TROOP 174 A Boy Led Troop
PLC
				Leading The Way

There is one thing that makes Scouting different from all other youth groups. Do you know what it is?

Well, it is not the uniform. Every soccer, basketball, and baseball team has a uniform.
It is not the fun activities. There are a lot of other things that are fun.
And it certainly isn't cleaning dirty pots and pans on a campout!

What makes Scouting special is that YOU make the decisions!

That's right! YOU run the troop. Baden-Powell made it very plain when he wrote,

The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders.

This is real decision making power. And not it's not just Patrol Leaders. All of the troop leadership positions have a hand in making the Troop run. As a troop leader you will:

Sound cool? It really is! The adults are there to provide support but YOU will be making the decisions.

Because being a leader is more than just sewing on a patch we have put together job descriptions for the troop leadership positions. They will give you a good idea of what each job is all about and what you will be required to do.

Here's how to be considered for a position. First read the job descriptions, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Then decide what you want to do and talk it over with your parents. You can also talk it over with the Scoutmaster and other Scouts who have served in that position. Finally, get a troop job application form, fill it out, have your parent(s) read and sign it and turn it in.

So, are you ready to Lead the way? We sure hope so!

 

CONTENTS

 

PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL (PLC)............................................................................................................................. 2

Expectations of Troop Leaders........................................................................................................................ 2

SENIOR PATROL LEADER.............................................................................................................................................. 3

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER...................................................................................................................... 3

PATROL LEADER.............................................................................................................................................................. 3

TROOP GUIDE.................................................................................................................................................................... 4

TROOP CHAPLAIN AIDE................................................................................................................................................ 4

TROOP HISTORIAN.......................................................................................................................................................... 4

INSTRUCTOR..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

TROOP LIBRARIAN.......................................................................................................................................................... 5

TROOP QUARTERMASTER........................................................................................................................................... 5

TROOP SCRIBE.................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster........................................................................................................................ 7

AGREEMENT AND PARENT PERMISSION................................................................................................................ 8

 

 

PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL (PLC)

The PLC plans Troop program and makes program assignments. This is an extremely important group because they represent all of the Scouts, and are responsible for informing all Scouts about program plans and responsibilities. Patrol Leaders should come prepared to represent their Patrol. Anyone may attend the PLC meeting with approval of the Senior Patrol Leader.

Voting Members: Patrol Leaders (Assistant Patrol Leader in absence of Patrol Leader; Senior Patrol Leader (In case of Ties) The Scoutmaster does have veto power.

Nonvoting Members: Asst. Patrol Leaders, Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Scoutmaster and Assistants

Invited Guests: Other Troop Officers, and others may be invited to help with Troop programming.

Meetings: Meets once a month (Currently the last Sunday of the month if not on a Troop activity weekend), and for about 15 minutes after each Troop meeting to review meeting and assignments for the next meeting. PLC members should come in Uniform and Prepared with paper and pencil and written down ideas from their Patrol.

 

Expectations of Troop Leaders

Training: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.

Attendance: All members of the Patrol Leaders Council are required to attend Troop Meetings and activities. (It is expected that Troop Officers will attend at least 80% of the meetings and campouts.) If, for some reason, you cannot attend the meeting or activity you may get an excused absence by arranging for someone to cover your responsibilities, and also notifying the person you are responsible to.
All voting members of the Patrol Leaders Council are required to meet after Troop meetings until 8:45 to review that nights meeting and check on assignments for the next weeks meeting. Please reserve this time for a short PLC meeting. PLC members who have three unexcused absences in a row may be removed form office.

Effort: You are expected to give your job your best effort.

Example: You are expected to set a good example by living the Scout Oath and Law and by properly wearing your Scout Uniform on all appropriate occasions.

 

SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Responsible to: Scoutmaster

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (monthly and 15 minutes after Troop meetings), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly)

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Preside at all troop meetings, events, activities, and annual program planning conference.

2.        Chair the patrol leaders' council.

3.        Name appointed boy leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.

4.        Assign duties and responsibilities to other leaders.

5.        Work with Scoutmaster in training junior leaders.

6.        Set a good example

7.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

8.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

 

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Responsible to: Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (monthly and 15 minutes after Troop meetings), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly)

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Assume the duties of the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader.

2.        Advise, direct, and assure that the following troop officers are functioning as necessary:
Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, Librarian, Historian, and Bugler

3.        Assume control of parts of the Troop meetings as required by the Senior Patrol Leader.

4.        Set a good example

5.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

6.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

 

PATROL LEADER

Responsible to: Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (monthly and 15 minutes after Troop meetings), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly), Patrol meetings (weekly)

Specific Duties:

1.        Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.

2.        Keep patrol members informed.

3.        Assign a job to each patrol member, and help them succeed.

4.        Control and be responsible for Patrol Members at Troop Meetings, and activities.

5.        Represent the patrol at all patrol leaders council meetings and at the annual program planning conference.

6.        Prepare the patrol to take part in all troop activities.

7.        Develop patrol spirit.

8.        Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well

9.        Know what patrol members and other leaders can do, and use these resources.

10.     Set a good example.

11.     Wear the complete uniform correctly.

12.     Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

TROOP GUIDE

Responsible to: Assistant Scoutmaster for New Patrol(s)

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (monthly and 15 minutes after Troop meetings), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly), Patrol Meetings (weekly)

Specific Duties:

1.        Work with the New Scout Patrol(s) to ensure that they learn how to participate in Scouting in our Troop.

2.        Train the New Scout Patrol Leader in how to run a patrol.

3.        Help them plan for all outings, including equipment lists, menu planning, etc.

4.        Help the new scouts with advancement through First Class, either by teaching the required skills or by setting up situations for meeting the requirements.

5.        Shields new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts.

6.        Attends Patrol Leaders' Council meetings with the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol.

7.        Assists the Assistant Scoutmaster with training.

8.        Counsels individual Scouts on Scouting challenges Set a good example.

9.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

10.     Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

TROOP CHAPLAIN AIDE

Responsible to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council if requested), Important to attend campouts

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Keep Troop leaders appraised of religious holidays when planning activities.

2.        Plan and help lead Church services for Troop while on campouts. Encourage other Scouts to be involved with the service.

3.        Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities.

4.        Tell Troop members about religious emblem program of their faith.

5.        Set a good example.

6.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

7.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

TROOP HISTORIAN

Responsible to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (if requested), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly)

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Keep a journal of Troop events for historical purposes. Include photographs and maps when possible. Such a journal may be used by Scouts in future years to look back and know what kinds of things the Troop was doing. It can also be used for recruiting new scouts.

2.        Maintain a troop slide show for showing at the annual Troop Dinner and to Cub Scout Packs. Obtain slides from recent trips to keep the show current, removing slides from older trips and returning them to their owners

3.        Gather as much history of the Troop as possible, in whatever form is available. Talk to former members of the Troop and record conversations on tape. Collect pictures and other artifacts when available.

4.        Keep information on Troop alumni.

5.        Take care of Troop trophies, ribbons, and other awards.

6.        Set a good example.

7.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

8.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

 

INSTRUCTOR

Responsible to: Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council if requested), Troop Outings and Activities (monthly)

 

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Instruct members of the Troop in Scouting skills as needed.

2.        Work with the PLC in planning meeting programs, arranging for whatever materials may be needed.

3.        Work with the Troop Guide(s) in setting up learning situations for the new scouts to work on scouting skills and advancement. Recruit additional help when needed.

4.        When the Troop is working on a merit badge together, arrange for additional support as needed.

5.        Set a good example.

6.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

7.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

TROOP LIBRARIAN

 

Responsible to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council if requested)

 

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Keep an archive on places to go and trips the Troop has made. A short write-up of each past trip -- indicating numbers to call for reservations, facilities, positive/negative things, etc. Also collect and catalog articles on potential places the Troop could go on outings. Provide this information to people planning future trips as requested. 

2.        Keep a library of merit badge pamphlets and other Troop materials available for check out and use by Troop members and leaders. Keep track of who has what and be responsible for getting materials returned. Keep an inventory of all library materials.

