Troop Positions

YOUTH

Senior Patrol Leader

The Boy Scouts of America has long recognized the senior patrol leader as 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.
Responsibilities
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training
- assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders
- appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
- runs the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings
- runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference

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.
Responsibilities
- lends a hand controlling the patrols and building patrol spirit
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council
- helps train and supervise the troop junior leaders
- runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
- helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities

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.
Responsibilities
- shows and develops patrol spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- knows the abilities of each patrol member
- works with other troop leaders to make the troop run well
- prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities
- represents his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference
- assigns each patrol member a specific duty
- keeps patrol members informed
- plans and leads patrol meetings and activities

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.
Responsibilities
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- attends patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
- works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings
- coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
- teaches basic Scout skills
- helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
- introduces new Scouts to troop operations

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. The troop scribe may be assisted by a member of the troop committee.
Responsibilities
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance
- attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings

Den chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. They are selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, and approved by the cubmaster and the pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Den chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation.
Responsibilities
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- helps the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
- encourages Webelos Scouts to join a Scout troop upon graduation
- takes Den Chief Training
- receives training from the den leader (and cubmaster or assistant cubmaster)
- meets as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop
- helps the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
- helps lead weekly den meetings
- sets a good example through attitude and uniforming
- serves as the activities assistant at den meetings
- knows the purposes of Cub Scouting

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.
Responsibilities
- shows Scout spirit
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- sets a good example
- helps promote annual Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath
- encourages saying grace at meals while camping or at other activities
- helps recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems, (such as at a court of honor)
- assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities

ADULT

The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for working directly with the Scouts providing direction, coaching, and support.
- The Scoutmaster has three basic roles:
1. providing the junior leaders with the tools and skills so they can run the troop
2. making sure the rules of the BSA and chartered partner are followed
3. being a good mentor and positive role model

An assistant Scoutmaster is an adult leader over the age of 18 who helps the Scoutmaster deliver the promise of Scouting. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties. They can serve the troop by guiding a particular patrol to which they’ve been assigned, advising certain Scouts who’ve assumed a position, or fill in as necessary to assure the junior leaders have what they need to run things.

The troop committee chairman is appointed by the chartered organization to see that all committee functions are carried out. The troop committee chairman appoints and supervises the unit committee and unit leaders, and organizes the committee to see that all committee responsibilities are delegated, coordinated and completed.

The troop committee is a cross between a board of directors and a parent support group. It sets troop policies and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts.

The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the District Committee and the Local Council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council. If the chartered organization has more than one unit, one representative serves them all. The Chartered Organization Representative appoints the Unit Committee Chairman.