About Us

Leadership
Eagle Scouts

Scout Leadership
Senior Patrol Leader

General Information

Type

Term

Reports To

Description


Comments
Elected by the members of the troop

One year

Scoutmaster

The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.

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 ppportunity 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
Rank
Experience
Attendance
14 or higher
Star or higher
Previous service as SPL, ASPL, PL, or APL
75% over previous six months.

Performance Requirements

Training


Attendance



Effort
MUST attend the National Youth Leader Training and Troop Youth Leader Training,
even if you have attended in the past.

You are expected to attend 100% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects.If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can  be removed from office.

You are expected to give this job your best effort.

General Leadership Responsibilities

Uniform



Behavior


Attendance
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.

Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.Show
Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.

Set the example by being an active Scout.  Be on-time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a
meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing.  You also 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.