Public Scout Leadership - Boy Scout Troop 4 (Wilson, North Carolina)

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Boy Scout Troop 4
(Wilson, North Carolina)

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Scout Led Troop

Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their patrols and their troop. The boys themselves develop a troop program, then take responsibility for figuring out how they will achieve the goals. One of our most important challenges is to train boy leaders to run the troop by providing direction, coaching and support. The boys will make mistakes now and then and will rely upon the adult leaders to guide them. But only through real hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.

Here is a great statement from an unknown scouting source about a boy led scouting program:

“A boy run program requires a lot of work from both the adults and scouts, but the rewards are worth bragging about. For the Troop to be successful, both the adults and scouts have to grow in the program. Real growth is slow and unexpected. One day you are looking at a confused boy wondering how he can manage his Patrol of yelling, rambunctious boys. Then it seems like all of a sudden, a much taller version of the same scout is inviting you to attend his Eagle COH. "How in the world?" you wonder. But while we give all the credit to the will of a boy, let's give a little credit to the adults who had the courage to stand up and get out of his way.”

Troop Positions of Responsibility

The following leadership positions count toward Boy Scout advancement. For more information, see the Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (#32501) and Patrol LeaderHandbook (#32502A) or go to the following link:http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Positions_of_Responsibility#Boy_Scout_troop .

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference 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 full 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.

***To have success, a Patrol Leader is encouraged to attend no less than 80% of the Troop Activities and are required to attend the annual Troop Leadership Training, Annual Planning Meeting and participate in monthly Patrol Leaders Council Meetings. Patrol Leaders are encouraged to attend National Youth Leadership Training.

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, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and he does 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. 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, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities.

***To have success, the SPL is encouraged to attend, no less than 90% of all of the Troops Activities, is required to attend the annual Troop Leadership Training, the Annual Planning Meeting and facilitate our monthly Patrol Leaders Council Meetings. It is desirable to have attended National Youth Leadership Training.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

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

***To have success, the ASPL is encouraged to attend no less than 90% of the Troop Activities, is required to attend the annual Troop Leadership Training, the Annual Planning Meeting and participate in monthly Patrol Leaders Council Meetings and is required to attend a National Youth Leadership Training within the next 12 months.

Troop Guide

The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol.He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work wellwith younger Scouts. He helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol in much thesame way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader to provide direction,coaching, and support. The troop guide is not a member of another patrol but mayparticipate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.

Quartermaster

The quartermaster is the troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of troop equipmentand sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as theycheck out equipment and return it, and at meetings of the patrol leaders’ council hereports on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out hisresponsibilities, he may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee.

Scribe

The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, he attends meetings of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of the discussions. He cooperates 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.

Historian

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

Librarian

The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines,audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scoutsand leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may alsosuggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace anycurrent holdings.

Instructor

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

Leave No Trace Trainer

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

Chaplain Aide

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. He ensures that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious emblems program.

Bugler

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

Den Chief

The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. He takespart in den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model foryounger boys. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience for aScout.

Webelos Den Chief

A Webelos den chief can help plan and assist with the leadership of Webelos den meetings and field activities. He can lead songs and stunts, and encourage Webelos Scouts to progress into the Boy Scout troop.

Order of the Arrow Troop Representative

The Order of the Arrow representative serves as a communication link between thetroop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as aservice arm to the troop, he promotes the Order, encourages Scouts to take part in allsorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to becomeinvolved in high-adventure programs. The OA troop representative assists withleadership skills training. He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader.

Troop Webmaster

The troop webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He shouldmake sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that

members’ and leaders’ privacy is protected. A member of the troop committee mayassist him with his work.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

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 junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have more than one junior assistant Scoutmaster) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

***To be considered for a Troop Position complete "Troop Leadership ElectionForm" and submit it to the Scoutmaster. To have success, you are encouraged to attend 80% of all Troop Activities, encouraged to attend the Troop Leadership Training and contribute to the monthly Patrol Leaders Council Meetings.

***Scoutmaster recommendations for success.

Patrol Leader Positions of Responsibility

The following leadership positions with a patrol can make the patrol more effective and

fun. For more information, see the Patrol Leader Handbook (#32502A).

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. The duties of the patrol leader include:

• Represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual

program planning conference.

• Keep patrol members informed of decisions made by the patrol leaders’ council.

• Play a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities.

• Help the patrol prepare to participate in all troop activities.

• Learn about the abilities of other patrol members and fully involve them in patrol

and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities.

• Attend troop leadership training and continue to work on advancement.

• Encourage patrol members to complete their own advancement requirements.

• Recruit new members to maintain a full patrol.

• Set a good example by having a positive attitude, wearing the Scout uniform,

showing patrol spirit, and expecting the best from yourself and others.

• Devote the time necessary to be an effective leader.

• Work with others in the troop to make the troop go.

• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Solicit ideas and concerns from patrol members so they have input to the

planning and operation of the patrol.

Assistant Patrol Leader

The assistant patrol leader takes charge of the patrol whenever the patrol leader is not

available. The duties of the assistant patrol leader include:

• Assist the patrol leader in planning and chairing patrol meetings.

• Lend a hand in leading patrol activities and building patrol spirit.

• Help the patrol prepare for troop activities.

• Assist the scribe in keeping current the advancement records of patrol members.

• Monitor the advancement progress of patrol members.

• Represent the patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader

cannot attend.

• Set a good example.

• Wear the uniform correctly.

• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Show Scout spirit.

In addition, the assistant patrol leader may be given special assignments such as

working on a patrol service project or assisting certain patrol members with their

advancement.

Patrol Scribe

The scribe of a patrol keeps the log—a record of what goes on at 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. He may

also be the patrol’s Internet webmaster, encouraging patrol members to use e-mail to

communicate with one another between meetings. 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 the patrol to use. If an

item is broken, he repairs it if 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 frontcountry 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 afterward. The responsibilities of the

quartermaster are suited for a Scout who is organized, dependable, and aware of

details.

Patrol Leaders Council

The Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) is the planning and coordinating body of the troop. It is composed of the SPL, ASPL, PLs, Troop Staff Positions, Scribe, and the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. The SPL chairs all PLC meetings. The PLC is responsible for the advance planning of all troop activities, and also serves as a Scout forum for the resolution of all questions and problems that may arise within the troop. PLC meetings are held monthly an hour before the first Troop Meeting of the month. Scouts who are interested in leadership positions in Troop 37 must be prepared to make the commitment required of the Patrol Leader’s Council.

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