There has been a lot of talk on this website about the values of Leadership, Respect, and Teamwork, however, this talk is meaningless without displaying the action, the execution of how these values are being taught. What is the way that these values are truly instituted amongst the Scouts? One way, is through tasks assigned by the Scoutmaster or other Adult Leaders. These tasks include planning Troop Activities, such as hikes, campouts, and community service projects. In addition, Scouts may be asked to lead a Troop Meeting, teaching a skill they know to other (and quite often younger) Scouts. However, the best way for a Scout to be able to gain a sense of leadership, along with respect and teamwork, is through the BSA Troop Leadership Positions. These are positions where the responsibilities of the Troop are spread evenly among the Scouts. In addition to this, there are leadership responsibilities within the Patrols of a Troop (Patrols are a small group of Scouts within the Troop). Here are all of the Troop and Patrol Leadership Positions.
TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Senior Patrol Leader – – The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop's overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop meetings, all troop activities, and he dose everything he can to help each patrol be successful. He is responsible for annual program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to chose 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, see is not a member of any patrol, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader – – The assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the Troop quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, instructors, and Order of the Arrow representative. He will also take charge of the Troop whenever the SPL is not available. An ASPL is not a part of a patrol, but may participate in the activities with a Venture patrol.
Bugler – – The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar instrument) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle calls and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge.
Troop Guide – – The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to all new members of the Troop. He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. The troop guide is not a member of a patrol, however, may participate in the activities of a Venture patrol.
Quartermaster – – The Quartermaster is the Troop's supply boss. He keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it, and at Troop meetings before a campout, reports on the status of equipment in need of rplacement or repair. The quartermaster may work with an Adult Leader while carrying out their responsibilities.
Scribe – – The scribe is the Troop's secretary; keeping note of all discussions during Troop meetings, and keeping recorded attendance of Scouts at meetings. He must keep all troop records organized, and up-to-date through help of the Troop Historian, Librarian, and
possibly Quartermaster. The Scribe must also work with the Troop Webmaster, making sure all website information is accurate, and all links are active. With the Scribe having such a large job, it may be appropriate for him to receive help from an Adult Leader.
Historian – – The hisotian 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 historian, scribe, quartermaster, librarian, and webmaster will work close together.
Librarian – – The librarian oversees the cre and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders, and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.
Instructor – – Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. He mus also have the ability to teach that sol 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 cavities and rank advancemennt.
Chaplain's Aide – – The chaplain's aide assists the troop chaplain (sometimes a Troop will not have a chaplain, thus the chaplain's aide takes on all responsibilties of both characters). This means that the Scout will either assist, or fufill by himself, the following: consider religious holidays when planning Troop activities, give a prayer at every Troop meeting, give a prayer before every Troop meal, provide a multi-faith Scout's Own Ceremony every Sunday durring a campout, and to promote the BSA Religous Emblems Program.
(Webelos) Den Chief – – The den chief works ith a den of Cub Scouts and their adult leaders, taking part in den meetings, encouraging advancement, and being a role model for the boys. In addition to all of this, a den chief serving a Webelos Den (known as a webelos den chief) has to also encourage the Cub Scouts of his den to join Boy Scouts (prefferably his Troop, but this is not nessecary).
Webmaster – – The webmaster is respnsible for maintaining the Troop's website (you are currently in it). He should ensure that information posted is correct and current, and that members' and leaders' privacy is protected An Adult Leader may work with the webmaster.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster – – A Scout at least age 16 who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve in the position of junior assistant scoutmaster. The JASM's work with the Scoutmaster to teach the boys in the Troop. They may become Assistant Scoutmasters when they become 18.
Order of the Arrow Troop Rep. – –The Order of the Arrow representative serves as a communication link between the troop and the local OA Lodge. He promotes the Order, encourages camping opportunities in his troop, and helps the local Chapter Chief to organize Troop elections. This position must be fulfilled by an active and current Arrowmen.
Outdoor Ethics Guide – – This person teaches troop and patrol members the principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and Land Ethics, helping them inprove their outdoor ethic skills, prevent avoidable impacts, and minimize un avoidable impacts when using the outdoors. A scout should at least attend the 3-hour Outdoor Ethics Training Course (Note: this course must be taught by
at least a Leave No Trace Trainer, who has completed the 16-hour Leave No Trace Training course).
PATROL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
From the positions in a patrol, only two have real patches which may be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform; they are the Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. Also, of these two positions, only the Patrol Leader is considered both a Troop position and a patrol position; therefore, the Patrol Leader position is the only one which counts for the BSA position of leadership from the Patrol positions.
Patrol Leader – – The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all annual program panning conferences, and keeps patrol members informed of decisions made. He plays 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 involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. He encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements and sets a good example by continuing to pursue his own advancement.
Patrol Scribe – – The scribe of a patrol keeps the log–a record of what goes on each patrol meeting. It provides an accurate account of decisions made, assignments of responsibilities, and patrol plans for upcoming events. To refresh everyone's memory at the beginning of a patrol meeting, the scribe may read the most recent log entry. The scribe checks attendance, collects and records dues, and manages the budgets for outings. The task is best suited to someone who has good writing skills, is well organized, and is dependable.
Patrol Quartermaster – – The patrol quartermaster is responsible for the patrol equipment. He maintains inventory of all of the patrol gear, and makes sure it is clean and ready for patrol use. If an item is broken, he repairs if it he can; if he can't, he brings it to the attention of the patrol leader. If the patrol has a chuck box for its front country camp kitchen, the quartermaster can monitor its contents and see that it is fully stocked with cook gear and staple items. He checks out the gear for campouts and other patrol outings, and he makes sure everything is returned and properly stored away.
Patrol Grubmaster – – The grubmaster of a patrol takes the lead in planning menus for hikes campouts, although everyone in the patrol has a say in what they would like to eat. The grubmaster helps make those wishes into reality by writing out the menu, itemizing the ingredients, ensuring that purchases are made, and supervising food repackaging before a trip.
Patrol Cheermaster – – The cheermaster leads the patrol in yells, songs, and skits. He is a vital role when the patrol is taking part in campfire programs. Just as important can be his contributions to patrol spiring during long hikes, when the on a camping trip turns stormy, or when the patrol is challenged in some other way. He should be an upbeat, outgoing person who can get up in front of a group and lead a song or cheer.