Troop Positions
In Troop 38, the program is run by the Scouts with advice and counsel from the adult leaders. This page describes the various youth leadership positions that are commonly filled in the troop. Other positions, more detailed position descriptions, and organizational charts can be found here:
https://troopleader.scouting.org/troop-positions/
Some positions are elected, some are appointed. The term is for six months. We have elections twice a year (usually in September and April). We do not currently have term limits so Scouts may be elected to the same position consecutively.
Some positions have specific requirements set at the troop level in order to make sure that the person holding that position has some level of Scouting experience that may be needed to fulfill the responsibilities. It's also not expected that the Scouts know everything that they need to do the job. Scouts will learn from experience but they need to have some basis for that learning. It is also expected that Scouts have a commitment to the positions that they volunteer to fill including participating in a majority of meetings, events, and outings as well as the monthly Patrol Leaders' Council meeting. Should a Scout fail to fulfill their responsibilities and commitment, they may forfeit their position.
For a more detailed description of the position, click on the position name.
Patrol Leaders' Council
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.
Requirements to run for this position: 2 years in the troop and at least 50% participation in meetings and outings in the previous year.The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.
The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He plans and leads patrol meetings and activities. He keeps his patrol members informed. He assigns each patrol member a specific duty. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders’ Council and appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader.
Requirements to run for this position: 1 year in the troop and at least 50% participation in meetings and outings in the previous year.The Scribe is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. 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.
The Quartermaster is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. The Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He 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.
Other troop leadership positions
Assistant Patrol Leader
The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He represents his patrol at Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings when the Patrol Leader cannot attend. The Assistant Patrol Leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle.
The Instructor teaches Scouting skills.
The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. He helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Scouts BSA troop upon graduation.
The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.
The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders, and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order.
Maintains the Troop website.
The historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia.
The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists.
The troop guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class in their first year. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.
Other positions are listed at:
https://troopleader.scouting.org/troop-positions/