Scout Leadership Positions

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Leadership is a uniquely important part of Scouting and is required for advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle. All positions require some additional level of responsibility. Being the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) or a Patrol Leader (PL) is a privilege and an honor requiring an extra commitment level to Scouting and the Troop. It is impossible to be an elected Scout Leader without being heavily involved with all the activities of the Troop. Everyone should be aware that there are numerous non-elected leadership positions available within the Troop. These positions are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with guidance from the Scoutmaster. In general, these Leaders are expected to participate to the same level as the SPL / PL.

 

Term of office: Six months, and not more than two consecutive terms. Must be at least rank of 1st Class.

 

Participation and Responsibilities: Scouts desiring a Leadership Position must naturally understand that a leader has certain responsibilities. For example, proper uniform as prescribed for each Troop event is a must. A position of responsibility is required for advancement to Star, Life and Eagle, as follows:

 

Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class: No specific position of responsibility requirements

 

Star requirement 5: While a First Class, Scout, must serve actively for four months in one or more of the acceptable positions of responsibility listed in the next section. (Or he may carry out a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the Troop.)

 

Life requirement 5: While a Star Scout must serve actively for six months in one or more of the acceptable positions of responsibility listed in the next section. (Or he may carry out a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project to help the Troop.)

 

Eagle Scout requirement 4: While a Life Scout must serve actively for six months in one or more of the acceptable positions of responsibility listed in the next section. (The Scoutmaster-approved leadership project is not an option for Eagle.)

 

Acceptable positions of responsibility in our Troop: Patrol leader (but not Assistant Patrol Leader), assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler (for Star and Life only), junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster or outdoor ethics guide.

 

Meeting Attendance:

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Patrol Leaders (PL) must be present for at least 80% of all regular troop meetings and not miss more than two consecutive Troop meetings during their six-month term.

Monthly Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) Planning Meeting, usually 1st Sunday or at the campout preceding that Sunday: The SPL/PLs must not miss more than one monthly PLC during the six-month term of office.

 

Troop Outings (Camping and other external activities). The SPL and PLs must:

Attend Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) when scheduled.

Attend at least 80% of all Troop events, such as campouts & service projects (usually 6-10 events/6-months).

 

Exceptions to the Participation Policy are limited to legitimate emergencies and circumstances.

 

Scouts Leaders who are unable to meet their participation requirements will be asked to step down from their Leadership Positions and a special election will be conducted. Scouts who are asked to step down are ineligible from running for an elected leadership position for 4 months.