How The Troop Works

In Scouting America, troops are led primarily through youth, with adult guidence and supervision.

The main leader of a troop is the SPL, or Senior Patrol Leader. This is a youth position, with a lot of responsibilities, including leading meetings, designating duties (such as presenting a skill during meetings) to other scouts or adults, guiding other scouts in their achevements, communicating information between youth and adults, and representing the values of scouting as an example to other scouts.

Other troop-level positions include the ASPL, or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, who assists the SPL, and is the go-to stand-in when the SPL is unavailable; the Scribe, who takes notes during Patrol Leader's Council and regular meetings; the Quartermaster, who is in charge of keeping and maintaining equipment, the Webmaster; who keeps the website updated; and the Troop Guide, who works with new scouts, helps them learn scouting skills, and assists with tasks like cooking; however, there are additional roles that are not always filled.

Within the troop, there are two or more patrols, each lead by a PL, or Patrol Leader. These youth are responsible for leading patrol discussions or planning, and making sure patrol areas are clean, as well as whatever other tasks are delegated by the SPL. Large troops might also have an APL, or Assistant Patrol Leader, but as our troop is small, they mostly just serve as a backup to the PL.

There are also roles of responsibility for adults. The Scoutmaster is in charge of giving the SPL the resources needed to lead, communicating with camps and parents, and providing supervision and a safety net. Assistant Scoutmasters aid the Scoutmaster, and help guide and instruct scouts at the SPL's request. Other roles, such as the Treasurer, are in charge of behind-the-scenes work.

Elections for SPL and PLs are held two times a year, with every scout getting a vote. If you are interested in running, prepare a speech and sign up however you are directed by the SPL at the time of elections. All other youth roles but one are appointed by the SPL (PLs pick their APLs). There will be an opportunity to sign up before elections. A speech is not needed, but be prepared to serve if you are chosen!