Leading the way...What does that mean?
Think about being a Cub Scout. You came to den meetings and did a lot of different and fun things. But who decided what to do and who planned the activities? The Den Leaders, right?
Sports teams are a lot of fun, too. But who decides who plays what position, who's on the starting lineup and when to substitute? The coach, right?
There is one thing that makes Scouting different from all other youth groups. Do you know what it is?
Well, it is not the uniform. Every soccer, basketball, and baseball team has a uniform.It is not the fun activities. There are a lot of other things that are fun.And it certainly isn't cleaning dirty pots and pans on a camp-out!!! What makes Scouting special is that YOU make the decisions!
That's right! YOU run the troop. Baden-Powell made it very plain in Aids to Scoutmastership when he wrote,
“The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders.”
This is real decision making power. And it's not just Patrol Leaders. All of the troop leadership positions have a hand in making the Troop run.
As a troop leader you will:
- Plan and run troop meetings,
- Pick troop outings, where to camp, what to do,
- Plan advancement opportunities for all troop members
- Select High-Adventure programs
- Determine troop policy
- Help other Scouts along the trail to Eagle.
Sound cool? It really is! The adults are there to provide support but YOU will be making the decisions.
Because being a leader is more than just sewing on a patch we have put together job descriptions for the troop leadership positions. They will give you a good idea of what each job is all about and what you will be required to do.
Here's how to be considered for a position. First read the job descriptions, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Then decide what you want to do and talk it over with your parents. You can also talk it over with other Scouts who have served in that position. Finally, get a troop job application form, fill it out, have your parent(s) read and sign it and turn it in.
So, are you ready to "Lead the way"? We sure hope so!
Troop 159 Leadership Organizational Chart
| Position | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) | The Senior Patrol Leader runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. |
 | Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) | The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader or when called upon. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. |
 | Patrol Leader (PL) | The Patrol Leader represents their patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader. |
 | Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) | The Assistant Patrol Leader represents their patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the Patrol Leader cannot attend. The Assistant Patrol Leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle. |
 | Troop Guide (TG) | The Troop Guide works with new Scouts and helps make them feel comfortable and earn their First Class within their first year. The Troop Guide teaches basic Scout skills and works with the Patrol Leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings. |
 | Quartermaster (QM) | The Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. They keep records on patrol and troop equipment, making sure equipment is in good working condition, issues requested equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. |
 | Scribe | The Scribe keeps the troop records. They record the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. |
 | Troop Historian | The Historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. |
 | Librarian | The Librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. |
 | Instructor | The Instructor teaches Scouting skills. |
 | Chaplain Aide | The Chaplain Aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. They also work to promote the religious emblems program. |
 | Den Chief | The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Scout troop upon graduation. |
 | Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) | The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. They must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. They are appointed by the Scoutmaster because of their leadership ability. |
 | Order of the Arrow Representative | The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and their troop. In their unit, the OA Representative helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. |
 | Webmaster | The Webmaster works with various unit members on needed topics that can be added to the troop Web site. Helps to maintain the troop Web site where needed. |
 | Bugler | The Bugler plays the bugle at troop ceremonies and outings. |
 | Outdoor Ethics Guide | The Outdoor Ethics Guide makes sure that the Troop adheres to the Principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and the Outdoor Code |