The Scout troop is made up of patrols. A patrol is a grouping of six to nine boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader.
The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers.
Ranks requiring positions for advancement
While working on Star, serve actively for four months in a position of responsibility.
While working on Life, serve actively for a period of six months in a position of responsibility.(or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop).
While working on Eagle, serve actively for six months in a position of responsibility.
What are the Scout Positions of Responsibility?
Scouts interested in holding a position should check out their Leadership Position Handbook on descriptions and responsibilities.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster- (JASM) 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.
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Patrol Leader
Assistant Patrol Leader - leads the
patrol in his absence. The assistant patrol leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle.
Troop Guide
Order of the Arrow Troop Representative
Den Chief
Scribe
Librarian
Historian
Quartermaster
Bugler - Serving as Bugler can apply towards Positions of Responsibility
requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle.
Chaplain Aide
Instructor
Troop Webmaster
Leave No Trace Trainer.
Who plans the troop activities and camp outs?
The patrol leaders' council (PLC), not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The patrol leaders' council is composed of the following voting members: senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, troop guide.
The troop's activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The troop's yearly plan is then submitted to the troop committee for approval.
The troop committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders' council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the patrol leaders' council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the patrol leaders' council through the Scoutmaster.
