A Scout is Troop 711 Scout Leadership Positions Duties and Responsibilities
Think about being a Cub Scout. You came to den meetings and did a lot of different and fun things. But who decided what to do and who planned the activities? The Den Leaders, right? Sports teams are a lot of fun, too. But who decides who plays what position, who s on the starting lineup and when to substitute? The coach, right? There is one thing that makes Scouting different from all other youth groups. Do you know what it is? Well, it is not the uniform. Every soccer, basketball, and baseball team has a uniform. What makes Scouting special is that YOU make the decisions! That's right! YOU run the troop. Baden-Powell made it very plain in Aids to Scoutmastership when he wrote, The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders. Baden-Powell said power and responsibility. With power this means the ability to plan and coordinate activities, plan outings, and select projects to be completed as a troop. The second word is even more important Responsibility. In choosing to run for a Troop leadership position you are stating that you will diligently fulfill the responsibilities of the position you fill. Your fellow scouts and the adult leaders are counting on you to do your job and do it well. All of the troop leadership positions have a hand in making the Troop run well. In a leadership position you will: Plan and run troop meetings, Select troop outings, where to camp and what to do, Plan advancement opportunities for all troop members, Select High-Adventure programs, and Help other Scouts along the trail to Eagle. Troop 711 is a Scout Led, Father Supported troop. The adult leaders are there to provide support through guidance and direction. The Scouts coordinate activities and are primarily responsible for developing as scouts and leaders. Being a leader is more than just sewing on a patch or showing up at a meeting. To help the scouts of Troop 711, this guide of the Troop Leadership positions will provide a good idea of the roles and responsibilities of each youth leadership position in the troop. Here's how to be considered for a position. First read the job descriptions, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Then decide what you want to do and talk it over with your parents. You can also talk it over with other Scouts who have served in that position. Finally, let the Senior Patrol Leader know you want to run for a position. So, are you ready to be a leader? We sure hope so! 2
SENIOR PATROL LEADER Type: Elected by the members of the troop Reports to: Scoutmaster Description: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent the troop and serve as the top junior leader in the troop. Comments: The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the troop. He needs to attend as close to all troop functions as possible. Age: 14 or older Rank: Star or higher Experience: Previous service as ASPL or PL Attendance: 75% over previous 6 months Training: You must attend the Troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past. Attendance: You are expected to attend 85% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirt tail tucked in, with all required badges in the correct locations. activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is ready to assume your responsibilities. Run all troop meetings, events, activities, and the semi-annual program planning conference. Facilitate the monthly Patrol Leader's Council meeting. Distribute weekly email update to all scouts. Appoint other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster. Assign duties and responsibilities to junior leaders. Assist the Scoutmaster with Junior Leader Training 3
ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest ranking youth leader in the troop. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the SPL or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop. Comments: The most important part of the ASPL position is his work with the other junior leaders. Age: 14 Rank: Star Scout or higher Training: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past. Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council Specific Leader Responsibilities Help the Senior Patrol Leader lead meetings and activities. Run the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader. Help train and supervise the Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplin Aide. Serve as a member of the Patrol Leader's Council. Coordinate the Troop Courts of Honor. 4
PATROL LEADER In general, Patrol Leader training should concentrate on leadership skills rather than on Scout craft Skills. The Patrol will not rise and fall on the Patrol Leader's ability to cook, follow a map, or do first aid, but it very definitely depends on his leadership skill (Scoutmaster's Handbook [1972], page 155). Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council. Comments: The Patrol Leader may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide the scouts in his patrol. Age: 13 Rank: First Class or higher activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities. Specific Leader Responsibilities Plan and hold patrol meetings. Help Scouts advance. Keep patrol members informed. Know what patrol members and other leaders can do. Conduct at least one patrol level activity every two months. Represent the patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council. Appoint the Assistant Patrol Leader. 5
TROOP GUIDE Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year. Comments: The first year as a Boy Scout is a critical time with new places, new people, new rules, and new activities. The Troop Guide is a friend to the new Scouts and makes first year fun and successful. This is an important position. Age: 14 Rank: Star Scout or higher Experience: Previous Leadership position activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities. Introduce new Scouts to troop operations. Guide new Scouts through early Scouting activities. Help new Scouts earn Second Class in their first year. Teach basic Scout skills. Serve as the Patrol Leader of the Advancement Patrol. Attend Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Assist the Assistant Scoutmaster with training. Counsel individual Scouts on scouting challenges. 6
