Leadership

Leadership in Troop 608

We follow the “Youth Led Troop” methodology and depend on our scouts to plan and execute those plans for troop meetings and outings. Our adult leaders are present for guidance as needed and to support the troop in ways that youth cannot, for example driving to and from events. Below is a flowchart of the various leadership positions within the troop.

Troop Youth Leadership Position Descriptions

For many of the ranks, a leadership position is required. This gives scouts an opportunity to learn how to lead in a safe and supported environment. Have a look at each of the positions to learn what is expected from a scout to thrive in that position.

Senior Patrol Leader

With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the senior patrol leader’s shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America has long recognized the senior patrol leader as the highest youth leadership position in a troop. They are the primary link between a troop’s Scouts and its adult leaders. They shoulder the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and the patrol leaders’ council and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events. Responsibilities

runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference
runs the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings
appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders
assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Senior Patrol Leader Handbook

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

The assistant senior patrol leader is the second-highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. Responsibilities

helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities
runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, webmaster, chaplain aide, and OA representative
serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit
lends a hand controlling the patrols and building patrol spirit

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the patrol’s key leader, representing the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference, and keeping patrol members informed of decisions made. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities, and assure patrols are prepared to participate in all troop activities. They keep their patrol intact so they can work together and share responsibilities to get things done. It is incumbent upon them to be a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop. Responsibilities

plans and leads patrol meetings and activities
keeps patrol members informed
assigns each patrol member a specific duty
represents his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference
prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities
works with other troop leaders to make the troop run well
knows the abilities of each patrol member
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows and develops patrol spirit

The Patrol Leaders Handbook 10 Tips for Being a Better Patrol Leader

Troop Guide

Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively. Responsibilities

introduces new Scouts to troop operations
guides new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts
helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
teaches basic Scout skills
coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings
attends patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Quartermaster

Quartermasters serve as the troop’s supply boss. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. 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. Responsibilities

keeps records on patrol and troop equipment
makes sure equipment is in good working condition
issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition
makes suggestions for new or replacement items
works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Scribe

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. The troop scribe may be assisted by a member of the troop committee. Responsibilities

attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings
records individual Scout attendance and dues payments
records individual Scout advancement progress
works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Den Chief

Den chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. They are selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, and approved by the cubmaster and the pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Den chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation. Responsibilities

knows the purposes of Cub Scouting
helps Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting
serves as the activities assistant at den meetings
sets a good example through attitude and uniforming
is a friend to the members of the den
helps lead weekly den meetings
helps the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
knows the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans
meets regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans
meets as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop
receives training from the den leader (and cubmaster or assistant cubmaster)
takes Den Chief Training
encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible
encourages Webelos Scouts to join a Scout troop upon graduation
helps the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Take Den Chief Training now! Den Chief Service Award

Chaplain Aide

Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They lead the troop in opening or closing prayer and mealtime blessings. Chaplain aides ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious emblems program. Responsibilities

assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities
encourages troop members to strengthen their own relationships with God through personal prayer and devotion and participation in religious activities appropriate to their faith
tells Scouts about the Religious Emblems program for their faith at least once a year
helps recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems, (such as at a court of honor)
makes sure religious holidays are considered during the troop program planning process
helps plan for religious observance in troop activities
encourages saying grace at meals while camping or at other activities
helps promote annual Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Additional Information for Chaplain Aides and Chaplains INTERFAITH WORSHIP SERVICE

Historian

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

gathers photos and facts about troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook
takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities
keeps information about former members of the troop
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Instructor

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

teaches basic Scouting skills
schedule/coordinate merit badge counselor(s) for troop/Scout instruction
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law

Librarian

Troop librarians oversee 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. Responsibilities

sets up and takes care of the troop library
keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop
adds new or replacement items as needed
keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing
keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out, and follows up on late returns
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Webmaster

Troop webmasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. They make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that the privacy of youth and adult troop members is protected. A member of the troop committee may assist them with their work. Responsibilities

works with various unit members on needed topics
ensures the website is as youth-run as possible
maintains the website as needed
sets a good example
correctly wears the Scout uniform correctly
shows Scout spirit

Bugler

The bugler plays the bugle (or similar instrument) to mark key moments during the troop meeting, such as assembly, or on troop outings, such as reveille, mess call, and lights out. The bugler must know the required bugle calls and ideally should have earned the Bugling merit badge or be working toward earning it.

