BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
TROOP 161
LEANDER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
LEANDER, TX
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2
Elected Positions ............................................................................................................................ 3
Senior Patrol Leader, SPL .......................................................................................................... 3
Quartermaster, QM ..................................................................................................................... 4
Scribe .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Patrol Leader, PL ........................................................................................................................ 6
Appointed Positions ....................................................................................................................... 7
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, ASPL ........................................................................................ 7
Chaplain Aide ............................................................................................................................. 8
Historian ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Librarian .................................................................................................................................... 10
Assistant Patrol Leader, APL.................................................................................................... 11
Web Master ............................................................................................................................... 12
Troop Guide, TG ....................................................................................................................... 13
Den Chief, DC .......................................................................................................................... 14
1
Introduction
The troop is intended to be run by its junior leaders under the guidance of the Scoutmaster Corps. The troop
junior leaders plan their program, conduct troop meetings and provide leadership among their peers.
Leading the way…. What does that mean?
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 no, 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 and 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
The adults are there to provide support but YOU will be making the decisions.
Being a leader is more than just sewing on a patch. We have put together job descriptions for the troop
leadership positions for YOU. They will give YOU a good idea of what each job is all about and what you will
be required to do.
Here is how to be considered for a leadership position. First, read the job descriptions, qualifications and job
responsibilities. Second, decide what YOU want to do and talk it over with your parents. YOU can also talk to
other Scouts who have served in that position. Finally, get a troop job application form, fill it out completely,
have your parent(s) read and sign it and turn it in to the SPL.
So, are you ready to “Lead the way?” We sure hope so!
Troop Scoutmasters expectation of each Scout:
Scouting is about outdoor experiences, leadership development, independence, self-reliance, and self-
confidence among other things. As such, it is expected that each Scout will accept the responsibility to plan his
own advancement including requisite leadership requirements for advancement. Each Scout should address his
leadership requirements along with the position he would like to fill with a member of the SM Corps. If a Scout
can not meet that expectation the Scout and his parent(s) will be required to meet with the SM, at his
convenience, so that the SM may fully understand why the Scout can not do this for himself. Together we will
find a solution!
2
Elected Positions
Senior Patrol Leader, SPL
General Information
Type: Elected by members of the troop
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: Scoutmaster
Description: The SPL is elected by the Scouts to lead and represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.
Comments: The SPL needs to attend as close to all troop functions as possible. One of the major parts of the
SPL’s job is to appoint other troop leaders. He must choose subordinate leaders who are able, not
just his friends, or other popular Scouts.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: Previous service as ASPL, PL, or APL
Terms: Limited to 1 term (unless there are no Scouts who have not served running for the position)
Attendance: 75% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
You are expected to attend either summer camp or winter camp (which ever ones falls in your
term). If your attendance is low, you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not
execute the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank
advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SM if you are not going to be at a troop activity. You are
expected to ensure that the ASPL or one of the PL’s will assume your responsibilities in your
absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The SPL is expected to run all troop meetings, events, activities and the PLC meetings.
The SPL is expected to appoint qualified subordinate troop junior leaders after meeting with the SM.
The SPL is expected to discuss the qualifications of those he has selected with the SM prior to any appointment.
The SPL assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.
The SPL is expected to produce an agenda for the PLC meetings.
3
Quartermaster, QM
General Information
Type: Elected by members of the troop
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: Adult Quartermaster
Description: The QM keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
Comments: The QM does most of his work around campouts. There are times when the QM has to be
available to check equipment in and out.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: 2nd Class or higher
Experience: None
Terms: Limited to 1 term (unless there are no Scouts who have not served running for the position)
Attendance: 75% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all campouts and 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings,
outings and service projects. If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in
a row, or you do not execute the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the
time for rank advancement..
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the ASPL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a Scout will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The QM is expected to keep records of troop and patrol equipment to make sure it is in good working condition.
The QM is expected to issue equipment and make sure it is returned in good condition and makes suggestions
for new or replacement items and work with the Adult QM responsible for equipment.
The QM is expected to get the U.S.A., Troop, and patrol flags out for meetings and functions and to put them
away afterwards.
The QM is expected to supply the troop Web Master with the chuck box Inventory form and a semi-annual
inventory report for all troop equipment in a format suitable for posting to the web page.
