Elections

Twice a year, we hold troop elections.

We encourage all scouts to consider a leadership position and add their own unique talents to the planning of troop activities and meetings. If Scouts have filled a role previously, please give other scouts an opportunity to work in that role. If a Scout is interested in a Youth Leadership position and is not elected, Scoutmasters will work with the newly elected SPL & ASPL on finding the willing Scout an alternate responsibility. The goal is to have as many Youth Leadership positions filled as possible.

Scouts must be a First Class rank or higher to earn credit for leadership service toward rank requirements. However, we will accept any Scout who desires to fill a position, if they are elected or appointed.

Elected leaders are expected to attend the monthly Patrol Leader's Council meeting. Meetings are typically held the third Monday of each month. During this meeting the Patrol Leader Councils plans the troop meetings for the following month.

SPL's attend the monthly Committee Meeting (10 min) to give a report on the PLC activities. Committee Meetings are typically the first Monday of each month (virtually).

Youth Leader Positions

The positions are elected by the troop or patrol as indicated in the description below. Candidates should be prepared to share with the troop or patrol why you would like to be elected to a position and possibly answer questions from the group.

Senior Patrol Leader (elected by Troop members)

The senior patrol leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. We elect one male Scout SPL and one female Scout SPL. Together they run all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. They appoint other troop youth leaders (except for junior assistant Scoutmaster) with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Leader (elected by Patrol members)

The patrol leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He/She represents his/her patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader.

Scribe (appointed by SPL and SM)

The scribe keeps the troop records. He/She records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings.

Troop Guide (appointed by SPL and SM)

The troop guide works with new Scouts in a troop. He/She helps them feel welcome at the troop and assists them in earning their First Class rank within 12 to 18 months. He/She teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leaders at patrol leaders’ council meetings.

Other Troop Leadership Positions

These positions are appointed or selected as indicated in the description below. Sign up for these positions will be available on the signup sheet during the elections meeting. The SPL, PL, SM will meet with candidates during elections night to determine which role each scout will fill.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (appointed by SPL and SM)

The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He/She 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/She also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

Assistant Patrol Leader (selected by Patrol Leader)

The assistant patrol leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his/her absence. He/She represents his/her patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend. The assistant patrol leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle Scout.

Quartermaster (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He/She 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.

Instructor (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

The instructor teaches Scouting skills.

Den Chief (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

The den chief works with Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in Cub Scout packs. He/She helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Scouts BSA troop upon graduation.

Outdoor Ethics Guide (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

Outdoor ethics guides help troops plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the Outdoor Code, the Leave No Trace principles, and the Tread Lightly! principles.

Webmaster/Historian (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

The Webmaster works with other youth leaders and adults to publish articles, photos, and other information on the Troop Website.

Bugler (Appointed by the SPL and SM)

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

Scouts BSA ranks requiring a Position of Responsibility

Star rank Req. #5 "While a First Class Scout, serve actively in your troop for four months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster approved leadership project to help the troop)"

Life rank Req. #5 "While a Star Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster approved leadership project to help the troop)"

Eagle Scout rank Req. #4 "While a Life Scout, serve actively in your troop for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility..."

The following positions of responsibility count toward leadership Star, Life, and Eagle rank requirements: Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide.