Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The senior patrol leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He is responsible for the troop's overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he is ultimately in charge of all meetings and troop activities, and of the Troop Leaders Council (TLC), making sure that troop activities happen the way they are planned. He mentors and backs up scouts in charge of specific activities and outings, from the planning stages to implementation and evaluation, lending direct assistance and identifying alternative resources, if necessary. If unable to attend a meeting or participate in an activity or on an outing, he communicates with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and ensures that the ASPL is ready to assume his responsibilities. The SPL works closely with the Patrol Leaders to plan activities and organize outings to provide opportunities for rank advancement. He does everything he can to help each patrol be successful. During his time in office, he is not a member of a patrol, but may participate in the activities of the Senior Patrol. The SPL:

  • Oversees all troop meetings, events, activities, and runs the annual program planning conference
  • Runs the Troop Leaders Council meetin
  • Sends out SPL Announcements and Reviews, as necessary
  • Delegates duties and responsibilities to youth leaders, as appropriate
  • Assists the Scoutmaster with Youth Leadership Training
  • Sets a good example
  • Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform consistently and correctly
  • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law
  • Shows Scout spirit

Qualifications: Must be First Class rank or higher. Should previously have successfully held another leadership position in the troop.

Reports to: Scoutmaster

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader 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 ASPL works closely with the SPL to help the troop move forward and serves as acting SPL in the his absence or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop and provides direction to the Bugler, Historian, Instructors, Librarian, Quartermaster, and Scribe. Since an important part of the ASPL position is his work with the other junior leaders, he should be familiar with the other positions and stay current with the work being done. During his time in office, the ASPL is not a member of a patrol, but may participate in the activities of the Senior Patrol. The ASPL:

  • Assists the senior patrol leader organizing and leading meetings and activities
  • Runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
  • Schedules and arranges for Youth Leadership Training
  • Helps train and oversees the work of the Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplain's Aide, as necessary
  • Serves as a member of the Troop Leaders Council (TLC)
  • Sets a good example
  • Lives the Scout Oath and Law
  • Shows Scout spirit
  • Wears the scout uniform consistently and correctly

Qualifications: Consideration should be given when appointing this position as the SPL is called upon to lead the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader. Whenever possible, should previously have successfully held another leadership position in the troop.

Reports to: SPL

© 2010 Boy Scout Troop 87 · Mountain View, CA · Contact the Scoutmaster