The QM is expected to check each chuck box at the end of a camping trip to make sure that each patrol has
properly cleaned all the equipment. He is also expected to work with the APL’s to check and maintain proper
inventory in each of the chuck boxes.
4
Scribe
General Information
Type: Elected by members of the troop.
Term: Six (6) months
ASPL
Reports to:
The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the PLC and keeps a record of
Description:
dues, advancement and Scout attendance at all troop functions.
Comments: The Scribe needs to attend nearly all Troop and PLC functions to do a good job.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: None
Terms: Limited to 1 term (unless there are no Scouts who have not served running for the position)
Attendance: 75% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the ASPL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a Scout will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The Scribe is expected to attend and keep a log of PLC meetings and report the information to the Troop
Secretary.
The Scribe is expected to attend and keep a log of all troop meetings meetings and report the information to the
Troop Secretary..
The Scribe is expected to record individual Scout attendance at all events and report the information to the
Membership Chair.
The Scribe is expected to record all dues payments and report the information to the Troop Treasurer.
5
Elected by Scouts in Each Patrol
Patrol Leader, PL
General Information
Type: Elected by members of the patrol
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: SPL
Description: The PL is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol at PLC meetings.
Comments: The PL may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the
patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide them. The PL’s, along with the
SPL and ASPL, are the primary members of the PLC.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None
Terms: Limited to 1 term (unless all scouts in the patrol have already served as patrol leader)
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SPL or SM if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that the APL will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The PL is expected to appoint the APL and other Patrol positions.
The PL is expected to represent the patrol on the PLC.
The PL is expected to plan and steer patrol meetings.
The PL is expected to help Scouts advance and acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts.
The PL is expected to keep patrol members informed of troop activities.
6
Appointed Positions
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, ASPL
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SPL
Term: Six (6) months
SPL
Reports to:
The ASPL is the second highest ranking patrol leader in the troop. The ASPL acts as the SPL in
Description:
the absence of the SPL or when called upon to do so. He also provides leadership to other junior
leaders in the troop.
Comments: The most important part of the ASPL job is his work with other junior leaders. The ASPL should
be familiar with the other positions and stay current with the work being done.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: None
Terms: Limited to 1 term (unless there are no Scouts who have not served running for the position)
Attendance: 75% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SPL or SM if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that one of the PL’s will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The ASPL is expected to help the SPL run all troop meetings, events, activities and the annual program
planning conference as well as the PLC meetings and serve as a member of the PLC.
The ASPL is expected to update the Web Master with all the scheduled activities of the troop in the format
defined by the Web Master.
The ASPL is expected to help train and supervise the Troop Scribe, Librarian, and Historian.
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Chaplain Aide
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SM with input from the Troop Chaplain
Term: Six (6) months
Troop Chaplain
Reports to:
The CA works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also
Description:
works to promote the religious awards program.
Comments: “Duty to God” is one of the core beliefs of Scouting. The CA helps everyone in the troop by
preparing short religious observations for campouts and other functions. The CA does not always
lead the observation himself and can have other troop member’s help.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly and with all requisite
badges.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the ASPL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a Scout will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The CA is expected to help the TC with religious services at troop activities.
The CA is expected to tell Scouts about the religious award program for their faith.
The CA is expected to make sure that religious holidays are considered during troop program planning.
The CA is expected to help plan for religious observances at troop activities.
8
Historian
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SPL
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: ASPL
Description: The 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 a link with the past.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None, but interest in photography is helpful
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the ASPL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a Scout will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The Historian is expected to gather facts about past troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or
scrapbook
The Historian is expected to take care of troop trophies, ribbons and souvenirs of troop activities.
The Historian keeps information about former members of the troop.
The Historian is expected to update the Photo Gallery on the troop webpage with photos from troop events.
The Historian is expected to select a photo for the front page of the website on a monthly basis.
9
Librarian
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SPL
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: ASPL
Description: The Librarian takes care of troop literature
Comments: The troop library contains books of historical value as well as current materials. All together, the
library is a troop resource worth hundreds of dollars. The Librarian manages this valuable resource
for the troop.
Qualifications
(subject to SM Corps review and revision as required)
Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the hours for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the ASPL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a Scout will assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The Librarian is expected to set up and take care of the troop library.
The Librarian is expected to keep records or books and pamphlets owned by the troop organized.
