Scout Positions of Responsibility

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is elected by the entire troop.  A Patrol Leader is elected by his patrol.

Download and complete the Troop Position of Responsibility Application and turn it in to the Senior Patrol Leader if you want to be considered for any position other than Patrol Leader.  See below for the complete list of leadership positions, including qualifications and responsibilities.

Qualifications for ALL positions: Be an active member in good standing of Troop 51 (position-specific qualifications can be relaxed at the discretion of the Scoutmaster).

Requirements for ALL positions:

  • You MUST have successfully completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) training (or plan to complete at the next opportunity it is offered).
  • You MUST attend 75% of all troop and patrol activities, leader meetings and service projects. Three unexcused absences may result in your removal.

Responsibilities that apply to ALL positions: Leading the way…

  • Set a good example.
  • Wear the complete Scout uniform correctly with all badges in their proper place.
  • Practice and Live by the Scout Oath and Law in your life daily.
  • Show and develop patrol spirit
  • Show Scout Spirit in everything you do and say.
  • Be on Time.
  • Meet the attendance requirements for your position

Not meeting the responsibilities for a position could result in removal from the position or not getting leadership credit for rank advancement or awards.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

Elected by troop for 6 months-highest junior leadership position
Qualifications: Age– 14 Rank– First Class or higher Experience-previously ASPL, PL, APL, or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. You MUST attend 75% of all troop activities, leader meetings and service projects. 3 unexcused absences may result in your removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities:Runs all troop meetings, events, activities and program planning meetings including The Patrol Leader’s Council meetings and semi-annual Troop Program Planning Conference. Assigns duties and responsibilities to other junior leaders with Scoutmaster’s advice. Assists the Scoutmaster with delivery of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops training. Encourages ALL Scouts in advancement and earning badges.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Assistant Senior Patrol LeaderAppointed by the SPL for a 6-month term.
Qualifications: Age-14 Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Any Troop POR, including PL, but not any other Patrol positions. Attendance-75% last 6 months.
Requirements:Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. 75% attendance to all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: Works with other Junior Leaders. Stays aware of what is being done in the troop. Helps Senior Patrol Leader run all meetings and activities for the troop.  Runs the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol leader. Encourages advancement and badge earning for all scouts in the troop. ASPLs may be assigned one or more of the following tasks:

  • Trains and supervises the Scribe, Historian, Chaplain Aide, Librarian, Quartermaster, and Bugler.
  • Responsible for leading troop monthly activities (e.g., camp-outs) in coordination with Troop adult overseeing each activity.
  • Responsible for supervising the Troop Instructors to deliver instruction of skills to scouts.

Patrol Leader (PL)

Patrol LeaderElected by Patrol for 6 months
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Any Troop or Patrol Position of Responsibility (4 months) Attendance-75% over last 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership.  You MUST attend 75% of all troop and patrol activities, leader meetings and service projects. 3 unexcused absences may result in your removal as patrol leader.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities:Appoint the Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Quartermaster, Patrol Instructor, Patrol Cheermaster, and Patrol Scribe.  Attend Patrol Leaders’ meetings; Plan and lead patrol meetings; Help scouts advance; Recruit new scouts; and Keep your patrol members informed of troop events:

  • Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
  • Keep patrol members informed.
  • Assign each patrol member a specific duty.
  • Represent your patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
  • Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.
  • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
  • Know the abilities of each patrol member.

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)

Assistant Patrol LeaderAppointed by Patrol Leader for 6 months
Qualifications: Age– none Rank-Second Class or higher Experience– Any troop or patrol position (4 months) Attendance-75% over last 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. You MUST attend 75% of troop activities, leader meetings and service projects. 3 unexcused absences may result in your removal.
Responsibilities:Help the Patrol leader plan and run the meetings and activities. Lends a hand in controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit takes over in the event of Patrol Leader’s absence.  Note that the position of APL does not count towards Star, Life or Eagle rank requirements.

Troop Guide

Troop GuideSelected by Scoutmaster
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Any Troop or Patrol Position of Responsibility (4 months) Attendance-75% over last 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership.  You MUST attend 75% of all troop and patrol activities, leader meetings and service projects. 3 unexcused absences may result in your removal as troop guide. Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities:The troop guide is both a leader and a “mentor” to new Scouts. He is an older Scout, at least First Class in rank, who helps the patrol leaders of patrols with new Scouts in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader—providing direction, coaching, and support as determined by the skill level and morale of the patrol leader and new Scouts. The troop guide is usually not a member of another patrol, but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.

