Scoutmaster

The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop.

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 responsible and able, not just his friends or other popular Scouts.

The candidate must be First Class or higher.

The candidate must have successfuly filled such positions as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or receive a recommendation from the Scoutmaster.

The Senior Patrol Leader must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if he has attended in the past.

The Senior Patrol Leader is expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects.

The Senior Patrol Leader is expected to give the job his best effort.

The Senior Patrol Leader will set the example by wearing his uniform correctly. This means that he will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required insignia in their correct locations. See the Scout Handbook for standards.

The Senior Patrol Leader will set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. He will show Scout Spirit in everything he says and does. He realizes that as the senior scout, his actions and behavior will be observed and emulated by everyone else - particularly his patrol leaders and younger scouts. He conducts himself accordingly at all times.

The Senior Patrol Leader will set the example by being an active Scout. He arrives early and typically stays late for most meetings and activities. He must call or e-mail the Scoutmaster if he is not going to be at a meeting or if he suddenly has to miss an outing. He also needs to make sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is ready and prepared to assume his responsibilities in his absence.

The Senior Patrol Leader is responsible for the overall Troop program.

He runs all troop meetings.

He leads the troop during all campouts and outings.

He plans, coordinates, and runs the monthly Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings.

He publishes and distributes an agenda for each PLC.

He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.

He assigns duties and responsibilities to youth leaders - delegates.

He helps other youth leaders maintain discipline whenever and wherever possible.

If the Senior Patrol Leader does not satisfactorily perform his duties as indicated in the Performance Requirements and in the General and Specific Leadership Responsibilities, he will not receive credit for his time in office.