BSA Troop 256 Policy and Procedures Manual: Troop Staff

Table of Contents

Troop Staff

Troop 256 strives to maximize troop leadership and operations by the Scouts themselves, with the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders providing guidance. Troop 256 elects its leaders twice per year. Senior Scout ranks require leadership experience; the election process identifies those Scouts who need to meet these requirements. Brief descriptions and requirements, where applicable, of the troop staff positions follow:

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): The SPL is the senior Scout leader in the troop. A plurality of the Scouts present for the election results in SPL selection. The SPL leads the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), appoints other Scouts to non-elected leadership positions, and assigns specific duties as needed. He receives guidance from the Scoutmaster and adult leaders that he implements through delegation to, and supervision of, patrol leaders and the troop staff. The SPL notifies the Scoutmaster or another adult leader of situations needing adult attention. A candidate for SPL must hold the rank of First Class or above.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): Troop 256 may have one or more ASPL(s) at a time. Each ASPL is responsible for providing assistance to one or two patrols, and/or training and supervising specified Troop staff. The SPL appoints ASPLs. A candidate for ASPL must hold the rank of First Class or above.

Scribe: The Troop Scribe is the secretary for the troop. He attends the PLC and records its proceedings. He posts the Service Patrol roster on the Troop Bulletin Board. The Scribe is responsible for publishing the troop newsletter. The SPL appoints the Scribe, who must hold at least Second Class rank.

Quartermaster: The Troop Quartermaster is responsible for troop supplies and equipment. He collects from Patrol Leaders a list of shortages in the patrol equipment boxes, merges all requirements into a single list, estimates total cost and reports to the SPL. He solicits orders for troop T-shirts, maintains records reflecting ordering parties, distributes T-shirts, and may collect funds for subsequent turn-in to the Troop Committee Treasurer. The SPL appoints the Quartermaster, who must hold at least Second Class rank.

Historian The Troop Historian collects, maintains, and makes available to Scouts (via the Troop Bulletin Board, or other means) troop photographs, memorabilia, and information on present and past activities and members. The SPL appoints the Historian, who must hold at least Second Class rank.

Librarian The Troop Librarian maintains the Troop Library of Merit Badge Pamphlets by insuring they are stored in order, and logged out to Scouts. The Librarian insures that the Merit Badge Counselor list is current and accessible to Scouts. The SPL appoints the Librarian, who must hold at least Second Class rank.

Chaplain Aide The Troop Chaplain Aide contributes the religious component to troop meetings and activities. He may be called on to assist Troop 256 and the Comanche District Chaplain by participating in religious services, and promoting religious activities and awards with a primarily religious orientation. The SPL appoints the Chaplain Aide, who must hold at least Second Class rank.

Bugler: The Troop Bugler plays bugle calls for notification of the troop and to honor the National Colors. The Bugler must furnish a bugle or trumpet, and have the ability to play the instrument. The SPL appoints the Bugler; there is no rank requirement.

Troop Guide: Depending on the need, Troop 256 may have none or several Troop Guides at a time. The Troop Guide assists the SPL and the Scoutmaster in training new Scouts, either as individuals or as a patrol. The Troop Guide must have mastered the rank advancement requirements through the rank of First Class, and have excellent teaching skills. The SPL appoints Troop Guides, who must hold at least First Class rank.