  • Introduce new Scouts to troop operations.
  • Guide new Scouts through early Scouting activities.
  • Help set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior within the troop.
  • Ensure older Scouts never harass or bully new Scouts.
  • Help new Scouts earn the First Class rank in their first year.
  • Coach the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties.
  • Work with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.
  • Attend patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol.
  • Assist the assistant Scoutmaster with training.
  • Coach individual Scouts on Scouting challenges.
  • Teach basic Scout skills.

Scribe

scribeAppointed by the SPL for a 6-month term.
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Any Troop POR, PL or Patrol Scribe (4 months) Attendance-75% over last 6 months.
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. 75% attendance of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: Keeps the troop’s written records. Attends and keeps a log of Patrol Leader Council meetings. Works with Troop Committee to keep track of individual scout advancement. Produces Troop newsletters, and other communications.  Trains and (with the Patrol Leaders) supervises the Patrol Scribes.

Quartermaster

quartermasterAppointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Quartermaster, Patrol Quartermaster (4 months), PL, ASPL, SPL, or APL Attendance-75% over last 6 months.
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. 75% attendance of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: Keeps records of all patrol and troop equipment. Makes sure equipment is in good working order. Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. Makes suggestions for new or replacement items to Troop Committee Gets the U.S and Troop Flags for all meetings and puts them away afterward.  If unable to attend a troop activity, he ensures that another scout acts as Troop Quartermaster for the event.  Trains and (with the Patrol Leader) supervises the Patrol Quartermasters.

Historian

Appointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop or Patrol POR Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. 75% attendance at all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: Gathers pictures and facts about all troop events and activities. Keeps a troop historical file or scrapbook. Keeps the troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of events. Maintains advancement boards or displays.

Librarian

Appointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. 75% attendance at all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: Sets up and takes care of the Troop Library. Keeps a system for checking books and materials in and out of the library. Follows up on getting checked out items returned. Suggests purchases to Troop Committee when items are needed for the library. Makes the materials available to all scouts at meetings.

Chaplain Aide

Appointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Earned religious emblem for scout’s faith or is working on earning it. Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities:  Assists the Troop Chaplain with religious services at troop activities.  Promotes the Scouting the religious emblem program to the scouts.  Leads invocations (opening & closing) at troop meetings (including PLCs), grace at meals, and a “Scout’s Own Service” on troop outings.

Instructor

Appointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-14 or higher Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop POR, PL, Patrol Instructor Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities- teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members. The Instructor does not have to be an expert but should be able to teach the Scoutcraft skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The troop may have more than one instructor.  Troop 51 may have separate Instructors for each of the following areas (additional requirements in parentheses):

  1. First Aid (First Aid merit badge*),
  2. Cooking (Cooking merit badge*),
  3. Navigation (Hiking, Backpacking, Orienteering, Geocaching or Search and Rescue merit badge*),
  4. Camping & Outdoor Tools – rope, flies, tents, pioneering, knives/saws/axes, campfires, camp stoves (Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit; Camping or Pioneering merit badge*),
  5. Nature – plants, animals, weather, stars/planets/constellations (Archaeology, Astronomy, Bird Study, Fish and Wildlife Management Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Reptile and Amphibian Study, or Weather merit badge*)
  6. Citizenship – flag ceremonies/etiquette, emergency preparedness, service projects (Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, or Citizenship in the World merit badge, Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness merit badge*)
  7. Hiking & Backpacking (Hiking or Backpacking merit badge*),
  8. Fitness (Personal Fitness merit badge*)
  9. Conservation – (Environmental Science or Sustainability merit badge*)

* – Scout must have completed or have a plan to complete one of the merit badges before their term of office ends.

Outdoor Ethics Guide

Outdoor Ethics GuideThe Outdoor Ethics Guide specializes in teaching Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles and ensuring that the troop follows these principles on outings. He can also
help Scouts earn Outdoor Ethics awards. He should
have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly!

Appointed by the SPL for a 6-month term

Qualifications*:

* – Position-specific qualifications can be relaxed at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.

Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal or not receiving credit for rank advancement.

Training: By the end of the Scout’s term in this position, he should have completed:

  1. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
  2. Outdoor Ethics or Leave No Trace Awareness course
  3. Leave No Trace online youth course
  4. TreadLightly! online course

Scouts interested in getting an in-depth understanding of Leave No Trace are encouraged to take the Leave No Trace Trainer training.

