(updated as of 1/17/2024)
Senior Leadership
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
Brooks H.
With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the Senior Patrol Leader’s shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America has long recognized the Senior Patrol Leader as the highest youth leadership position in a troop. As the primary representative of the troop, they are the primary link between a unit’s Scouts and its adult leaders. They shoulder the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events.
Responsibilities
- run all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference
- run the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings
- appoint other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
- assign duties and responsibilities to youth leaders
- assist the Scoutmaster with youth leader training
- set a good example
- wear the Scout uniform correctly
- live by the Scout Oath and Law
- show Scout spirit
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Morgan O. and Logan D.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the Senior Patrol Leader to help the troop move forward. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the SPL’s absence OR when called upon and provides leadership to other youth in the troop. There are typically 2 Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, both are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader once they are elected. One oversees the training and development of non-appointed troop leadership positions. The other oversees patrols and works directly with Patrol Leaders, who then report back to the ASPL to ensure smooth operations.
Responsibilities
- help the Senior Patrol Leader lead meetings and activities
- run the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader
- help train and supervise troop leaders, such as the Scribe, Librarian, Historian, etc.
- lend a hand guiding the patrols and building patrol spirit
- serve as a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC)
- set a good example
- wear the Scout uniform correctly
- live by the Scout Oath and Law
- show Scout spirit
Patrols
Patrol #1
PL – Gavin G.
APL – Patrick V.
Andrew E.
Blake G.
Adam F.
Cooper P.
Ezra V.
Patrol #2
PL – Micah H.
APL – Levi F.
Bryce K.
Xavier G.
Andrew M.
Mason D.
Noah C.
Patrol #3
PL – Bentley G.
APL – Henry F.
Wyatt N.
Gavin B.
Ryley D.
Jackson F.
Carson W.
Patrol #4
PL – Chase H.
APL – Tony N.
Jonathan R.
Ben S.
Aiden G.
Soren H.
Tyler F.
Leadership
Brooks H.
Morgan O.
Logan D.
Tyler C.
*PL = Patrol Leader, APL = Assistant Patrol Leader
Patrol Leaders – Gavin G. (Patrol #1), Micah H. (Patrol #2), Bentley G. (Patrol #3), Chase H. (Patrol #4)
- Patrol Leaders organize and oversee patrol meetings/tasks to ensure active participation and teamwork
- Patrol Leaders attend Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings to share ideas, provide feedback, and communicate troop plans back to their patrol
- Patrol Leaders are elected by their patrols when they are formed
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Assistant Patrol Leaders – Patrick V. (Patrol #1), Levi F. (Patrol #2), Henry F. (Patrol #3), Tony N. (Patrol #4)
- Assistant Patrol Leaders assist in planning and leading patrol activities, stepping in to lead when the Patrol Leader is unavailable
- Assistant Patrol Leaders learn leadership skills by working closely with the Patrol Leader and observing their responsibilities
- Assistant Patrol Leaders are appointed by the Patrol Leader
- Reports to: Patrol Leader (PL)
Appointed Leadership Positions:
Troop Instructor – Andrew E.
- Troop Instructors are older Scouts (typically 13+ and at least First Class) that are proffecient in basic Scouting skills such as camping, fire-building, knot-tying, axe/knife safety, etc.
- Instructors work in conjunction with Guides, supporting Scouts at or below the rank of 2nd Class
- Instructors must be tested on their knowledge and skills in order to be confirmed
- Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Troop Guide(s) – Bryce K. and Blake G.
- Troop Guides serve as both leader and mentor to new Scouts by teaching basic Scouting skills, helping integrate and advance new Scouts into the troop and program
- Troop Guides should be older Scouts who hold at least the First Class rank and are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
- Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Order of the Arrow (OA) Unit Representative – Wyatt N.
- OA Representatives serve as a communication link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge
- OA Represntatives promote the program to the unit, encourage Scouts to take part in camping and service opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs
- Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Den Chief – Gavin B. (Pack 3391, Wolf Den 11)
- Den Chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop/unit upon graduation, acting as a role model and helping with various activities/events
- Den Chiefs must be approved by the Cubmaster, Pack Committee, and Den Leader of the den they wish to guide
- Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Outdoor Ethics Guide – Jonathan R.
- Outdoor Ethics Guides helps the troop plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace principles, and Tread Lightly! principles
- Outdoor Ethics Guides work to help Scouts improve their outdoor ethics decision-making skills to help minimize impacts as they hike, camp, and participate in other outdoor activities
- Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster – Tyler C.
- Junior Assistant Scoutmasters support the Scoutmaster in leading the troop, providing guidance to younger Scouts and senior leadership, helping with overall unit operations and activities
- Eligible Junior Assistant Scoutmasters must be at least 16 but not older than 18
- Junior Assistant Scoutmasters are appointed by the Scoutmaster
- Reports to: Scoutmaster
NON-Appointed Leadership Positions:
Scribe – Xavier G.
- The Scribe acts as the troop’s secretary, attending meetings of the patrol leaders’ council, and keeps records of discussions, meeting minutes and attendance
- The Scribe also handles troop correspondence, ensuring clear communication and organization
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Quartermaster – Ryley D.
- Quartermasters serve as the troop’s supply boss by keeping an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition in preparation for campouts or other activities
- Quartermasters report on and maintain the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair to both the Patrol Leaders’ Council and Troop Committee
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Librarian – Adam F.
- The Librarian manages the troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other paper resources, helping Scouts and adults access and borrow materials for advancement
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Historian – VACANT
- The Historian collects, assembles, and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia, making materials available for Scouting activities, courts of honor, the media, and troop history projects
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Chaplain Aide – Andrew M.
- The Chaplain Aide assists the Unit Chaplain (adult position) in promoting unit spiritual welfare, leading prayers and organizing religious services, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the unit
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Webmaster – Jackson F.
- The Webmaster assists the adult Webmaster in keeping the troop website updated and ensuring accurate information is posted
- The Webmaster coordinates with the troop Scribe and Historian to collect photos, stories, and appropriate paperwork to distrubute online
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Bugler – VACANT
- The Bugler uses a bugle or trumpet to play traditional bugle calls that signal key events during meetings, campouts, and ceremonies
- The Bugler helps maintain troop order and tradition by playing calls such as “Reveille,” “Taps,” and others as needed during various activities
- Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
Leadership Interest
If you are the rank of First Class and would like to serve in a leadership position*, please download and complete the official Troop 354 Leadership Application:
*Holding a leadership position is a requirement for advancement through the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks
*Troop elections happen every 6 months, which require re-organizing leadership positions and electing a new Senior Patrol Leader
Organizational Structure and the “Leadership Chain”
Scouting’s organizational structure for patrols creates a small-team environment within the troop, allowing Scouts to practice leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Each patrol functions as a smaller unit with its own leaders and specific duties. Patrols are led by elected Patrol Leaders, who are responsible for organizing their group, planning activities, and representing their patrol in the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). This structure empowers each Scout to take ownership of their patrol’s tasks and decisions, fostering independence and responsibility within a supportive environment.
At the troop-level organizational structure, patrols work together under the guidance of higher-ranked youth leaders, such as the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), who coordinate troop-wide activities and meetings. The Senior Patrol Leader can also appoint specific Scouts to different positions, such as Troop Guide, Troop Instructor, Den Chief, Order of the Arrow Represenative, and Outdoor Ethics Guide, who help with specific troop functions. This hierarchy ensures that Scouts not only develop leadership skills but also learn the importance of cooperation and respect for others’ roles in achieving shared goals.