3.        Keep an archive on all fund-raising activities similar to the outings archive. 

4.        Keep an archive on all Troop special events -- including courts of honor, etc. -- with information on equipment needs, facilities, and ceremony scripts.

5.        Set a good example.

6.        Wear the complete uniform correctly.

7.        Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

TROOP QUARTERMASTER

 

Responsible to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (if requested) Important to be available before and after campouts to pass out and/or receive equipment.

Specific Duties:

1.        Maintain an "Equipment Inventory Card File" for all troop equipment, which can be checked out by Scouts, Advancement/Activity boxes (i.e. Map & Compass), and Troop supplies, which may be used up by Scouts (i.e. Binders Twine).

a)        All equipment to be check out by Scouts should be numbered and assigned to a category (i.e. Tent, stove, etc.) This should be the responsibility of the Troop Committee, but you should not check out equipment that cannot be specifically identified and tracked on an Equipment Inventory Card.

b)        For Groups of items that would be checked out as a KIT (i.e. Advancement/Activity boxes), The Equipment Inventory Card should list all items in the KIT. This inventory of items list should also be kept in the Kit. Troop Committee should prepare cards and lists, but you should assure that they are present and accurate.

c)        For Troop supplies (items that will be used up and not returned like rope/twine), periodically check and update the inventory card, and suggest purchasing more to the Troop Committee Equipment person whenever supply is Low.

2.        Be responsible for checking equipment out and checking it back in on return. Make sure that returned equipment is clean and in good order or that it is repaired if not.

a)        Make a list of equipment required by Scouts two meetings before Troop outings.

b)        Relay the list of needed equipment to the Troop Committee Equipment person so that he will bring the equipment to the next Troop meeting.

c)        The meeting before an outing, check equipment out to individual Scouts, having them sign for the equipment.

d)        Check equipment back in the Monday after the outing. Check equipment to see it is clean, dry, and in good shape.

1)        If equipment is damaged, prepare a Damaged Equipment card listing the Scout responsible and the nature of the damage. Label/Mark equipment and give card to Troop Committee Equipment person. Also make a note on the Equipment Inventory Card.

2)        If Equipment is missing, prepare a Missing Equipment card listing the Scout responsible and the nature of the damage. Label/Mark equipment and give card to Troop Committee Equipment person. Also make a note on the Equipment Inventory Card.

3)        If equipment is wet or dirty do NOT accept the equipment. Have the Scout take it home and clean/dry it.  Make a note on the Equipment Inventory Card

4)        For any equipment not checked in the Monday after the outing, Call Scout and get assurance the equipment will be checked in the next Monday.

i) If equipment is not checked in by the second Monday after the outing give the Equipment Inventory Card to the Troop Committee Equipment person so that s/he can call Scout's parents.

3.        Assess Troop equipment needs for outings and events (e.g. First Aid kit, rain flies, poles, and stakes) and assure that it get there.

a)        Prepare a Troop equipment list for each outing, to include items that you feel are necessary and items that other Scouts or Leaders suggest (i.e. someone may need rope for lashings).

b)        Assign these items to various leaders and/or Scouts to check out and carry on the outing. Double check to assure that these items are going to be available on the outing.

4.        When requested, assist Patrols whenever possible in locating/obtaining any equipment that they need.   There may be available Troop equipment that is not normally checked out, or you may know of a resource that has or can help them find the equipment needed. Work with the Patrol until their need has been met.

5.        Make suggestions for new or replacement items as needed.

6.        Work with Equipment Person on Troop Committee to get equipment from and return equipment to Troop storage shed.

7.        Train Patrol Quartermasters to properly check equipment in and out.

8.        Be present, or make arrangements for someone to fulfill your duties, at all meetings where equipment may be requested, checked out, or checked in (that's pretty much all meetings). As Quartermaster, you are invited to all PLC meetings, and you may be requested to attend some PLC meetings.

9.        Set a good example.

10.     Wear the full uniform correctly.

11.     Live by the Scout Oath and Law. As a Troop officer, you should be especially Trustworthy, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Obedient, and Cheerful.

