Troop Officers and Leaders

Duties and Responsibilities

(Extracted from the official BSA Junior Leader Handbook and Troop 1 Kingston policy)

Senior Patrol Leader:

Scout Name: ______

Appointment: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.

Reports to: the Scoutmaster.

Senior Patrol Leader duties:

Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference
Runs the Scout Leaders’ Council (SLC)meeting
Appoints Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and troop officers with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
Assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders including reassigning duties, if necessary
Assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training
Leads Troop by following the highest standards of Scouting
Uses the Patrol Method and appropriately delegates authority to junior leaders for action
Inform Scoutmaster and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader as soon as possible if unable to perform you duties or missing a meeting.
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law, Shows Scout spirit
Be prepared and early to meetings to give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 85% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 months

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader trains and supervises troop officers.

Reports to: the Senior Patrol Leader.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader duties:

Helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities. Shadow SPL.
Runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
Helps train, direct and supervise the Troop Officers: scribe, quartermaster, instructors, librarian, historian, leave-no-trace, instructor, bugler, chaplain aide, den chiefs, etc.
Uses the Patrol Method and appropriately delegates authority to officers for action
Serves as a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council
Inform the Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Leads by setting the example for others to follow
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 months

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster helps the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters.

Reports to: the Scoutmaster.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster duties:

Helps the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters
Helps train, direct and supervise the SPL, ASPL, PL and other troop leaders
Leads by setting the highest standards of Scouting
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Appointed by Scoutmaster, Rank: Eagle, Term: no time limit

Troop Scribe

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders’ Council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings.

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol leader.

Scribe duties:

Records individual Scout attendance at all Troop events and submit to Adult Committee Member
Produces monthly Troop Newsletter by working with Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, SPL, ASPL and Officers. He is expected to communicate with (call or email) individuals requesting information and, if necessary, follow up on missing information. Newsletter to include: website address, Calendar of recent upcoming events (ie. 1 month look ahead of meetings, campouts, special events, merit badge offerings, major events more than one month ahead – Air Show, Camp Yawgoog), Statement from Committee Chair and/or Scoutmaster, News about past events (i.e. who obtained rank advancement, how many merit badges awarded, event news, …). See Historian for stories and pictures. No last names of anyone under 18 years old allowed in Newsletter.
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example and Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law, Shows Scout spirit
Be prepared and early to meetings
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal),

Deliverables:

Troop & Scout Leader Council Meeting Attendances Recorded:

Adult Committee Member to DATE & INITIAL attendance records submitted by the Scribe:

Special Activities (i.e. campouts, Eagle Projects, volunteer activities, etc.) Attendances Recorded:

Adult Committee Member to DATE & INITIAL attendance records submitted by the Scribe:

Troop Guide

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and obtain skills towards their First Class rank.

Reports to: the Assistant Scoutmaster for the new Scout patrol in the troop.

Troop guide duties:

Guides new Scouts through early Scouting activities
Ensures that new Scouts are treated positively by the older scouts
Helps new Scouts earn First Class rank in their two years
Teaches basic Scout skills
Coaches the new Patrol Leaders
Works with the Patrol Leader at Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings
Attends Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings with the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol
Assists the Assistant Scoutmaster with training
Counsels individual Scouts if Scouts not following the Scout Law, Oath and Spirit
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties, need assistance from Officers or missing a meeting.
Leads by setting the best example for all to follow
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: Star, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal)

Deliverables:

Review Scout Handbook with all those Scouts who have yet to obtain First Class twice a year. All shall be reviewed the first time by November 30th. They shall be reviewed a second time by March 31st. Scouts that will not show handbooks shall be noted and reported to Scoutmaster.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Librarian

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Librarian takes care of troop literature

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Librarian duties:

Sets up and takes care of a troop library.
Maintains a library check out/in system ensuring all items returned in good order and in a timely manner.
Updates and provides an index of all library materials and items for loaning. Submits list of Troop Library materials to Webmaster for publishing
Ensures Merit Badge pamphlets in the troop library are current
Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing by keeping materials in a safe location and being able to retrieve them for the next meeting when requested.
Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out
Follows up on late returns and informs troop leadership of problems
Develops a list of recommended books for purchase by the troop and requests funds for these from the Troop Committee
Adds new or replacement items as needed
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned

Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal)

Deliverables:

Maintain library catalog information
List of Merit Badge pamphlets is accurate and pamphlets are available (
Name of merit badge pamphlet
Pamphlet publication number
Pamphlet copyright date
Current (latest) pamphlet copyright date
Number of pamphlets in Troop library with that publication number
Note: there may be multiple listing for the same merit badge given different copyright dates

Merit Badge / Publication # / Copyright Date / Latest Copyright / # Pamphlets

Track who and when pamphlet was loaned from library
Name, pamphlet, when first loaned for 1 month, first renewal, second renewal, & date returned.
If no one else has requested pamphlet, then Scout may renew loan up to two times. All pamphlets must be physically returned to Librarian every three (3) months. At which time, a Scout may then start the loan process from the beginning.

