouts along the trail to Eagle.
Sound cool? It really is! The adults are there to provide support but YOU will be making the decisions.
Because being a leader is more than just sewing on a patch we have put together job descriptions for the troop leadership positions. They will give you a good idea of what each job is all about and what you will be required to do.
Here's how to be considered for a position. First read the job descriptions, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Then decide what you want to do and talk it over with your parents. You can also talk it over with other Scouts who have served in that position. Finally, get a troop job application form, fill it out, have your parent(s) read and sign it and turn it in.
So, are you ready to "Lead the way"? We sure hope so!
Youth Leaders Job Descriptions
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Troop Quartermaster
Troop Scribe
Troop Guide
Instructor
Bugler
Librarian
Historian
OA Troop Representative
Den Chief
Chaplain Aide
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM)
Patrol Leader (PL)
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)
Patrol - Quartermaster
Patrol - Scribe
Patrol - Chaplin Aide
Job Description:
The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.
Reports to: Scoutmaster
Senior Patrol Leader duties:
- Preside at all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.
- Chair the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meeting once a month. Attends at least 5/6 of the PLC meetings occurring during his service period.
- Appointed other boy leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.
- Assign duties and responsibilities to other junior leaders.
- Assists with Scoutmaster in training junior leaders.
- Delegates task to the ASPLs. Makes sure an ASPL attends any meeting/function he will not be able to attend (troop, PLC, Committee Meeting, etc.)
- Oversees the planning efforts of Scouts for all Troop campouts (whether he attends these outing or not).
- Has good attendance at Troop meeting.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest-ranking junior leader in the Troop. He is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. 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 junior leaders in the Troop.
Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader duties:
- Help with leading meetings and activities as called upon by the Senior Patrol Leader.
- Take over troop leadership in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader.
- Be responsible for training and giving direct leadership to the following appointed junior leaders: Scribe, Librarian, Troop Historian, Instructor, Quartermaster and Chaplain Aide.
- Perform tasks assigned by the Senior Patrol Leader.
- Serves as a member of the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) and attends at least 2/3 of the PLC meetings occurring during his service period.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Has good attendance at Troop meeting.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Troop Quartermaster duties:
- Keep records on patrol and troop equipment.
- Keep equipment in good repair.
- Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order.
- Suggest new or replacement items.
- Work with the troop committee member responsible for equipment.
- Have good attendance at Troop meeting.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Troop Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Troop Scribe duties:
- Attend and keep a log of Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) Meetings.
- Record attendance at troop functions.
- Record advancement in troop records.
- Work with the troop committee member responsible for finance, records, and advancement.
- Have good attendance at Troop meetings.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
To work actively with new Scouts in the Baden-Powell program. The Troop Guides introduce new Scouts to troop operations and helps them feel comfortable in the troop.
Reports to: The Assistant Scoutmaster of the (New Scout Patrol)
Troop Guide duties:
- Help new Scouts earn advancement requirements through First Class.
- Advise patrol leader on his duties and responsibilities at Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings.
- Attend Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings with the New Scout Patrol Leader.
- Prevent harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts.
- Help Assistant Scoutmaster train new Scouts by older Scouts.
- Guide new Scouts through early troop experiences to help them become comfortable in the troop and the outdoors.
- Teach basic Scout skills.
- Have good attendance at Troop meeting.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Instructor
Job Description:
The Instructor teaches scouting skills.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Instructor duties:
- Instruct Scouting skills as needed within the troop or patrols.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description: The Librarian takes care of troop literature.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Librarian duties:
- Establish and take care of the troop library.
- Keep records on literature owned by the troop.
- Add new or replacement items as needed.
- Keep books and pamphlets available for borrowing at troop meetings.
- Keep a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out.
- Follow up on late returns.
- Set a good example.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Historian duties:
- Gather pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in scrapbooks, wall displays or informational ( historical ) files.
- Take care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities.
- Keep information about former members of the troop.
- Set a good example.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
An Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his troop, he serves as a communication and programmatic link to the Arrowman and adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He does this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge and purpose of the Order. By setting a good example, he enhances the image of the Order as a service arm to his troop.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
OA Troop Representative Duties:
- Serves as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop.
- Encourages year round and resident camping in the troop.
- Encourages older Scout participation in high adventure programs.
- Encourages Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.
