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Leadership

Developing leadership skill is an important component to the Scouts, BSA program.  Troop 834 prides itself on the leadership opportunities it offers its scouts, allowing the scouts to learn and develop critical skills needed for the rest of their lives.  Training is available via NYLT and IOLS (NYLT Overview info here).

The Troop, just like any other well-run organization, must have a clear understanding of the hierarchy and roles needed to effectively run the scouting program. The image of the ideal troop organization chart, depicts all the possible positions in a large troop.

Positions of responsibility can start very early in a scouts career at the patrol level, however for advancement, positions of responsibility become more prevalent at the First Class rank and above. 

Current Leaders

  • SPL – Declan
  • ASPL – Nick
  • Tomahawk – John / Chas
  • Phoenix – Trevor
  • Scribe – Andre
  • Troop Guides – Nathan, Nico, John S
  • JASM – David, Keegan, Nathan, Howard, Brogan
  • Instructor – Andre, Kaleb, Trevor
  • Chaplin – Matthew
  • Quartermaster – Anthony
  • Webmaster –
  • Historian – Patrick
  • Den Chief – Declan
  • OA Rep – Howie

Leadership Positions – PLC

These positions are part of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC):

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

Type: Elected by the members of the troop

Term: 6 months

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the senior patrol leader’s shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. Scouts, BSA has long recognized the senior patrol leader as the highest youth leadership position in a troop. The SPL is the primary link between a troop’s Scouts and its adult leaders. The SPL shoulders the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events.

Requirements

  • Rank of First Class or higher
  • Ability to attend, at least, 75% of all troop activities

Responsibilities

  • runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference
  • runs the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings
  • appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
  • assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders
  • assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training

Full description here:

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader

Term: 6 months
Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader

The assistant senior patrol leader is the second highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.

Responsibilities

  • helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities
  • runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
  • helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, webmaster, chaplain aide, and OA representative
  • serves as a member of the Green Bar (PLC)

Full description here:

Troop Guide

Type: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

Description: Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts.

The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.

Responsibilities

  • introduces new Scouts to troop operations
  • guides new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts
  • helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
  • teaches basic Scout skills
  • coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
  • works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings
  • attends patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
  • counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges

Scribe

Type: Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader

Reports to:  SPL

Description: The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, they attend the Patrol Leaders’ Council Meetings, and keep a record of the discussions. They cooperate with the patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records. The troop scribe may be assisted by a member of the troop committee.

Responsibilities

  • attends and keeps a log of Patrol Leaders’ Council Meetings
  • records individual Scout attendance and dues payments
  • records individual Scout advancement progress
  • works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance

Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader:

The Senior Patrol Leader shall appoint these positions (in order shown below) at the Troop meeting following a COH. All positions listed below count towards leadership rank requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle. These positions expire when a new SPL is elected.

Quartermaster

Quartermasters serve as the troop’s supply boss. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. At meetings of the patrol leaders’ council they report on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out their responsibilities, they may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee.

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • makes suggestions for new or replacement items
  • works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment
  • sets a good example
  • wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • lives by the Scout Oath and Law
  • shows Scout spirit

Chaplain Aide

The chaplain aide is an approved youth leadership position in Boy Scout troops. The responsibilities of this position include encouraging the spiritual growth and awareness of each member of the troop and assisting the troop chaplain (and adult committee members).

The chaplain aide should

  1. Work with the troop chaplain (usually an adult member of the clergy) to plan appropriate interfaith religious services during troop outings
  2. Encourage troop members to strengthen their own relationships with God through personal prayer and devotion and participation in religious activities appropriate to their faith
  3. Participate in patrol leaders council panning sessions to ensure that spiritual emphasis is included in troop activities
  4. Help the troop chaplain (or other designated adult) plan and conduct an annual Scout-oriented religious observance,. Preferably during Scout Week in February
  5. Present an overview of the religious emblems program at troop meetings at least once per year
  6. Help the troop chaplain (or other designated adult) recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems, perhaps during a troop court of honor (note: most religious emblems are conferred during a service at the Scout’s place of worship, but the achievement should also be recognized at a significant troop event.)

