Positions of Responsibility

6/25/21 Update. I am always learning something new. I had to make a correction in terminology. These are not leadership positions but "positions of responsibility."

Scouts should read this article from Scouting Magazine on Positions of Responsibility. This is everything you ever wanted to know. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2021/06/07/six-things-to-know-about-the-positions-of-responsibility-for-star-life-and-eagle/

-mr schang

Process for Getting a Position of Responsiblity

Troop 3B elects SPL (senior patrol leader) and PL (patrol leaders) around May for the following year. SPL and PLs serve for 12 months.

SPL then appoints the remaining positions. All appointed positions serve for half the year. Two exceptions are ASPL and APL's who serve for 12 months. Note: APL does not count toward the requirement for advancement.

SPL will make appointments in the summer for the fall and December for the spring.

Position Descriptions

See your scout handbook for more information about rank advancement requirements and eligible positions.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): The senior patrol leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

Patrol Leader: The patrol leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader.

Troop Guide: The troop guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class in their first year. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings. Serving as Guide can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Quartermaster: The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol and troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Quartermaster can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Scribe: The scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. (Appointed by the SPL)

Historian: The historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Historian can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop, but in a Varsity Scout Team or a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Librarian: The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. (Appointed by the SPL)

Instructor: The instructor teaches Scouting skills

Chaplain Aide: The chaplain aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. (Appointed by the SPL)

Den Chief: The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. Serving as Den Chief can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.

Order of the Arrow Representative: The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the SPL)

Webmaster: The troop webmaster establishes and maintains a safe and secure troop website. He ensures that the troop website is a positive reflection of Scouting to the public. He works with the scribe to manage the troop's electronic communication tools. The website must comply with the BSA Social Media Guidelines (see also External links below). A troop committee member may assist him with this work.

Bugler: The Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Bugler can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle.

Outdoor Ethics Guide: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.