Responsibilities

makes appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop meetings and activities
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

OA Representative

Order of the Arrow representatives serve 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 OA, encourage Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs. Responsibilities

attends troop, chapter and lodge meetings regularly as a youth representative of the troop and Order
serves as a two-way communication link between the troop and the lodge or chapter
arranges with the lodge or chapter election team to conduct an annual Order of the Arrow election for the troop at a time approved by the patrol leaders council
arranges with the lodge or chapter for at least one camp promotion visit to the unit annually
makes at least one high adventure presentation to the troop, to include the OA programs, annually
participates in troop courts of honor, as requested by the senior patrol leader, by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of troop members, and other appropriate activities
coordinates the ordeal induction process for newly elected candidates by: ensuring they know the time and location of the ordeal, providing information of what to bring to the ordeal, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the ordeal, and offering assistance (as needed) to the lodge in the ordeal process
assists current ordeal members in the troop in sealing their membership by becoming brotherhood members by: ensuring they know the time and location of brotherhood opportunities, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the brotherhood opportunities, and offering assistance to the lodge (as needed) in the brotherhood process
offers periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order, at the discretion of the PLC
assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping
sets a good example by: wearing the Scout uniform correctly, showing Scout spirit, and living by the Scout Oath, the Scout law, and the OA Obligation

National Order of the Arrow Website

Outdoor Ethics Guide

Outdoor ethics guides help troops plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the Outdoor Code, the Leave No Trace principles, and the Tread Lightly! principles. Guides work to help Scouts improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to help minimize impacts as they hike, camp, and participate in other outdoor activities. In particular, they should support Scouts who are working to complete the relevant requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Responsibilities

assures the troop adheres to the Principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and the Outdoor Code
sets a good example
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law
shows Scout spirit

Outdoor Ethics and the BSA Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook Outdoor Ethics Website

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the Scoutmaster to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM). The junior assistant Scoutmaster functions just like an assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults 18 years of age or older). In this capacity, junior assistant Scoutmasters (a troop may have more than one) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other youth leaders in the troop. Upon their 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster. Responsibilities

performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster.
sets a good example.
wears the Scout uniform correctly
lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
shows Scout spirit

Troop Adult Leadership Position Descriptions

Scoutmaster

The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for working directly with the Scouts providing direction, coaching, and support. The Scoutmaster has three basic roles:

providing the junior leaders with the tools and skills so they can run the troop
making sure the rules of the BSA and chartered partner are followed
being a good mentor and positive role model

Refer to Troop Leader Guidebook – Vol 1, Page 83
The Aims and Methods of Boy Scouting
Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training
The Guided Discovery Process
Scoutmaster Conference

Assistant Scoutmaster

An assistant Scoutmaster is an adult leader over the age of 18 who helps the Scoutmaster deliver the promise of Scouting. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties. They can serve the troop by guiding a particular patrol to which they’ve been assigned, advising certain Scouts who’ve assumed a position e.g. the quartermaster or OA representative, or fill in as necessary to assure the junior leaders have what they need to run things. Refer to Troop Leader Guidebook – Vol 1, Page 83-84 They also provide the two-deep leadership required by the Boy Scouts of America . An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster’s absence.

Committee Chair

The troop committee chair is appointed by the chartered organization to see that all committee functions are carried out. The troop committee chair appoints and supervises the unit committee and unit leaders, and organizes the committee to see that all committee responsibilities are delegated, coordinated and completed.

Committee Members

The troop committee is a cross between a board of directors and a parent support group. It sets troop policies and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts. Refer to Troop Leader Guidebook, Page 14, for further information and descriptions of committee positions. Troop Committee Guidebook – the essential support literature for troop committee members

Chartered Organization Representative

The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the District Committee and the Local Council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council. If the chartered organization has more than one unit, one representative serves them all. The Chartered Organization Representative appoints the Unit Committee Chairman.

Adult Quartermaster

See that Troop gear is properly maintained and accounted for / Propose new equipment needs to the Troop Committee.

Outdoor Chair

Manages logistics for troop outings and activities, including site reservations.

Fundraising Coordinator

Coordinate the Troop fundraising activities associated with the annual popcorn, camp card, and mulch / Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings.

Recruitment Coordinator

Serve as a liaison with Webelos Dens in the area and spearhead recruitment / Welcome new scout families / Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings.

Advancement Coordinator

Keep advancement Records / Order, pickup, and package Scout recognition awards / Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings/Coordinate semiannual Courts of Honor and Eagle Courts of Honor.

Adult Webmaster

Maintain a unit website, send reminders of upcoming events / Create and update and informational brochure for prospective new scouts.

Special Events and Service Projects Coordinator

Coordinate community and civic outreach/Identify potential Eagle Projects/ Arrange parade participation / Cemetery Flag Raising / Other activities / Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings.

Records Coordinator and Historian/Librarian

Keep a record of all completed physical forms / Maintain a file of frequently used forms / Maintain a unit library of merit badge pamphlets and other resources / List all material available for use / Maintain a file of Eagle projects.

High Adventure Coordinator

Research, plan, coordinate logistics, make reservations, and attend activities for a summer high adventure trip geared toward older scouts ages 14-18, (Philmont, canoe trip, etc.). Requires 10-12 days absence from work and extensive travel.

Treasurer

Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings / Help with budgeting, collection, and payment of funds for the troop.

Life to Eagle Coordinator

The goal of the Life to Eagle coordinator is to help the Scouts understand what is required both from an advancement perspective and a process standpoint to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.