A major goal of Scouting is developing leadership in our youth. Scout troops are actually run by youth leaders under the guidance and supervision of the Scoutmaster and ASMs. Youth leadership is also a key aspect of rank advancement for Scouts BSA members once they achieve the rank of First Class. The highest youth leader is the Senior Patrol Leader, or SPL. She is elected by the Scouts for a term of six months to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. The SPL runs the troop activities with the Scoutmaster’s guidance. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or ASPL assists the SPL and is the second highest-ranking leader. The ASPL acts as the SPL in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader or when called upon. She also provides leadership and training to other Scouts in the troop.
Each patrol will have a Patrol Leader and an Assistant PL, who have a key role in helping the Senior Patrol Leader and adults accomplish the goals of the troop. Patrol Leaders are elected every six months. The Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader represents the patrol at the Patrol Leaders’ Council. Good leadership of the patrol is critical in order for the overall troop to have an effective program.
These top leaders make up the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). The PLC meets on the first Wednesday of the month to plan the activities and meetings. With the advice of the Scoutmaster, the SPL leads this monthly meeting.