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:

1. Troop & Scout Leader Council Meeting Attendances Recorded:

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

2. 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:

1. 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:

1. Maintain library catalog information

a. List of Merit Badge pamphlets is accurate and pamphlets are available ( http://usscouts.org/mb/mbbooks.asp)
i. Name of merit badge pamphlet
ii. Pamphlet publication number
iii. Pamphlet copyright date
iv. Current (latest) pamphlet copyright date
v. Number of pamphlets in Troop library with that publication number
vi. Note: there may be multiple listing for the same merit badge given different
copyright dates
Merit Badge Publication # Copyright Date Latest Copyright # Pamphlets
2. Track who and when pamphlet was loaned from library
a. Name, pamphlet, when first loaned for 1 month, first renewal, second renewal, & date returned.
b. 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
3. 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:

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

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

1. Ensure the Troops supplies and equipment is available, clean and in working condition.
a. Issue equipment from the trailer and track who has it and when returned.
b. Inspect equipment immediately when returned. Do not accept equipment that is not clean.
i. Quartermaster is responsible for cleaning all equipment that is found dirty in the trailer
c. Report damaged, missing or malfunctioning equipment to Troop Adult Quartermaster
i. Report any misuse or malicious behavior to SPL and Scoutmaster immediately
d. Make recommendations for replacements or new equipment
e. Inform Troop Adult Quartermaster of any supplies that need to replenished.
2. 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:

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

1. Attend Cub Scout events as requested by Den Leader

2. Obtain a letter from Den Leader expressing their satisfaction with your performance every six (6) months.
This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:
INSTRUCTOR
Scout Name: __________________________________
Job description: The Instructor will work with both the Troop Guide and Assistant Scoutmaster for
new scouts. The Instructor must be able to teach Scouting skills needed to obtain the Scout,
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks.
Reports to: the Troop Guide.
Instructor duties:
 Knowledgeable in all Scout Skills to obtain Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class.
 Prepare specific lesson plans and materials for teaching Scouting skills to junior Scouts as directed by the Troop
Guide. Lessons will include, but not be limited to, the skills required to obtain the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second
Class and First Class.
 Use the EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide and Enable) model to instruct. First give a quick Explanation of what
you are teaching, why it is important, when they will use it and where they will use it. Next slowly Demonstrate how
to do it then Guide the students through their own individual demonstration of the skill you just taught by helping them
to it correctly. Once they learn the skill Enable them to teach others the skill that you just taught them.
 Talk to Troop Guide each week to be sure of your assignments. Tell the Troop Guide is you are having trouble
preparing for your instructional assignments or are unable to complete assignment or will be absent.
 Study carefully the skill to be taught. Make sure you have all necessary equipment. Use the Boy Scout Handbook,
Boy Scout Field Book, Merit Badge books and other materials to add interesting facts and knowledge to your
presentations.
 Lesson plans and associated materials will be developed for specific skill areas (i.e. First Aid, Heritage,
Camping/Hiking, Scoutcraft, etc.).
 Instructor will be familiar with all skill areas so he may assist other Instructors when required.
 Starts and ends instruction on time and is prepared with lesson and materials.
 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:

1. Work with Troop Guide and Patrol Leaders to review Scout Handbook with Scouts who have yet to obtain First Class.
Teach Scout skills using the EDGE method.
2. Log all Scouts that you have taught, date and what requirements were completed. If a Scout fails his Scoutmaster
conference, Instructor will be asked for his records and to reinstruct Scout. (Use back of page for additional space.)

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:
Patrol Leader
Scout Name: __________________________________
Job description: You are responsible for the members of your Patrol. He repre sents his patrol on the
patrol leaders' council.
Reports to: the senior patrol leader.
Patrol leader duties:

 Appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, Quartmaster, Grubmaster

o Note: Patrol Scribe, Quartermaster and Grubmaster will have 3 month term limits. Cannot serve in same
position twice in a row. They will also report to associated Troop leadership for assigned duties and
assistance. They are not required to attend Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings.

 Know your patrol members well. Always have available their names, phone numbers and email. Know their interests
and help guide them through Scouting. Provides direction.

 Responsible for patrol members’ attendance, completing their assigned tasks, ensuring they are where they need to be
at the right time, and general behavior

 Represents the patrol on the Patrol Leaders’ Council.

 Receives patrol tasking from Senior Patrol Leader and provides direction to Patrol members to complete the tasking.
Ensures tasks are completed in a proper and timely manner.

 Plans and steers patrol meetings

 Helps Scouts advance by checking on their progress every week and directing them to Instructors

 Acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts

 Keeps patrol members informed and Assistant ready to take charge of troop events

 Leads his patrol by setting the example

 Inform the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader if you are unable to perform your 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 early to meetings to prepare and give direction

 Qualifications: Rank: First Class, Attendance: 75% (3 unexcused absences may result in removal), Term: elected for 6
months

Deliverables:

1. Work with Senior Patrol Leader to complete all tasks assigned and to complete them in a timely fashion.
2. Obtain Patrol Roster and ensure name, phone number(s), email and other information is current. Report changes
to Scribe.
3. Ensure all Patrol members are either present at activity and know where they are and what they are doing.
4. Assist Instructors and Troop Guide teaching Scout skills.

This Scout has met the expectations for this leadership position of responsibility:
Assistant Patrol Leader (NOT AN OFFICIAL “POSITION OF RESPONSIBILITY”)
Job description: The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in
his absence.
Reports to: the Patrol Leader
Assistant Patrol Leader Duties:

 Helps the Patrol Leader Plan and steer patrol meetings and activities
 Helps him keep patrol members informed

 Helps the patrol get ready for al troop activities

 Represents his patrol at Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings when the Patrol Leader cannot attend

 Lends a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit

 Inform 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