Responsibilities –

  • The outdoor ethics guide helps the troop plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the principles of outdoor ethics.
  • The guide works to help Scouts improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to minimize impacts as they participate in outdoor activities.
  • He supports Scouts who are working to complete the relevant requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks.

Bugler

BuglerAppointed by the SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities- The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle calls and should have earned the Bugling merit badge (or be working on earning it).  Note that the Bugler position counts towards the Star Scout and Life Scout ranks, but NOT the Eagle rank.

Webmaster

WebmasterAppointed by SPL for a 6-month term
Qualifications: Age-none Rank-First Class or higher Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75% over past 6 months
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities- The troop webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He should make 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 may assist him with his work.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Junior Assistant ScoutmasterAppointed by the Scoutmaster for a 1-year term
Qualifications: Age-16, Rank-Eagle, Experience-Troop POR or PL Attendance-75%
Requirements:  Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal. Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Responsibilities: 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. 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.

Den Chief

Den ChiefAppointed by the Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for a 1-year term
Qualifications: Age-13 Rank-First Class or higher, Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75%
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.  Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Den Chief Training
Responsibilities: Is an older, experienced Boy Scout,Selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster at the request of the Cubmaster or Webelos den leader. Preferably a former Cub Scout. Approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the Cub Scout den leader. The den chief’s responsibilities are to

  • Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Serve as the activities assistant at Cub Scout den meetings.
  • Set a good example through attitude and uniforming.
  • Be a friend to the boys in the Cub Scout den.
  • Help lead weekly den meetings.
  • Help the Cub Scout den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
  • Meet regularly with the Webelos den leader to review den meeting plans.
  • Help Cub Scout den leaders as requested.
  • Help Cub Scouts in their work with activity badge counselors.
  • Help the Cub Scout denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
  • Receive training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training.
  • Help with Cub Scout Pack overnight campouts and other outdoor experiences.
  • Keep in contact with the assistant Scoutmaster in the troop.

Den Chiefs are strongly encouraged to earn the Den Chief Service Award.

Webelos Den Chief

Den ChiefAppointed by the Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for a 1-year term
Qualifications: Age-14 Rank-First Class or higher, Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75%
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal. Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Den Chief Training
Responsibilities: Is an older, experienced Boy Scout, Selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster at the request of the Cubmaster or Webelos den leader. Preferably a former Cub Scout. Approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the Webelos den leader.  The Webelos den chief’s responsibilities are to

  • Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Help Webelos Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Serve as the activities assistant at Webelos den meetings.
  • Set a good example through attitude and uniforming.
  • Be a friend to the boys in the Webelos den.
  • Help lead weekly den meetings.
  • Help the Webelos den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
  • Meet regularly with the Webelos den leader to review den meeting plans.
  • Help Webelos den leaders as requested.
  • Help Webelos Scouts in their work with activity badge counselors.
  • Help the Webelos denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
  • Receive training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training.
  • Help with Webelos overnight campouts and other outdoor experiences.
  • Help with joint Webelos Scout-Boy Scout activities.
  • Keep in contact with the assistant Scoutmaster in the troop.
  • Help the assistant Scoutmaster and Cubmaster plan graduation ceremonies for Webelos Scouts.

Den Chiefs are strongly encouraged to earn the Den Chief Service Award.

Order of the Arrow Representative

Order of the Arrow RepresentativeAppointed by the SPL for a 1-year term
Qualifications: Age-14, Rank-First Class or higher, Experience-Troop or Patrol POR (4 months) Attendance-75% Training-Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST).  Other– OA Member in good standing.  Appointed by SPL with SM approval.
Requirements: Meet all general qualifications, requirements, and responsibilities for leadership. Attend 75% of all troop activities. 3 unexcused absences could lead to removal.
Responsibilities: The Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative is a youth serving his troop as the primary liaison to the troop’s lodge or chapter. He meets the unit’s needs by providing a communication and programmatic link to and from all Arrowmen, Scouts who are not presently members of the Order, and adult leaders. These efforts are meant to assist the unit and its members in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, and at the same time fulfilling the lodge’s role in the Strategic Plan of the Order of the Arrow of being an integral part of the council. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.  The duties of the OA Representative are:

  • Attends troop and chapter or 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.
  • As requested by the SPL, participates in Troop Courts of Honor by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of troop members, leadership 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. He may also, at the discretion of the PLC, offer periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order.
  • Leads at least one troop service project for the community or charter partner during the year. May also serve, at the discretion of the PLC, as the troop’s service chairman.
  • Assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
  • In all cases, 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.