Leadership Positions

Each of the positions listed below is an elected position. Elections are held at the initiation of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters when they feel the Scouts have mastered the skills necessary for the position. The purpose of the offices is for Scouts to learn skills useful in Scouting and in the adult world.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The Senior Patrol Leader, SPL, must be a senior Scout capable of managing the senior patrol. He must be capable of teaching all of the jobs in the senior patrol, and doing them in the absence of a patrol member. He must be familiar with all of the procedures involved with rank advancement. He must have the skills needed to answer the patrol leaders' questions in a timely manner, and communicate with the Scoutmaster on any problems.

• • Conducts all regular Scout and Green Bar meetings.

  • Communicates to and manages the patrol leaders.

  • Shall maintain control at meetings.

  • Shall set a good example of uniform.

  • Should have completed fast start Jr. Leader Training, and administer same to the Sr. patrol.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

The ASPL should be capable and ready to fill in for the SPL at any time. Should be aware of all activities under the control of the SPL at all times and be ready and capable of assisting with Troop leadership. May have other specific duties assigned by SPL.

Quartermaster (QM)

The Quartermaster is in control of all equipment and should maintain a proper working inventory. All patrol equipment must be cheeked out by the patrol leader from the QM ONLY. It may then be assigned to patrol members. All equipment is to be returned in clean, working condition. Broken equipment should be reported to the QM for repair or replacement consideration immediately. The QM is accountable to the equipment chairperson or equipment ASM.

Librarian

The Librarian maintains the Troop books and reports. He is responsible for checking out Merit Badge books and manuals in and out of the Troop Library, and should maintain proper records.

Historian

The Historian should procure photos of events and outings for the Troop Album. He should enter these with a brief description of event and attendance, as well as any newspaper coverage. Eagle Courts should especially be recorded. He should update the Troop slides, as available.

Sergeant At Arms

The Sergeant at Arms will set an example and maintain order at all Scout functions. He should take steps to remind Scouts of proper uniform and conduct.

Scribe

The Scribe takes notes at Green Bar and transcribes them for the Troop files. All SPL members should receive a copy within one week for their books. The Scoutmaster and assistants should receive a copy, one forwarded to the Troop Committee, and a copy be placed in the Green Bar file. The Scribe should keep this file in order. The Scribe should also maintain an attendance roster, which should include outings. The Scribe maintains and distributes the Troop Calendar on a timely basis.

Patrols

Scouts fall into named patrols. Patrols have from 3 to 8 Scouts.

The patrol leaders are elected from within their patrol.

Patrols do not change with elections. The size of a patrol may fluctuate from year to year, and grow with new Scouts admitted. The ideal patrol consists of Scouts from all age levels and abilities. This allows the new scouts the benefit of

learning from the older Scouts' experience, and allows the older Scouts to learn from teaching.

Patrols may be temporarily rearranged for the purpose of using equipment during an outing.

All questions go to the patrol leader or assistant patrol leader.

If the patrol leader needs more information, the patrol leader will call the SPL or ASPL, and get back to the Scout. Only the SPL or ASPL should call the Scoutmaster.

"The Scoutmaster's job is to train and guide the boy leaders to run THEIR troop, not to run HIS troop himself. He is to help the boys grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves, NOT to instruct individual boys in scoutcraft." Pg. 16 S

coutmasters guide, 1932 edition.

Scoutmaster (SM)

Is the uniformed representative of adult leadership.

Promotes and ensures the PURPOSE OF THE BSA, as appears in the leader's application.

Promotes and seeks recruitment of new Scouts.

Provides a safe atmosphere where Scouts can learn skills and develop leadership. Counsels Scouts on rank advancement, ability and age appropriate merit badges, and service time.

Personally conducts all Scoutmaster conferences.

Encourages the Scouts to progress in citizenship skills, camping, leadership, and Scout spirit.

Administers Merit Badge cards, and Dean's list.

Monitors direction at Green Bar (Patrol Leaders Conference). Supervises, and coaches the Senior Patrol Leader.

Represents the Troop in the District, Council, and the Community.

Assistant Scout Master (ASM)

Are uniformed representatives of adult leadership.

Promote and ensure PURPOSE OF THE BSA, as appears in the leader's application. Assist the Scoutmaster in providing quality leadership, supervision, and example. Meet with the Scoutmaster to provide quality ideas for Troop progress.

Assist with recruitment.

May have specific spheres of reference, duties, or titles, including, but not limited to, ASM OUTINGS, ASM HIGH ADVENTURE, and ASM EQUIPMENT.

Example: ASM OUTINGS may take control of Expo, camp, hikes overnights, & Camporee. ASMHA may have outings requiring HA permits (climbing etc.).