INSTRUCTOR Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: Instructors teach Scouting skills including Totin Chip, First Aid, Knot Tying, fire safety, and camping skills. Comments: Instructors will work closely with the Troop Guide and with the Assistant Scoutmasters for new Scouts. The Instructor does not have to be an expert but should be able to teach the Scouting skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Troop 711 has a minimum of three instructors. Rank: First Class or higher Teach basic Scouting skills to scouts. Focus on one or two areas of scouting skills. 7
ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER Type: Selected by the Patrol Leader Reports to: Patrol Leader Description: The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and helps coordinate patrol activities, teach scout skills, and leads the patrol in absence of the Patrol Leader. Comments: Substituting for the Patrol Leader is only part of the Assistant Patrol Leader's job. The APL actively helps run the patrol. Rank: Second Class or higher Training: None. Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, outings, and service projects. You need to represent the Patrol Leader if he is unable to attend the monthly PLC. Help the Patrol Leader plan and organize patrol meetings and activities. Help the Patrol Leader keep patrol members informed. Help the patrol get ready for all troop activities. Represent his patrol at Patrol Leader's Council meetings when the Patrol Leader cannot attend. Collect permission slips and fees from patrol members for Troop outings. Lend a hand coordinating the patrol and building patrol spirit. 8
CHAPLAIN S AIDE Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Chaplain s Aide works with the Troop Chaplains to meet the religious needs of Scouts and promote a closer relationship with God. The Chaplin s Aide also coordinates the religious awards program. Comments: "Duty to God" is one of the core beliefs of Scouting and a foundational doctrine of Troop 711. The Chaplain s Aide helps everyone in the troop by preparing short devotions and Bible studies for campouts and other functions. The Chaplain s Aide does not always lead the devotions observation and should encourage other Scouts to participate. Rank: Second Class or higher Assist the Troop Chaplains with religious services at troop activities. Coordinate the Duty to God program for the troop. Coordinate devotions for meetings and outings. 9
TROOP HISTORIAN Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities. Comments: The true value of a good Historian does not show up until years later. The Troop Historian provides material for displays and presentations of current activities. In addition, the work of the Historian provides a link with the past and documents Troop activities. Rank: Second Class or higher Take pictures and gather facts about past troop activities. Prepare a semi-annual scrapbook. Work with the Troop Webmaster to post photos on the Troop website. Write a quarterly Troop newsletter. 10
TROOP LIBRARIAN Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Librarian takes care of troop literature. Comments: The Troop library consists mainly of Merit Badge books and other troop leadership materials. The troop Librarians are responsible for storing the books, signing books out to scouts and ensuring all books are returned to the Troop Library. Troop 711 may have up to two (2) Librarians each term. Rank: Second Class or higher Maintain an inventory of books and pamphlets owned by the troop. Add new or replacement items as needed. Regularly have the library available at troop meetings for borrowing including once a month Library display at the Troop meeting. Manage a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out of the library. Follow-up on late returns. 11
TROOP QUARTERMASTER Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Quartermasters keeps track of troop equipment and maintains the equipment in good working order. Comments: The Quartermaster does most of his work around campouts. There are times when the Quartermaster has to be available to check equipment in and out. May include two Assistant Quartmasters to meet the needs of the Troop. Rank: Second Class or higher Maintain records on patrol and troop equipment. Make sure equipment is in good working condition. Issue equipment and make sure it is returned in good condition. Make suggestions for new or replacement items. Work with the Troop Committee member responsible for equipment. 12
TROOP SCRIBE Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council and keeps a record of advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. Comments: To be a good Scribe you need to attend nearly all troop and Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Rank: Second Class or higher Works with the SPL to maintain and update the Troop Calendar. Ensures calendar updates are provided to the Troop Webmaster for posting on the Troop Website. Attend and keep a log of Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Record individual Scout attendance. Prepare written permission slips for all outings. Prepare rosters for all Troop outings. Work with the Troop Committee members responsible for records and finance. 13
TROOP WEBMASTER Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: 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. This position is responsible for the main means of troop mass-communication. Comments: This position is appointed by the Scoutmaster and is guided and assisted by adult supervision. A working knowledge of basic internet and website tools are necessary to perform this important communications position. The Assistant Webmaster will transition into the Webmaster at the end of the six-month term. Rank: Second Class or higher Maintain Troop Website. Post monthly meeting schedule. Post Quarterly Troop Newsletter. 14
WEBELOS DEN CHIEF Reports to: Troop 711 Cubmaster and Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Den Chief works with the Webelos and adult Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Comments: The Den Chief provides knowledge of Scout skills to help prepare a foundation for transitioning to the Scout Troop. The Den Chief helps the Webelos complete the requirements for the Arrow of Light. Age: 14 Rank: Star Scout or higher Attendance: You are expected to attend 85% of pack meetings. activities. You must call the Cubmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities. Know the purposes of Cub Scouts. Help Webelos advance and complete Arrow of Light. Encourage Cub Scouts of Pack 711 to join Boy Scouts. Assist with activities in the den meetings. Help out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings. Meet with adult leaders of the Pack and Troop pack and troop as necessary. 15