IV. TROOP LEADERSHIP
Boy Scout Troops are led by elected Scouts within the Troop. Elections are held every six months. Since this provides
a training and learning opportunity for the elected leaders, perfection is not expected.
A. TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Comprised of older, higher ranked Scouts who provide overall leadership and direction.
Qualifications
Leadership positions include four positions: Sr. Patrol Leader, Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader, Troop Quartermaster, Asst.
Troop Quartermaster. In addition, other Scouts may be elected to Leadership positions at the Scoutmaster’s option.
Selection to the Leadership Positions must be approved by the Scoutmaster, and Troop Committee Chairperson.
Scouts are elected to Troop Leadership positions based on the following:
B. SENIOR & ASSISTANT PATROL LEADERS - lead Troop
1. Must be a Star, Life or Eagle rank.
2. Must be 14 years of age, unless approved by the Scoutmaster.
3. Must have been a member of Troop 977 for 6 months.
4. Must have completed Pine Tree Leadership training or be enrolled for next session.
5. Must have proven his leadership skills (including serving as a Patrol Leader).
6. Must be elected by the Troop.
7. Must wear Class A uniform to all Troop meetings and to and from camp outs unless excused by the Scoutmaster.
8. Must attend at least 80% of all meetings and 60% of all camp outs (unless excused by the Scoutmaster in
advance).
PATROL LEADERS - lead each patrol. The Patrol concept provides the scout with the opportunity to work as a team
member.
Qualifications
Scouts may be candidates for Patrol Leaders based on the following:
1.* Must be a 1st Class, Star, Life, or Eagle.
2.* Must be 12 years of age.
3. Must have been a member of Troop 977 for 4 months.
4. Must have shown potential leadership skills.
5. Must wear Class A uniform to all Troop meetings and to and from camp outs unless excused by the Scoutmaster.
6. Must attend at least 80% of all meetings and 60% of all camp outs (unless excused by the Scoutmaster in
advance).
7. Must be elected by the patrol.
Patrol Leaders must be approved by the Sr. Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, and Troop Committee Chairperson.
The Patrol Leader will appoint Asst. Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and other patrol positions (usually based on rank).
Patrol Leader will normally only serve one term in a row and will then sit out one term before being eligible again.
Scoutmaster may approve exceptions to this.
*Scoutmaster may waive requirements 1, 2 and 3 for a new Scout patrol.
C. PLANNING - ANNUAL
Troop Leadership Scouts and Patrol Leaders will meet once per year to plan the Troop’s calendar for the year - where
and what kind of camp outs and what merit badges will be focused on each month.
D. PLANNING - MONTHLY
Troop Leadership Scouts and Patrol Leaders will meet once or twice per month at the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) to
plan the details of the Troop activities for the next month. In addition to the Scouts, this meeting is attended by at least
two adults –Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster may invite other adult members if needed (such
as fund raising chairperson, etc.).
E. TRAINING
Several leadership training opportunities are offered each year for the Scouts:
1. Jr. Leader Training (JLT) - Offered at least once per year by the Troop for training Patrol Leaders. Usually lasts
one day and attendance is required unless excused by the Scoutmaster.
2. Den Chief - Offered once per year by the District for training as a Den Chief for Webelos or Cub Scout Dens.
Usually lasts one day.
3. Pine Tree - A very select opportunity for Scouts to be a part of a four day training session with 63 other scouts
from the Council. Scouts selected to go must qualify on age and rank; be elected by their fellow Scouts; and be
approved by their Scoutmaster. This is offered once in May (Memorial Day weekend) and once in October (Fall Break
weekend).
F. LEADERSHIP PATROL
The Leadership Patrol is a patrol for older and more experienced Scouts who will plan more challenging camp outs and
other outings.
Qualifications
1. Must be Star, Life, or Eagle rank.
2. Must be 13 years of age.
3. Must have proven leadership skills and outdoor skills.
4. Must have completed all requirements for the following merit badges: First Aid & Camping.
5. Must be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Members of the Leadership Patrol may serve in Leadership positions in the Troop in addition to being a member of this
patrol.