- Assists with leadership skills training in the troop.
- Encourages Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop.
- Encourages Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.
- Sets a good example.
- Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.
- Lives by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and OA Obligation .
- Shows Scout spirit
OA Troop Representative Qualifications:
- Under 18 years old
- Appointed by SPL with SM approval
- OA Member in good standing
Bugler
Job Description:
The Bugler plays the bugle at troop ceremonies.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Bugler duties:
- Plays bugle as requested by troop leadership.
- Plays taps during evening closing ceremony.
Den Chief (optional)
Job Description:
The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack.
Reports to: The Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol in the troop.
Den Chief Duties:
- Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings.
- Meet regularly with the Den Leader to review the den and pack meeting plans.
- If serving as a Webelos Den Chief, prepare boys to join Boy Scouting.
- Project a positive image of Boy Scouting.
- Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
- Encourage Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
- Help out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings.
- Attends at least 2/3 of the den meetings/events during his service period.
- Be a friend to the boys in the den.
- Set a good example.
- Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by Scout Oath and Law.
- Show scout Spirit.
Job Description:
The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of the Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program.
Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (and works with the Chaplain)
Chaplain Aide duties:
- Keep troop leader appraised of religious holidays when planning activities.
- Assist Chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of troop members while on activities.
- Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities.
- Tell Scouts about the religious emblem program of their faith.
- Help plan for religious observance in troop activities.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
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 and be an Eagle Scout. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his demonstrated leadership ability.
Reports to: The Scoutmaster
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Duties:
- Function as an Assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults18 and 21 years of age or older).
- Accomplish any duties assigned by the Scoutmaster.
- Attends at least 5/6 of the PLC meetings occurring during his service period.
- Set a good example.
- Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Patrol Positions
Job Description:
The Patrol Leader is elected by the patrol and leads the patrol.
Reports to: The Senior Patrol Leader
Patrol Leader duties:
- Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
- Keep patrol members informed.
- Assign each patrol member a job and help them succeed.
- Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings and at the annual program planning conference.
- Prepares the patrol to take part in all troop activities.
- Develop patrol spirit.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
- Know what patrol members and other leaders can do.
- Set the example.
- Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence.
Reports to: The Patrol Leader
Assistant Patrol Leader duties:
- Assist the Patrol Leader in:
- planning and leading patrol meetings and activities.
- keeping patrol members informed.
- preparing your patrol to take part in all troop activities.
- and steer patrol meetings and activities
- Take charge of the patrol in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
- Represent the patrol at Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
- Work with the other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
- Attends at least 2/3 of each event type during his service period.
- Help develop patrol spirit.
- Set a good example.
- Wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout Spirit.
Patrol Quartermaster
Job Description:
The Patrol Quartermaster is appointed by the Patrol Leader and checks out and in required equipment from the Troop Quartermaster. He also makes sure everyone in his patrol has required equipment for each event. He keeps patrol gear organized.
Reports to: Both the Patrol Leader and the Troop Quartermaster
Patrol Quartermaster duties:
- Can always find his handbook quickly and knows where he put it
- Keeps all the patrol gear in order.
- Makes sure the gear is in proper shape when it's time to check the troop gear back into the supply room
- Sets the example.
- Wears the Scout Uniform correctly.
- Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Shows Scout spirit.
Patrol Scribe
Job Description:
The Patrol Scribe is appointed by the Patrol Leader and keeps patrol records.
Reports to: the Patrol Leader
Patrol Scribe duties:
- Keep the patrol log which contains minutes of last patrol meeting, duty roster, etc.
- Read the log of the last patrol meeting.
- Keep attendance records and collects dues.
- Prepare budget for buying patrol equipment.
- Collect the money for buying food.
- Give the Grubmaster a receipt for his records.
- Set a good example.
- Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Job Description:
The Patrol Chaplin’s Aide is appointed by the Patrol Leader and is responsible for leading the patrol in grace and assists the Troop Chaplin’s Aide.
Reports to: The Patrol Leader and the Troop Chaplin aide
Patrol Chaplin’s Aide Duties:
- Serves as the patrol’s conscience.
- Reminds and leads the patrol in saying grace before meals.
- Supports the Troop Chaplain’s Aid and works with the Cheer Master to keep up morale.
- Set a good example by wearing the Scout uniform correctly and showing Scout Spirit.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.