The Librarian is expected to add new or replacement items as needed and update the webmaster when new
items are added to the library.
The Librarian is expected to keep books and pamphlets available for borrowing.
The Librarian is expected to keep a system for checkin/checkout of materials and follow up on late returns.
The Librarian issues vouchers for purchase of merit badge books and other required troop literature and ensures
that proper authority to purchase these items is granted by a member of the SM Corps prior to any purchases.
The Librarian is expected to update the Web Master a complete list of books in the library on a semi-annual
basis.
10
Assistant Patrol Leader, APL
General Information
Type: Appointed by the PL
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: PL
Description: The APL is appointed by the PL and leads the patrol in his absence.
Comments: The APL substitutes for the PL and actively helps run the patrol.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the time for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the PL or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that a member of your patrol will assume your responsibilities in your
absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The APL is expected to help plan and steer patrol meetings and activities.
The APL is expected to help keep patrol members informed.
The APL is expected to help the patrol get ready for all troop activities.
The APL is expected to represent his patrol at PLC meetings when the PL cannot attend.
The APL is expected to lend a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit.
The APL is expected to check the patrols chuck box inventory after each camping trip and to work with the
quartermaster to get supplies for the chuck box when needed.
11
Web Master
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SM with input from the Adult Web Master
Term: Six (6) months
Reports to: Adult Web Master
Description: The Web Master is responsible for maintaining and improving the troop web site.
Comments: The Web Master must have high speed internet access at home and have some knowledge of how
web pages are organized and maintained.
Qualifications
Age: None
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: None
Attendance: 75% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the hours for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SM or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that someone can assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The Web Master is expected update the troop web site in a timely manner.
The Web Master will update and post data received from the ASPL, the Quartermaster, the Historian, and the
Librarian.
The Web Master is expected to add new content to the web site as directed by the Adult Web Master in
accordance with the direction of the adult leadership of the troop.
12
Troop Guide, TG
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SM
Term: Six (6) months
Scout Master
Reports to:
The TG works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in
Description:
the first year.
Comments: The first year as a Boy Scout is a critical time with new places, new faces, new rules and new
activities. The Troop Guide is a friend to the new Scouts and helps to make their first year fun and
successful.
Qualifications
Age: 14 or older
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: None
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, or you do not execute
the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the hours for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SM or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that someone can assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The TG is expected to introduce new Scouts to troop operations and guides new Scouts through their early
Scouting activities.
The TG is expected to shield new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts.
The TG is expected to help new Scouts earn First Class in their first year.
The TG is expected to teach Scout craft skills.
The TG is expected to coach the PL of the new Scout patrol and to attend the PLC so that he may work with the
PL at the PLC.
The TG is expected to work with the ASM and assist in all training activities.
The TG is expected to counsel individual Scouts about scouting challenges.
13
Den Chief, DC
General Information
Type: Appointed by the SM
Term: Six (6) months to 1 year
Reports to: Scout Master and Den Leader
Description: The DC works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout Pack.
Comments: The DC provides knowledge of games and Scout skills that many Den Leaders lack. The DC is
also a recruiter for the troop. This function is important because no troop can thrive without new
members and most new members will come from Cub Scouting
Qualifications
Age: 14 or older
Rank: 1st Class or higher
Experience: None
Attendance: 50% over previous six (6) months
Dues: Paid up to date on dues and camping fees.
Performance Requirements
Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, PLC meetings, outings and service projects.
You are also expected to attend 75% of the den and pack functions and to inform your Den Leader
if you will be absent. If your attendance is low, if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row,
or you do not execute the responsibilities of the position you will not receive credit for the hours
for rank advancement.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
General Leadership Responsibilities
Uniform: You are expected to set the example by wearing your uniform correctly at all events.
Behavior: You are expected to set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. You
are to show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: You are expected to set the example by being an active Scout and to be on-time for all troop
activities. You are expected to call the SM or SPL if you are not going to be at a troop activity.
You are expected to ensure that someone can assume your responsibilities in your absence.
Specific Leadership Responsibilities
The DC is expected to know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
The DC is expected to help Cub Scouts advance through the Cub Scout ranks.
The DC is expected to encourage Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop.
The DC is expected to be a friend to the boys in the Den and to help out at weekly den meetings and monthly
pack meetings.
14