Scouting teaches leadership. As scouts mature in the troop, they become directly responsible for the development of the younger scouts. Boys provide the planning and leadership for the troop and patrols (with adult guidance). This take some getting used to, especially when we adults think we can run things more efficiently than the boys can. But remember, the only way to learn leadership is to practice it. Your son will elect his patrol and troop officers, and later, he will hold some of these offices himself (leadership is a requirement for advancement beyond First Class).

The leader position duties are described in the Boy Scout and Scoutmaster Handbook. Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader are elected by the boys to a 6-month term. Senior Patrol leader is chosen by secret ballot of the entire troop. More than half of the active Scouts must be present and winner is by majority. Same is for the patrol leader, except on a patrol level. The Boy Leadership Positions are:

 

*Senior Patrol Leader

*Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

*Venture Crew Chief

*Patrol Leader

*Assist Patrol Leader

*Troop Guide

*Den Chief

*Troop Scribe

*Quartermaster

*Librarian

*Historian

*Bugler

*Chaplain Aide

*Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

*Instructor