TROOP SCRIBE

Responsible to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Meeting Commitments: Troop meetings (weekly), Patrol Leader Council meetings (monthly and 15 minutes after Troop meetings)

 

Specific Duties:

1.        Greet Visitors -Introduce yourself
Have them Sign Log Book
Introduce boys to SPL and adults to SM or ASM
Visitors could be either Boys or Adults, but we would usually not consider family members of Scouts to be Visitors.

2.        Keep Scouts advancement and attendance records in TroopMaster  (Computer Program) up-to-date.   If not present at a meeting or outing, prearrange for another scout to gather the information for recording later. ( See Advancement Recording Guidelines below.)

3.        Keep Troop Advancement Wall Chart Up to date.

4.        Act as recording secretary for Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, in particular, noting action items and who is responsible for the action.

5.        Collect money for camping trips from patrols, recording who has paid and passing the list and money onto the adult leader in charge of the trip.

6.        Collect dues and record attendance at Troop meetings. Turn money and records to member of Troop Finance Committee.

7.        Keep the camping log up-to-date and monitor participation by patrols so that the Troop qualifies for the National Camping Award.

8.        Keep Honor Patrol records and collect reports from Patrol Scribes.

9.        Train Patrol Scribes to properly fill out Dues envelopes and Patrol Reports.

10.     Set a good example.

11.     Wear the complete uniform correctly.

12.     Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

ADVANCEMENT RECORDING GUIDELINES FOR TROOP SCRIBE

Troop Meetings

Request that all Scouts with new (unrecorded in TroopMaster) advancement leave their books at the Scribes Table and pick them up at the end of the meeting or when the Scribe says they are ready.

For each Scouts book

      Record new advancement(s) in TroopMaster

      Highlight the requirement number(s) in their book and/or place a slash (/) right after the requirement Number(s).

      Quickly scan Scouts book to see if their book agrees with the TroopMaster record. If not correct TroopMaster or check with ASM if you suspect some problem.

      Take the Scout books just checked to the Advancement Wall Chart on the Scout Box.

      Update the wall chart by adding dots.

      As Advancement dots are added to chart, mark the slash ( / ) in the scouts book with a back slash (\) making an X. This would indicate that the requirement is recorded in TroopMaster and on the Wall chart.

      Place Scout's book in predetermined spot for pick-up or deliver to Scout/Patrol Table.

Record Attendance in TroopMaster for both Scouts and Adults

Number to assign for Attendance

1.        At Meeting

2.        Partial Uniform

3.        On time and there for full meeting

Make 2 copies of TroopMaster data before shutting off TroopMaster.

 

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

Responsible to the Scoutmaster or ASM in charge

Meeting Commitments: Should attend Troop meetings, PLC meetings, Scoutmaster Corps meetings and Troop campouts and activities. (It is understood that JASM's have a very busy and sometimes uncertain  schedule with school, sports, jobs, etc. and that this will preclude their attendance at some activities. However, they should establish their usual expected attendance with the Scoutmaster and advise the SM, in advance, when they will not be available.

Specific Duties;

1. Function as an Assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults 18 and 21 years of age and oder).
2. Accomplish any duties assigned by the Scoutmaster.
3. Set a good example.
4. Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
5. Live by the Scout Law and Oath.
6. Show and help develop Patrol Spirit.

RESOURCES

As a JASM you have many resources available to help you. These include people such as the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee members, and your fellow Junior Leaders. Much of the time you will have to take initiative and look for ways to help the Troop or individual Scouts. However, you (as with ASM's) should not  interfere directly with the leadership of the SPL or PL's, except in cases of Health and/or Safety.

TROOP 174

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL TROOP OFFICERS

AGREEMENT AND PARENT PERMISSION
<Download Form>

 

·         Wearing a complete Scout uniform at meetings and traveling to and from campouts and activities;

·         Arrive at meetings prepared and on time;

·         Live the Scout Oath and Law to the best of my ability.

 

 

 

 

Return this page to Scoutmaster before Scout runs for, or accepts, a leadership position in the Troop

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