Youth Roles

Youth leadership positions in a Scouts BSA troop give Scouts the opportunity to develop real-world leadership skills. These positions fall into two categories: elected roles chosen by the Scouts themselves, and appointed roles assigned by the Senior Patrol Leader with Scoutmaster approval.

Elected Positions

Role	Description
Senior Patrol Leader	Top elected youth leader; runs troop meetings and leads the Patrol Leaders’ Council
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader	Fills in for the SPL; trains new patrol leaders and coordinates appointed leaders
Patrol Leader	Elected leader of a patrol; represents the patrol on the PLC

Appointed Positions

Role	Description
Troop Guide	Mentors the new-Scout patrol; helps new Scouts learn skills and earn ranks
Quartermaster	Manages troop equipment and supplies; maintains gear inventory
Scribe	Records attendance and maintains troop records
Instructor	Teaches Scouting skills to other troop members
Chaplain Aide	Assists the troop chaplain; leads prayers and promotes Scout reverence
Historian	Documents troop history through photos, records, and scrapbooks
Librarian	Manages the troop library of merit badge books, handbooks, and magazines
Outdoor Ethics Guide	Promotes Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster	Ages 16-17; serves as a bridge between youth and adult leaders
Bugler	Sounds bugle calls for troop ceremonies and campouts
Order of the Arrow Representative	Liaison between the troop and the OA lodge

Shared Positions

Role	Description
Den Chief	Scouts BSA youth who assists a Cub Scout den