Troop 194 Scout Offices

Troop elections and appointments for positions occur every six months in the Troop, in February and in August. Some details about each of these positions follows for your reference.

Note the words that are used to describe positions: 

These are the individuals that make the Troop happen. They are the Scouts that work above and beyond their normal rank or Merit Badge requirements to ensure that things get done, that patrol members are informed, that plans are made and carried out. Holding an office in the Troop is an opportunity to learn how to lead others, to put into action the skills learned in Junior Leader Training.

Election to an office or appointment to a position must NOT be a popularity contest. Those voting for Scouts should always keep in mind that the effectiveness of their patrol and their Troop is directly related to the quality of the individuals that hold those positions of responsibility. You should think carefully about the character of the Scout you're voting for, and how you see his talent for leadership, without regard for the "coolness" of his demeanor or his skill in a particular sport. You should ask yourself questions like:

	Will he share information with my patrol or Troop?
	Does he or can he organize individual Scouts into a unit, into a Troop or patrol?
	Can he work well with others?
	Does he have the energy it takes to make plans?
	Can he delegate tasks to others and still ensure that those tasks get done on time?
	Would I follow his directions if he gave me something to do?
	Does he follow through on commitments he's made to others?
	Is he organized?

If you ask yourself questions like this about each candidate, you'll usually be able to determine who you feel is the right person for the job. Use your good judgment! Ask questions of each candidate and carefully evaluate their answers!

Position	Description
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)	This is the position in the Troop with the greatest responsibility. The SPL is in charge of Troop meetings from beginning to end. He chairs monthly meetings of the Patrol Leaders' Council, and is responsible for seeing that the Troop runs in an orderly and timely manner. Details: Elected by all members of the Troop. Must be at least First Class rank.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)	This ASPL serves as assistant to the Senior Patrol Leader and takes his place when the SPL is absent. He provides for Troop training and direction for the quartermaster, scribe, historian, and librarian. Details: Appointed by the SPL, with approval from the Scoutmaster. Must be at least First Class rank.
Patrol Leader (PL)	One Patrol Leader exists for each patrol in the Troop. He takes responsibility for the patrol's activities and represents his patrol at the monthly Patrol Leader's Council meeting. He is responsible for sharing information with all members of his patrol and ensuring that everyone is informed of Troop activities. Details: Elected by the members of the patrol. New Scout patrols will change Patrol Leaders once each month for the first six months of their tenure in the Troop.
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)	The Assistant Patrol Leader steps in to serve whenever the Patrol Leader must be absent. He may carry out special assignments give to him by the Patrol Leader, such as working with patrol members on advancement requirements. Details: Appointed by the Patrol Leader. Assists the Patrol Leader with special activities or projects. Takes control of Patrol Meetings when the Patrol Leader is absent. Attends the Patrol Leader's Council if the Patrol Leader is unable to attend. Ensures that information is communicated to all members of the patrol.
Scribe	The Troop Scribe is the Troop's secretary. He attends the Patrol Leader's Council meetings and records the discussions, but is not a voting member. He records attendance at Troop meetings and the Patrol Leader's Council meetings. This is an extremely important position in Troop 194. Because advancement towards rank, Scout Spirit requirements, ScoutCash balances, and some Merit Badges require accurate records of attendance, the Scribe's records are critical. These records are entered into our Troopmaster software, which is the master record of all activities Scouts in the Troop. Details: Elected by members of the Troop. Responsible for attending all Troop meetings and Patrol Leader's Council meetings. Arranges for others to do this in case he must be absent. Takes attendance at all Troop meetings and PLC meetings. Provides up-to-date records to the Troopmaster manager within 2 days after each meeting. May work with a member of the Troop Committee to carry out his responsibilities.
Quartermaster	The quartermaster is the supply and equipment boss. He keeps a current inventory of Troop equipment and ensures that it's in good condition. Details: Elected by members of the Troop. checks equipment out to Troop members for campouts and other activities, and ensures that it is returned in satisfactory condition. Generates and maintains an inventory of all the Troop's equipment. Reports to the Troop Committee on equipment in need of repair or replacement. May work with a member of the Troop Committee to carry out his responsibilities.
Historian	The Historian collects and preserves Troop photographs, graphics, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. He makes Troop historical materials available for media contacts, Troop history projects, and other Scouting activities. Details: Elected by members of the Troop. Adds to and maintains the Troop patch blanket. Organizes and catalogues Troop historical records.
Librarian	The Troop's Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, and audiovisuals. He checks these materials out to Scouts and leaders, and ensures that they are returned on time and in good condition. Details: Elected by members of the Troop. Maintains inventory records of all Troop books, pamphlets, etc. Checks out materials and ensures that they are returned promptly and in good condition. May suggest new acquisitions and report on materials needing to be replaced.
Troop Guide	A Troop Guid is both a leader and a "mentor" to the members of a new Scout patrol. He provides direction, guidance, coaching, and support in line with the needs of the patrol to which he is assigned. Details: Appointed by the Scoutmaster to serve for a period of 6 months. Works with the Patrol Advisor(s) (Assistant Scoutmaster) of a new Scout patrol to help the patrol members advance and learn the values of the Scout Law and Oath. To "be a friend" to the new Scouts in the Troop.
Den Chief	A Den Chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult den leaders. He assists with den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and serves as a role model for younger boys. Details: Appointed by the Scoutmaster to serve. A good first leadership role to assume for new Scouts. Meets with the Cub Scout den on a schedule determined with the Den Leaders.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM)	The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster follows the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in the Troop. Details: Appointed by the Scoutmaster to serve. Must be at least 16 years old. Must have outstanding leadership skills. More than one JASM may be appointed in the Troop.