Troop Guide is another important youth leadership position in a Scouts BSA Troop. A troop guide is an older scout who helps new scouts learn the “Boy Scout way” of doing things, which is much different from the “Cub Scout way” of doing things.
Boy Scout Youth Leadership Positions
Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation
A Patrol Leader is elected by his patrol. He is essential for implementing the patrol method within the Troop.
Quartermaster Description and Self Evaluation
Camping is an integral part of the Scouts BSA program and most troops have a good amount of camping gear to maintain. The Quartermaster is a youth member of the troop who keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
Scribe Description and Self Evaluation
Almost every organization needs somebody to keep records. A Scouts BSA Troop is no exception. The Scribe is a youth member of the troop who records the minutes of the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) and works with the Troop Committee Secretary and Advancement Chair.
Defining and Prioritizing Scouts BSA Youth Leadership Positions
Setting clear expectations for the youth leadership positions in a troop helps the youth members set goals. Some troops might also benefit from prioritizing the order positions are filled.
Troop Historian Description and Self Evaluation
The Troop Historian records troop activities. This job is perfect for a Scout who likes to take pictures and write journal entries.
Senior Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation
If you are new to Scouts BSA, it is important to understand what the different positions do. The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.
Librarian Description and Self Evaluation
Most Scouts BSA Troops keep a library of merit badge pamphlets and other resources. The Librarian is a youth member of the troop who takes care of this troop literature.
Den Chief Description and Self Evaluation
The Den Chief is a Scout who works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. They can lead games, participate in discussions, help with Scout skills, and more.
Assistant Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation
The Assistant Patrol Leader is a youth member of a Scouts BSA Troop who is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence. The position of Assistant Patrol Leader does not qualify for the leadership requirements for advancement. (See the leadership positions listed in the Star, Life, and Eagle requirements in the Scouts BSA handbook.)
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Description and Self Evaluation
The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is a youth member of a Scouts BSA Troop who 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 demonstrated leadership ability.
Bugler Description and Self Evaluation
The Bugler plays the bugle at troop ceremonies. Bugler is one of those positions that many troops don’t fill. There was a troop next to us at the last camporee with a Bugler, and there is something really nice about hearing Taps played at lights out.
Chaplain Aide Description and Self Evaluation
The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of the Scouts in the troop and to promote religious emblems programs.
Attendance Expectations for Scouts BSA
You might notice that the troop leadership position descriptions which our troop uses have attendance expectations on them Some people have asked me how we enforce these. Well, we do not. These are not demands or requirements in our troop. Instead we use them to indicate to the youth what sort of time requirements are typical for the position.
Registering a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Reader Michael sent in this question: How do I go about registering an Eagle Scout in my troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster?
OA Troop Representative Description and Self Evaluation
An Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his troop, he serves the Arrowman as well as adult leaders and Scouts who are not OA members. He encourages Arrowmen to participate in lodge and chapter events. He also works to strengthen the troop’s camping program.
Instructor Description and Self Evaluation
The instructor helps Scouts learn and demonstrate skills. He enlists the help of other experienced Scouts from the troop to help him.