Qualifications

  1. The chaplain aide must be mature and sensitive and have earned the respect and trust of his fellow Scouts.
  2. The chaplain aide must be at least a First Class Scout.
  3. The chaplain aide must have received or be working on the requirements leading to the age-appropriate religious emblem for his faith.

Webmaster

Troop webmasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. They make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that the privacy of youth and adult troop members is protected. A member of the troop committee may assist them with their work.

Responsibilities

  • works with various unit members on needed topics
  • ensures the website is as youth-run as possible
  • maintains the website as needed
  • sets a good example
  • correctly wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • shows Scout spirit

Order of the Arrow Representive

Order of the Arrow representatives serve as a communication link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, they promote the OA, encourage Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs.

Requirements

  • Active member in the Order of the Arrow (OA)

Responsibilities

  • Attends troop, chapter and 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
  • Participates in troop courts of honor, as requested by the senior patrol leader, by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors 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
  • Offers periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order, at the discretion of the PLC
  • Assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
  • Advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping

Useful Links for the SPL

Outdoor Ethics Guide

Outdoor ethics guides help troops plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the Outdoor Code, the Leave No Trace principles, and the Tread Lightly! principles. Guides work to help Scouts improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to help minimize impacts as they hike, camp, and participate in other outdoor activities. In particular, they should support Scouts who are working to complete the relevant requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.

Requirements

  • Rank of First Class or higher

Responsibilities

  • assures the troop adheres to the Principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and the Outdoor Code
  • Aid scout achieve rank requirements related to Outdoor Ethics, including:
    • Scout Rank requirement 1e
    • Second Class requirement 1b
    • First Class requirement 1b

Useful Links for the SPL

Appointed by Patrol Leader:

These positions shall be appointed at the Troop meeting following a COH. The positions of responsibility appointed by the Patrol Leader do not count towards rank advancement. All these position expires when a new PL is elected.

Patrol Leader

The assistant senior patrol leader is the second highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. 

Responsibilities

  • helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities
  • runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
  • serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council
  • sets a good example
  • wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • lives by the Scout Oath and Law
  • shows Scout spirit
  • lends a hand controlling the patrols and building patrol spirit

Appointed by the Scoutmaster:

These positions are appointed at the Scoutmaster’s discretion and count towards leadership rank requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle. These positions expire at the Scoutmaster’s discretion.

Troop Guide

Type: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

Description: Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts.

The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.

Responsibilities

  • introduces new Scouts to troop operations
  • guides new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts
  • helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
  • teaches basic Scout skills
  • coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
  • works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings
  • attends patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
  • counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges

Den Chief

Type: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

Den chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. They are selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, and approved by the cubmaster and the pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Den chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation.

Responsibilities

  • knows the purposes of Cub Scouting
  • helps Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting
  • serves as the activities assistant at den meetings
  • sets a good example through attitude and uniforming
  • is a friend to the members of the den
  • helps lead weekly den meetings
  • helps the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
  • knows the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans
  • meets regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans
  • meets as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop
  • receives training from the den leader (and cubmaster or assistant cubmaster)
  • takes Den Chief Training
  • encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible
  • encourages Webelos Scouts to join a Scout troop upon graduation
  • helps the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
  • wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • lives by the Scout Oath and Law
  • shows Scout spirit

Links:

Take Den Chief Training now!

Den Chief Service Award

Troop Instructor

Type: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill who must also have the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.

Responsibilities

  • teaches basic Scouting skills
  • schedule/coordinate merit badge counselor(s) for troop/Scout instruction
  • sets a good example
  • wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • lives by the Scout Oath and Law
  • shows Scout spirit

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Type: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Reports to:  Scoutmaster

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 (JASM). The junior assistant Scoutmaster functions just like an assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults 18 years of age or older). In this capacity, junior assistant Scoutmasters (a troop may have more than one) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other youth leaders in the troop. Upon their 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

Responsibilities

  • performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster.
  • sets a good example.
  • wears the Scout uniform correctly
  • lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • shows Scout spirit
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