BSA Troop 211

Senior Patrol Leader

General Information

Description:The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the Troop. By accepting the position of Senior Patrol Leader, you agree to provide service and leadership to your troop. The responsibility should be fun and rewarding. This job description outlines some of the things you are expected to do while serving in this leadership role.

Comments: The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the troop. He needs to attend as close to all troop functions as possible. One of the major parts of the SPL's job is to appoint other troop leaders. He must choose leaders who are able, not just his friends or other popular Scouts. Boy Scout troops following the patrol method are Boy-Led and the young man in charge is you !

Reports to:	Scoutmaster
Type:	Elected by the members of the troop
Term:	6 months

Qualifications

Age:	Preferably 15 years old or higher
Rank:	1st Class or Higher
Experience:	Previous service as SPL, PL, or APL
Attendance:	75% for all activities over previous 6 months
Confirmation:	Nomination Approved by Scoutmaster

Performance Requirements

Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance:	You are expected to attend 85% 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.
Effort:	You are expected to give this job your best effort and use the adult leadership and advice when you feel they are needed.

General Leadership Responsibilities

Uniform:	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.
Behavior:	Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance:	Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster (or an Assistant Scoutmaster if the Scoutmaster can not be reached) 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. This requires you to "Be Prepared", plan ahead and this will never be an issue.

Specific Leadership Responsibilities

Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the program planning conference.
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.
Resolve conflicts between troop members.
Participate in a conference with your advisor midway through your tenure to discuss and evaluate your responsibilities and the performance of your duties.
Note: You can still have a conference with your advisor at any time. If you feel like having a discussion, just ask.

Duties	What it means in Troop 211
Preside at all Troop meetings, events, activities and the annual annual program planning conference.	Have an agenda and backup plan for each meeting or event and share it with the ASPL one (1) week in advance of the event. Call people responsible for program items and remind them of their responsibility. Conduct the meeting or event and direct the activities of other Junior Leaders and Scouts. Notify the ASPL if you are going to be absent from a meeting or event.
Runs the Patrol Leaders Council(PLC).	Issue an agenda before the PLC so all can properly prepare for the meeting. Conduct the PLC in an orderly fashion and stick to the agenda. During the meeting do the following as a minimum: Review the detailed program for the next month. Plan the following month's program in detail. Assign responsibilities for each program item. Discuss the 2-month additional look ahead.
Appoint leadership positions with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.	Before making any assignments, find out which Scouts need leadership positions for advancement. Make selections based on above and Scouts experience, dependability and the requirements of the position to be held.
Assign duties and responsibilities to other leaders.	Delegate responsibilities throughout the Junior Leader Staff.
Work with the Scoutmaster in training junior leaders.	Before making any assignments, find out which Scouts need leadership positions for advancement. Make selections based on above and Scouts experience, dependability and the requirements of the position to be held.
Keep others informed.	Call the SM, ASM or JASM to confer on upcoming program items. Call the ASPL each week to check they are following up on their assignments and communicate program information.
Set a good example:	Be the first to reflect the scout sign. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Exhibit good self-discipline. Have a good attendance record. Meet your obligations on time and in full effort. Have fun but not at the expense of everyone. Goofing off without purpose wastes time and looses the interest and respect of the other scouts. REMEMBER: The troop will follow your example.
Wear the uniform correctly:	Always conform to the Troop 211 uniform policy.
Show Scout Spirit:	Use the Scout Oath and Law as an everyday guideline. Actively participate in the activities of Troop 211. Set an example for the other Scouts to follow.