Type: Elected by the members of the troop
Term: 1 year
Reports to: Scoutmaster
Description: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.
Comments: The junior leader with the most responsibility in a troop is the senior patrol leader. He is elected by all members of the troop. Each troop sets its own requirements and schedule of elections, though senior patrol leaders are usually chosen at six-to-twelve-month intervals and can be re-elected. During a Scout's tenure as senior patrol leader, he is not a member of a patrol. The senior patrol leader of an established troop is often selected from among experienced Scouts of a certain age and rank. In a new troop or a troop without older members, boys are still likely to choose a Scout whom they respect and believe will provide the best leadership. The patrol leaders' council might offer an opportunity for those in the running to make short presentations to the troop, explaining their qualifications and reasons for seeking the office. This provides good practice for the candidates and enables those who do not know them well, younger Scouts in particular, to gain a better sense of what they propose to do for the troop. The senior patrol leader is in charge of troop meetings from beginning to end. He chairs meetings of the patrol leaders' council as they plan troop activities and programs. In short, the senior patrol leader's job is to see that the troop runs in an orderly and timely manner. The relationship between a senior patrol leader and his Scoutmaster is often one of friendship and mutual admiration.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age: none
Rank: None
Experience: None
Attendance: None
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Training: Recommend attending the National Youth Leader Training and Troop Youth Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 85% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP
RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You need to make sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is ready to assume your responsibilities.
SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP
RESPONSIBILITIES
Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.
Runs the Patrol Leader's Council meeting.
Appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.
Assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.
Assists the Scoutmaster with Junior Leader Training.