Youth Leadership Positions
Youth Troop-Level Positions of Responsibility
Senior Patrol Leader
With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the senior patrol leader’s shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. 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:
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
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster
Selection: Elected
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 14 years of age, Star Scout or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
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:
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, chaplain aide, and OA representative
serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
lends a hand controlling the patrols and building patrol spirit
Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 13 years of age, First Class or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Troop Guide
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:
introduces new Scouts to troop operations
guides new Scouts to acclimate with older Scouts
helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
teaches basic Scout skills
coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings
attends patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scout Patrol
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 13 years of age, First Class or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
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.
Responsibilities:
maintains inventory of patrol and troop equipment
reviews equipment to confirm it is in good working condition and makes recommendations for repairs or upgrades as necessary
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
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Equipment Chair
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 13 years of age, First Class or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Scribe
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.
Responsibilities:
attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings
records individual Scout and Scouter attendance and dues payments
keeps a log of troop meetings
works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Treasurer
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 11 years of age, Tenderfoot or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Den Chief
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:
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 members of 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)
takes Den Chief Training
encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible
encourages Webelos Scouts to join a Scout troop upon graduation
helps the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scout Patrol
Selection: Appointed by SPL and Scoutmaster, and Approved by the Cubmaster
Term: Twelve Months
Eligibility: at least 13 years of age, First Class or higher, completed or is working on completing Den Chief Training and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Instructor
Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill who 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
schedule/coordinate merit badge counselor(s) for troop/Scout instruction
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 14 years of age, Star Scout or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Chaplain Aide
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.
Responsibilities:
assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities
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, (such as at a court of honor)
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
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Troop Chaplain
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 11 years of age, Tenderfoot or higher, completed or is working on completing Religious Emblem and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Historian
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.
Responsibilities:
collects photos and facts about troop activities
curates collections of photos and facts to support troop communications and events.
takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities
keeps information about former members of the troop
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Public Relations Chair
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 11 years of age, Tenderfoot or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Webmaster
Troop webmasters are responsible for design and editing of 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.
Responsibilities:
works with various unit members on needed topics
ensures the website is as youth-run as possible
maintains the website as needed
sets a good example
correctly wears the Scout uniform correctly
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Public Relations Chair
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 11 years of age, Tenderfoot or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Bugler
The bugler plays the bugle (or similar instrument) to mark key moments during the troop meeting, such as assembly, or on troop outings, such as reveille, mess call, and lights out. The bugler must know the required bugle calls and ideally should have earned the Bugling merit badge or be working toward earning it.
Responsibilities:
makes appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop meetings and activities
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for Experienced Scout Patrol
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 11 years of age, Tenderfoot or higher, completed or is working on completing the Bugling Merit Badge, and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Order of the Arrow Representative
Order of the Arrow representatives serve as a communication link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, they promote the OA, encourage Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs.
Responsibilities:
attends troop, chapter and 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
participates in troop courts of honor, as requested by the senior patrol leader, by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors 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
offers periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order, at the discretion of the PLC
assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
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
Adult Mentor: An adult Order of the Arrow member in good standing who is appointed by the Scoutmaster with the Committee Chair’s approval. If none available, Advancement Chair
Selection: Elected
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 14 years of age, Brotherhood or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.
Outdoor Ethics Guide
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.
Responsibilities:
assures the troop adheres to the Principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and the Outdoor Code
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for Experienced Scout Patrol
Selection: Appointed
Term: Six Months
Eligibility: at least 13 years of age, First Class or higher, completed or is working on completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Credit for Rank Advancement: Compliance with Position of Responsibility Policy.