The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop’s
overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop
meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and he does
everything he can to help each patrol be successful. He is responsible for annual
program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop
leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’ council
and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make
arrangements for troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose
their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are
determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a Scout’s time as
senior patrol leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture
patrol in high-adventure activities.
Specific Responsibilities
- Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.
- Runs the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings.
- 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.
- Sets a good example.
- Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform (all four parts).
- Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Shows Scout spirit.