The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)_is the principal Scout leader of the troop. He chairs meetings of the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC), which meets monthly to plan the troop program and to assign responsibilities for action. The SPL also presides over the weekly meetings of the troop, leads the troop during outings and activities, appoints other scouts to troop staff support positions, and assists the Scoutmaster in Junior Leader Training. The SPL is elected by the Scout members of the troop. To be considered for SPL, a Scout must have achieved the rank of Life Scout and be approved by the Scoutmaster.
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is appointed by the SPL with the approval of the Scoutmaster. He helps the SPL run meetings, coordinates the troop support staff (Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, Instructors, Bugler, Chaplain Aide, Den Chiefs, etc), and leads the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader. To be considered for ASPL, a Scout must have achieved the rank of Star and be approved by the Scoutmaster.
The Patrol Leaders (PL) are elected from among the members of each patrol and report directly to the Senior Patrol Leader. The PL appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader, represents the Patrol at PLC meetings, plans and steers patrol meetings, helps scouts advance, acts as chief recruiter for new scouts, keeps patrol members informed, and knows what his patrol members can do. To be considered for Patrol Leader, a Scout must have achieved the rank of First Class and be approved by the Scoutmaster.
The Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) is appointed by the Patrol Leader. The APL reports to the Patrol Leader and substitutes for the Patrol Leader in his absence. To be considered for APL, a Scout must have achieved the rank of Second Class and/or be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Troop staff positions include: Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, Instructors, Bugler, Chaplain Aide, Den Chiefs and other staff positions as may be created from time to time by the Troop Committee in response to the needs of the troop. All of these are appointed positions. The SPL, with the approval of the Scoutmaster is the appointing authority, and these positions all report to the ASPL. To be considered for a Troop Staff Position, a scout must have achieved the rank of First Class and be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Troop Guides serve as coach counselors to the Patrol Leaders, help the Senior Patrol Leader deliver program information, conduct ceremonies, operate outings, assist scouts with advancement, and are very much responsible for setting an example of Good Scouting Appearance and Conduct. Troop Guides are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. To be considered for Troop Guide, a Scout must have achieved the rank of Star and be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM) are appointed by, and report to, the Scoutmaster. JASMs work with the SPL, the PLC and the Scoutmaster to plan and deliver the troop program. To be considered for JASM, a scout must have achieved the rank of Life and be at least 16 years old. Traditionally in Troop 535, only a Scout who has served as SPL will be eligible for this position.
The Patrol Leader's Council
(PLC) is the planning and coordinating body of the troop.
It is composed of the SPL, ASPL, PLs, Troop Guides, Venture Crew
Chief, Troop Scribe, and the JASMs.
The Scoutmaster is the principal advisor to the PLC.
The Assistant Scoutmasters may, if required, serve as advisers to
the PLC. The SPL chairs all PLC meetings.
The PLC is responsible for the advance planning of all troop activities,
and also serves as a Scout forum for the resolution of all questions and
problems that may arise within the troop.
PLC meetings are held monthly, on the third Monday in place of the
regular Troop meeting and may take place either at St. Andrew’s or at the
SPL's home. Scouts who are interested
in leadership positions in Troop 535 must be prepared to make the commitment
required of the Patrol Leader’s Council.