Name / Merit Badge / Date Loan / Signature / Renew / Renew / Return / Signature

Submit updated merit badge pamphlets list to the webmaster suitable for publishing on troop website every 3 months.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Historian
Scout Name: ______

Job description: The Historian keeps a historical record of troop activities.
Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Historian duties:

Gathers pictures, facts, and other memorabilia about past and current troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook
Collects digital pictures/documents and produces summary of activities for publication on website (see Webmaster) and newsletter (see Scribe)
Takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities including advancement boards or displays.
Keeps information about former members of the troop (Honor Rolls: Eagles, Scoutmaster, Cmt Chair)
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 month

Deliverables:

Submit a monthly article to the webmaster suitable for publishing on the troop website
Article should be three (3) paragraphs at a minimum
When, where and how many went on activity
What happened on activity (interview those attending if necessary)
A couple of pictures (ask around)
Submit article to Webmaster
Produce an article about CampYawgoog suitable for publishing on the troop website
Article should be at least a page long with pictures
Submit to Webmaster by October 1st.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Chaplain Aide

Scout Name: ______

Job 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 emblems program

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Chaplain Aide duties:

“Duty to God” is one of the core beliefs of scouting. The Chaplain's Aide helps everyone in the troop observe this in scouting activities.
Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith
Makes sure religious holidays are considered during troop program planning
Plans a "Scouts' Own Service" religious observance for troop activities
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: None, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 months

Deliverables:

Provide invocation at all Scouting events (i.e. Potluck Dinners, etc.). If unavailable, ensure you have a replacement available with a prayer.
Keep track of when Chaplin Aide services rendered
September Potluck Date:
December Potluck Date:
March Potluck Date:
June Potluck Date:
Other:

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Troop Quartermaster

Scout Name: ______

Job Description: The Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Quartermaster duties:

Keeps records on patrol and troop equipment
Gets the US and Troop flags for all meetings and puts them away
Leads and directs Patrol Quartermasters when additional assistance required. Know who they are and contact information (changes every 3 months)
Makes sure equipment is in good working condition
Issues equipment and makes sure it's returned in good condition
Makes suggestions for new or replacement items
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 months

Deliverables:

Ensure the Troops supplies and equipment is available, clean and in working condition.
Issue equipment from the trailer and track who has it and when returned.
Inspect equipment immediately when returned. Do not accept equipment that is not clean.
Quartermaster is responsible for cleaning all equipment that is found dirty in the trailer
Report damaged, missing or malfunctioning equipment to Troop Adult Quartermaster
Report any misuse or malicious behavior to SPL and Scoutmaster immediately
Make recommendations for replacements or new equipment
Inform Troop Adult Quartermaster of any supplies that need to replenished.
Attend all campouts and functions requiring trailer. If unable to attend, inform SPL and Scoutmaster so a substitute Quartermaster may be appointed.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Troop Leave-No-Trace Trainer

Scout Name: ______

Job Description: The Leave-No-Trace Trainer instructs and mentors Scouts in the Leave-No-Trace program.

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Leave-No-Trace Trainer duties:

Develops and implements the Leave-No-Trace Program
Promotes the program and Leave-No-Trace award attainment
Promote the World Conservation Award
Teach and mentor the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan Ahead & Prepare, 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, 3. Dispose of Waste Properly, 4. Leave What You Find, 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts, 6. Respect Wildlife, and 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Attend Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings to ensure that trips are properly planned and meet the Leave No Trace principles
Ensure principles and Outdoor Code are followed during all Scouting events
Hornaday Award: Manages award program and is proponent.
Inform the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 6 months

Deliverables:

Discuss LNT for five (5) minute at every campout and hike and discuss every month at troop meeting.
If LNTT cannot attend campout or hike, inform SPL and designate replacement.
Create a Hornaday Award newsletter article regarding the requirements every six (6) months. See Scribe.
Create a Leave No Trace newsletter article regarding the requirements every six (6) months. See Scribe.
Obtain the Leave No Trace Achievement Award
Lead a LNT Achievement Award class every month for Scouts.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:

Den Chief

Scout Name: ______

Job description: The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack.

Reports to: the Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the new Scouts in the troop.

Den Chief duties:

Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting
Helps Den Leader advance Cub Scouts through the program
Encourages Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation
Assists with activities in the den meetings
Is a friend to the boys in the den
Helps out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings
Meets with adult members of the den, pack, and troop as necessary
Inform the Den Leader if you are unable to perform your duties or missing a meeting.
Sets a good example
Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly keeping your shirt tucked in and buttoned
Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
Shows Scout spirit
Be early to meetings to prepare and give direction
Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: 12 months

Deliverables: