One of the key aspects of being a Boy Scout is learning the fundamentals of leadership. The Scouting program has established specific leadership opportunities for Scouts to help them prepare for being a responsible leader in the community. Scouts also need participation in these leadership opportunities in order to advance their rank.
The following leadership positions are available within Troop 26. Leadership descriptions are from meritbadge.org
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.
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.
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.
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. Serving as Quartermaster can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop.
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.
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.
The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists.
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.
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.
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.
