Troop Organization

The Local Council is a nonprofit corporation whose voting membership includes its Units active members and Chartered Organization Representatives. The Council provides common resources to all Units in a specific geographic area. Read More …

The District is a subgroup of the local Council tasked with assisting its Units to deliver quality Scouting programs. Like its parent council, a District is independent of a particular program. With the exception of the District Executive and any assistants, all member of the District are volunteers. Read More …

A healthy District Committee is essential to the success of Scouting in local Units. The District Committee is responsible for increasing the effectiveness of Scouting throughout the District. Read More …

Boy Scouts of America issues charters to Councils, schools, community, and religious organizations to organize Units for young men and women. Chartered Organizations manage these Units and control the program of activities to support its goals and objectives. Read More …

A unit is a Scouting group such as a Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, Varsity Scout Team, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scouting Ship which is supported by a Chartered Organization. A Unit is further divided into a smaller group of Scouts such as a Cub Scout Den, Scouts BSA Patrol, Varsity Scout Squad, or a Sea Scout Crew. Read More …

A Troop is composed of multiple Patrols and is supported by an adult Troop Committee and Scoutmaster. A Troop is led by a Senior Patrol Leader through the Patrol Leader’s Council. Troops are expected to meet weekly, go on outings monthly, and hold Courts of Honor on a regular basis. Read More …

A Patrol is a group of Scouts of similar age and development who belong to the same Troop. The Patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups and work together as a team inside the larger Troop context. All members of each Patrol will elect on of their own to serve as a Patrol Leader. Read More …

The Chartered Organization Representative is appointed by the Chartered Organization to be its direct liason between the unit and the Chartered Organization, the District Committee, and the Local Council. Read More …

The Troop Committee consists of parent volunteers elected to conduct the business of the Troop. The Troop Committee is responsible for setting policies and helping Scouts and Scoutmasters facilitate planned activities and outdoor pograms. Read More …

The Scoutmaster is the registered Adult Leader elected by the Committee to work directly with Scouts to help them create the Troop program. The Scoutmaster trains Youth Leaders to run the Troop by providing direction, coaching, and support. Read More …

The Assistant Scoutmaster is a registered Adult Leader appointed by the Scoutmaster to provide support and assistance in conducting the Troop program. An Assistant Scoutmaster will be assigned to Patrols to provide counsel as needed. Read More …

The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are not formal members of the Committee. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are advisers to the Committee and will attend Committee Meetings to communicate the Scouts’ needs and plans. This is important to remember as Boards of Review also serve as quality control of the Scouting program delivered by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters.

The Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster is a Scout at least 16 years of age appointed by the Scoutmaster who has shown outstanding leadership skills. The Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster follows the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to the other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster. Read More …

The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by all members of the Troop to be their Youth Leader. All Youth Leaders report directly or indirectly to the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader runs the Troop program and Patrol Leaders’ Council. Read More …

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts in place of the Senior Patrol Leader as necessary and also provides leadership to other Youth Leaders. Read More …

The Patrol Leader is elected by all members of each Patrol to serve as their Youth Leader. The Patrol Leader represents the Patrol at the Patrol Leaders’ Council.

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The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader under guidance of the Scoutmaster. The Assistant Patrol Leader acts in place of the Patrol Leader as necessary.

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The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), not Adult Leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the Troop’s activities. The Patrol Leaders’ Council consists of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings; the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Troop Guide, and others as determined by the Patrol Leaders’ Council. The Patrol Leaders’ Council plans the yearly Troop program during semi-annual Junior Leadership Training conferences. The Patrol Leaders’ Council also meets on a regularly planned basis to develop plans for upcoming meetings and activities. Read More …

The Chaplain’s Aid works with the Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts and promote the religious emblems program. Read More …

The Den Chief helps Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts advance and encourages them to join a Scouts BSA Troop upon crossing over. Read More …

The Historian preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. Read More …

The Instructor teaches Scouting skills required for rank advancement. The Instructor is proficient both in the subject matter as well as the ability to teach others. Read More …

A Scout may become certified by completing any 16-hour trainer course from a Leave No Trace Master Educator. The Leave No Trace Trainer teaches Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics. Read More …

The Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, and audiovisuals. Read More …

The Order of the Arrow Representative serves his Troop as the primary liaison to the Troop’s Order of the Arrow Lodge and facilitates communication between Adult Leaders, Arrowmen, and Scouts. Read More …

The Outdoor Ethics Guide specializes in teaching Leave No Trace principles and ensures the Troop follows the principles during activities and outings. Read More …

The Quartermaster issues equipment and keeps records to ensure equipment is returned in good working order. Read More …

The Scribe records the activities of the Patrol Leaders’ Council and keeps the Troop records. Read More …

The Troop Guide acts as the First Year Patrol Leader. The Troop Guide assists the First Year Coordinator in teaching basic Scout skills and helps to orient and integrate first-year Scouts into Scouts BSA. Read More …