Positions of Responsibility

Positions of Responsibility, commonly called “leadership positions” or just “positions”, are jobs within the troop that are held by scouts. See Troop Structure for an introduction.

Obtaining a Position

The exact way you obtain the position (by election or appointment) depends on which position. Terms are typically for one year.

Before you try to obtain a position, make sure you’ve read and understood the responsibilities you’ll be taking on! You can find a full description of each position below.

It’s highly recommended that you request an extra Scoutmaster Conference when you’re considering a bid for a position, so that you can discuss it with the Scoutmaster first and learn more about it.

Position Manuals

Click on a position to open its reference manual.

Senior Patrol Leader

With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the senior patrol leader's shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. Scouting America has long recognized the senior patrol leader as the highest youth leadership position in a troop. They are the primary link between a troop's Scouts and its adult leaders. They shoulder the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and the patrol leaders' council and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop's program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events.

Assistant 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 ASPL acts as the SPL in the absence of the SPL or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the patrol's key leader, representing the patrol at all patrol leaders' council meetings and the annual program planning conference, and keeping patrol members informed of decisions made. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities, and assure patrols are prepared to participate in all troop activities. They keep their patrol intact so they can work together and share responsibilities to get things done. It is incumbent upon them to be a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop.

Troop Guide

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.

Troop Scribe

The Scribe keeps the troop's records. They are the key scout that helps the Patrol Leaders' Council stay organized, work efficiently, and communicate well with the rest of the troop. Scribe is one of the most important positions for the success of a troop.

Troop Quartermaster

The Troop Quartermaster serves as the troop's supply boss. The Quartermaster's Room is their domain; they're given the "keys to the castle" and are fully responsible for the tidiness and order of their storage areas. They see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters and check equipment in and out to people. They report to the PLC on the status of equipment and supplies in need of purchasing, repair, or replacement.

Den Chief

Den Chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout Den Leader. They help Cub Scouts advance through the Cub Scout ranks, and encourage them to join a troop when they graduate.

Chaplain Aide

Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They lead the troop in opening or closing prayer and mealtime blessings. Chaplain aides ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop's program planning process and promotes the Scouting America's religious emblems program.

Historian

The historian collects, assembles, preserves, and is responsible for troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia, and makes materials available for Scouting activities, courts of honor, the media, and troop history projects.

Librarian

Troop librarians oversee the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, and audiovisuals. They check out these materials to troop members and maintain records to ensure that everything is returned. They may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings. They know when to proactively offer certain books as helpful resources for others.

If your position isn’t listed here, refer to the standard descriptions from Scouting America: https://troopleader.scouting.org/general-troop-information/troop-structure/troop-positions/

Leadership Training

When you enter a new position, it’s not expected that you already know how to do it! Holding a position should be a challenging experience for you.

Shortly after getting elected or appointed, you’ll attend your ILST course. ILST will give you a solid start on your leadership skills and knowledge, as well as the particulars of your position.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a more advanced, week-long boot camp that will get you fully trained up and prepared to hold a senior leadership role. Talk to the Training Coordinator if you’re interested in finding out more.

As you start carrying out your responsibilities, you’ll have either a youth or adult coach supporting you, depending on the position.