Scout Leadership Positions Duties and Responsibilities
Click on the position patches bellow to view duties and responsibilities for that position.
Click Here for the Troop Hierarchy
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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!
SENIOR PATROL LEADER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Promotes after successfully completing previous term as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Scoutmaster
Description: The Senior Patrol Leader represents and leads the Scouts as their top junior leader in the Troop.
Comments: The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the Troop. He needs to participate in as many of all Troop functions as possible. A major part of the SPL's job is to manage other Scouts that hold Troop leadership positions. He must be willing and able to provide leadership to everyone, not just his friends or other popular Scouts. The SPL needs to have good leadership skills and be someone who Scouts will wish to follow. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 14 or older
Rank: Life Rank
Experience: Previous service in two different positions as ASPL or PL
Attendance: 90% of Troop meetings and activities over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: To receive credit for this position, you must have an average attendance record of at least 90% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects while holding this position. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: A good senior patrol leader is organized, responsible, experienced, and an active member in
the troop. You are expected to devote substantial time and energy to this job and give it your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an activity or outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities. You also must train your Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) so they are ready to assume your responsibilities in your absence, or when you move on.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
PATROL LEADER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Elected by members of the Patrol or appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.
Term: 6 Months
Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader
Description: Leads patrol level activities, and represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders Council.
Comments: The Patrol Leader has a very important job in the Troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help them along the scouting trail. Patrol Leaders also serve on the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), and represent their patrol in planning the Troop program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Age: 12 or older
Rank: 1st Class Rank or higher
Experience: APL
Attendance: Goal of 75% of Troop meetings and activities over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all Troop meetings, Patrol Leaders Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to devote lots of time and energy to this job and give it your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an outing. You also must make sure that the Assistant Patrol Leader is ready and able to assume your responsibilities when you are absent.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Scoutmaster
Term: From appointment until age 18
Reports to: Scoutmaster
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. He's appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.
Comments: In many cases the JASM has the same responsibilities as an Assistant Scoutmaster.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 16 years old
Rank: Eagle
Experience: Previous leadership positions
Attendance: Goal of 80% over the previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
DEN CHIEF

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Scoutmaster
Term: 1 full year (to be eligible for the Den Chief Service Award)
Reports to: Assistant Scoutmasters and Den Leader
Role: Den Chiefs work with Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in Cub Scout Packs.
Comments: 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 will come from Cub Scouting.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 12 or older
Rank: 1st Class Rank or higher
Experience: none, but past service as Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader is recommended
Attendance: Goal of 70% over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all Troop meetings, outings, service projects. In terms of attendance with your Den, you are expected to attend 90% of Den meetings and Pack functions. You must inform the Den Leader if you will be absent. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Den and Pack. You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set a good example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Den Leader if you are not going to be at a Den or Pack meeting or if you have to miss an activity.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
INSTRUCTOR

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Scoutmaster
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Role: Instructors teach and test scouting skills.
Comments: Instructors work with Scouts below the 1st Class Rank. Instructors must be knowledgeable and able to teach the scouting skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Instructors work closely with both the Troop Guides and Patrol Leaders, and are often assigned to one particular patrol.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 14 or older
Rank: Life Rank or higher
Experience: Past service as SPL, ASPL, or PL
Attendance: Goal of 70% over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all Troop meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set a good example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone else is ready and will assume your responsibilities when you are going to be absent.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
TROOP GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Description: The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year.
Comments: 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 first year fun and successful. This is an important position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 15 or older
Rank: Life
Experience: Any leadership position
Attendance: Goal of 70% over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Voted in by the Troop or appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster.
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader
Description: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest ranking Scout 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 supervises the Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplin Aide.
Comments: 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 12 or older
Rank: Star or higher
Experience: Previous service as PL.
Attendance: Goal of 80% of Troop meetings and activities over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to devote substantial time and energy to this job and give it your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Patrol Leader
Term: 6 months
Reports to: Patrol Leader
Role: The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence.
Comments: Substituting for the Patrol Leader is only part of the Assistant Patrol Leader's job. The APL actively helps run the patrol.
Note: The Assistant Patrol Leader position does not satisfy the Star and Life Rank requirement for a position of responsibility in the Troop.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: none
Rank: 2nd Class or higher
Experience: none
Attendance: Goal of 60% over previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 60% of all Troop meetings, Patrol Leader Council meetings if asked to by your Patrol Leader, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities when you are going to be absent.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
This is not considered a “Position of Leadership” but will give the Scout experience to hold a “Position of Leadership”. The APL does NOT have a vote in the PLC.
CHAPLAIN AIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term: 6 months
Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Description: The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious awards program.
Comments: "Duty to God" is one of the core beliefs of Scouting. The Chaplain Aide helps everyone in the troop by preparing short religious observations for campouts and other functions. The Chaplain Aide does not always lead the observation himself and can have other troop member’s help.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: none
Rank: none
Experience: none
Attendance: Goal of 70% over the previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all troop meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
TROOP HISTORIAN

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term: 6 months
Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Role: The Troop Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of Troop activities.
Comments: 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 the Troop a link with the past.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 11 or older
Rank: 2nd Class Rank or higher
Experience: none, but interest in photography and PowerPoint presentations is helpful
Attendance: Goal of 70% over the previous 6 months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all Troop meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set a good example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities when you are going to be absent.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
TROOP QUARTERMASTER

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term: 6 months
Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Role: The Quartermaster keeps track of Troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
Comments: The Quartermaster does most of his work around camp outs. There are times when the Quartermaster has to be available to check equipment in and out.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 12 or older
Rank: 2nd Class Rank or higher
Experience: none
Attendance: Goal of 70% over the previous six months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leadership Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all Troop meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set a good example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities when you are going to be absent.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
TROOP SCRIBE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Position: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term: 6 months
Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Role: The Scribe records the meeting planner of the Patrol Leader Council. He records Scout attendance at Troop meetings. He writes all thank you notes, and prepares a monthly newsletter.
Comments: To be a good Scribe try to attend nearly all Troop and Troop Leadership Corps meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: 11 or older
Rank: 2nd Class Rank or higher
Experience: none
Attendance: Goal of 70% over the previous six months
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: You must attend the Troop Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all Troop meetings, Patrol Leader Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you will be removed from office.
Effort: When you accept this position, you agree to provide service and leadership to the Troop. You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set a good example by wearing your uniform correctly. Wear all of the parts of the Troop uniform, shirt tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set a good example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities when you are temporarily unable to carry out your duties.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
ORDER OF THE ARROW TROOP REPRESENTATIVE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Type: Elected by the Troop or Appointed by SPL with SM approval
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
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.
Comments: More information for the OA Troop Representative can be found on the Troop Representative page on the OA nation website.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: Under 18 years old
Rank: First class or higher
Experience: OA Member in good standing
Attendance: Active* scout over the previous 6 months. *See Troop Guide for Parents and Scouts for a detailed description of an "Active Scout".
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: It is recommended that you attend the troop Junior Leader Training.
Attendance: You are expected to attend all monthly OA Chapter Meetings held on the first Wednesdays of each month. You should attend 60% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to given this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES