Scout Leadership

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. They represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference and keep patrol members informed of decisions made. They play a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities of other patrol members and fully involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. They encourage patrol members to complete advancement requirements and set a good example by continuing to pursue their own advancement. 

The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. They are responsible for the troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, they take charge of troop meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and they do everything they can to help each patrol be successful. They are responsible for annual program planning conferences and assist the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’ council and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a scout’s time as senior patrol leader, they are not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities. 

The assistant senior patrol leader works closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward and serves as acting senior patrol leader when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among his specific duties, the assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the troop quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, instructors, and Order of the Arrow representative. During their tenure as assistant senior patrol leader they are not a member of a patrol, but they may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader, each appointed by the senior patrol leader. 

The assistant patrol leader works closely with the patrol leader to help the patrol move forward and serves as acting patrol leader when the patrol leader is absent. Among their specific duties, the assistant patrol leader trains and provides direction to the patrol members.

Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. They 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. 

The quartermaster is the troop’s supply manager. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and ensure that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol leaders as they check out equipment and return it, and 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. 

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. A member of the troop committee may assist him with his work 

The troop webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s social media presence. They must be at least 13 years old. They should make sure that information posted on the website, Facebook, Instagram or other media site is correct and up to date and that members’ and leaders’ privacy is protected. They will work with boys and parents to ensure that email addresses are correct and assist with enrollments for emails and Scoutbook. A member of the troop committee must assist them with their work. 

The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. They check out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintain records to ensure that everything is returned. They may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings. 

The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia and makes materials available for Scouting activities, the media, and troop history projects. 

The Leave No Trace Trainer specializes in teaching Leave No Trace principles and ensuring that the troop follows these principles on outings. They can also help Scouts earn the Leave No Trace award. They should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace. Ideally, they should have completed Leave No Trace training and earned the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges. 

The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promote the BSA’s religious emblems program. They may be asked to lead or prepare invocations and benedictions for troop ceremonies. 

The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. They must know the required bugle calls and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge. 

The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. They take part in den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model for younger scouts. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. 

The Order of the Arrow representative serves 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 Order, encourage Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and help pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs. The OA troop representative assists with leadership skills training. They report to the assistant senior patrol leader. 

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a troop guide. These scouts (a troop may have more than one junior assistant Scoutmaster) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other scout leaders in the troop. Upon their 18th birthday, a troop guide will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.