Youth Leadership 

All youth leaders are expected to: 
Set a good example 
Wear the uniform correctly 
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law 
Attend all Troop functions 
Earn Advancement 

Complete Troop 577’a Junior Leader Training Program 
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster 

(JASM) 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) 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.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) 

The junior leader with the most responsibility in a troop is the Senior Patrol Leader.  All members of the Troop elect him.  The senior patrol leader is elected at six month intervals and can be re-elected.  During a Scout’s tenure as a senior patrol leader, he is not a member of a patrol. 

The senior patrol leader is selected from among experienced Scouts that have attained the Star rank.  The PLC offers an opportunity for those in the running to make a short presentation to the Troop explaining their qualifications and reasons for seeking the office.  This provides good practice for the candidates and enables those who do not know them well, younger Scouts in particular, to gain a better sense of what they propose to do for the Troop. 

The senior patrol leader is in charge of Troop meetings from beginning to end.  He chairs meetings of the PLC as they plan 

Troop activities and programs.  In short, the SPL’s job is to see that the Troop runs in an orderly and timely manner.  To help the SPL achieve that leadership goal, the Scoutmaster should work with him before and after the Troop meetings to mentor him, encourage him, and provide him with the tools to succeed.  The Scoutmaster may meet with him at other times too, in order to discuss issues that will enhance his ability to lead the Troop and improve the quality of experience the Scouts are enjoying. 

The relationship between a senior patrol leader and the Scoutmaster is often one of friendship and mutual admiration.  A great reward for a Scoutmaster is in helping a young man who has accepted a position of responsibility develop into a leader capable of fulfilling the high expectations placed upon him. 

Assistant Senior Patrol 

Leader (ASPL) With the approval of the Scoutmaster, the ASPL is appointed by the SPL, serves as his assistant, and takes his place when the SPL is absent.  Among his specific responsibilities is training and providing direction for other youth leadership positions.  During his tenure as ASPL, the Scout is not a member of a patrol.  Large troops may have more than one ASPL. Troop

Guide The Troop Guide is both a leader and a ‘mentor’ to the members of a new-scout patrol.  He is an older scout, at least First Class in rank, who helps the patrol leader of a new-scout patrol in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a SPL – providing direction, coaching, and support as determined by the skill level and morale of the patrol leader and members of the new-scout patrol.  The Troop Guide is usually not a member of another patrol, but may participate in the high adventure activities of a Venture patrol. 

OA Troop Representative 

The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative serves as a communication link between the Troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge or chapter.  By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the Troop, he promotes the OA in the Troop while encouraging year-round and resident camping in the Troop and participation of older Scouts in high adventure programs.  The OA representative assists with leadership skills training in the Troop and supports fellow Arrowmen who undertake  leadership roles in the Troop.  He reports to the ASPL. 

Troop Historian 

The Historian collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards and other memorabilia.  He might also collect and organize information about former Scouts and leaders and make materials available for Scouting activities, media contacts and Troop projects. 

Troop Scribe 

The Scribe is the Troop’s secretary.   He attends meetings of the PLC and keeps a log of their discussions, but not as a voting member.  During Troop meetings he records attendance and may maintain Troop advancement records.  He may be assigned to a member of the Troop Committee to help him with his work. 

Librarian 

The Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists.  He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned.  He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report on the need to repair or replace any current holdings. 

Instructor 

Each Instructor is an older Troop member proficient in a Scouting skill and in the ability to teach that skill to others.  First  aid, camping, and backpacking – the subjects can encompass any 

of the areas that the Scouts will want to master, especially those required for outdoor activities and rank advancement.  A Troop may have more than one instructor. 

Chaplain Aide 

The Chaplain Aide assists the Troop chaplain (usually an adult from the Troop Committee or the Chartered Organization) in religious services for the Troop.  He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning and promotes the religious emblems program. 

Den Chief 

A Den Chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult den leader.  He assists with den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and serves as a role model for younger boys.  Serving as a Den Chief can be a great first leadership experience for a scout.  A Webelos den chief meets each week with a Webelos den and helps their adult leader guide Webelos Scouts in their program.  He can plan and assist with den meetings and field activities, lead songs and stunts, and encourage Webelos Scouts to progress into the Scout Troop. 

Patrol Leader (PL) 

The members of each patrol elect one Patrol Leader.  He takes responsibility for the patrol’s activities and represents the patrol as a member of the PLC.  Each patrol leader appoints an assistant patrol leader to assist them.  Most troops select patrol leaders and other boy leaders twice a year, though a troop might want to hold elections more frequently in order to allow more boys the chance to lead, particularly in the new-Scout patrols.  Some responsibilities include: take a leading role in planning and conducting patrol meetings and activities; encourage patrol members to complete advancement requirements; represent the patrol as a member of the PLC; and set a good example by living up to the Scout Oath and Law. 

Assistant Patrol Leader 

(APL) The Assistant Patrol Leader steps in to serve whenever the Patrol Leader must be absent.  He may carry out special assignments given him by the SPL – working with patrol members on advancement for example.