Troop Organization
Troop 404 is a boy-run Troop. Leadership is one of the methods of Scouting. Every boy will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. The meetings are planned and carried out by the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). All duties for Patrol activities are assigned by the Patrol Leader (PL). Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership of others and helps him grow into a more responsible adult.
Youth Leadership Positions
Patrols and Patrol Leaders (PL)
The Troop is divided into small groups of Scouts called patrols. Each patrol usually consists of 4 to 8 Scouts. The boys in the patrol elect their patrol leader who in turn appoints the assistant patrol leader. There is no minimum rank requirement for the patrol leader or assistant patrol leader. Patrol leaders will also appoint a scribe and quartermaster within their patrol. These positions are to be served for a term of six months.
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the leader of the Troop. The SPL is responsible for the Troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of the troop meetings, the Patrol Leaders’ Council, and of all Troop activities. He does everything that he can to help each patrol be successful. All members of the Troop vote by secret ballot to choose the SPL. A Scout in Troop 404 must be at least 13 years of age and hold the rank of First Class to be eligible for the position of SPL.
The SPL serves a 6 month term.
With the guidance and approval of the Scoutmaster, the SPL selects the Scout which will hold each of the Troop leadership positions. These positions are for a term of six months. Scouts must hold the rank of First Class or higher to serve in a Troop leadership position (this requirement can be waived by the Scoutmaster if the number of First Class Scouts is insufficient to fill all positions).
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
The SPL appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Among the ASPL’s specific duties are providing training and guidance for the Troop’s Quartermaster, Scribe, OA Representative, Historian, Librarian, and Troop Instructors. He serves in place of the SPL at meetings and events when the SPL must be absent. The ASPL will rotate into the SPL position after 6 months.
Troop Guide (TG)
Each new patrol in the Troop will have its own Troop Guide. A Troop Guide is an older Scout who holds the rank of First Class or higher, has strong teaching skills and possesses the patience to work with new Scouts. As a mentor to the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol, he provides direction for the patrol leader and helps him with his patrol leader responsibilities. The Troop Guide accompanies the new Scout patrol on Troop campouts and makes himself available to assist new Scouts as they learn fundamental Scouting skills.
Quartermaster (QM)
The Quartermaster is the Troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. He also reports on the status of equipment in need of repair or replacement at the patrol leaders’ council.
Troop Scribe
The Scribe is the Troop’s secretary. He keeps the minutes of the patrol leaders’ council meetings, but is not a voting member of the council. The Scribe may also keep attendance records of other Troop activities such as campouts, and service projects. During Troop meetings, he works with patrol Scribes to ensure the accurate recording of attendance and to keep advancement records up-to-date.
Troop Order of the Arrow Representative
An Order of the Arrow representative can be appointed by the SPL to be a link between the Troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the Troop, the representative promotes the OA, urges Troop members to take part in resident camping, and encourages older Scouts to seek out opportunities for high adventure and leadership roles. He reports to the ASPL.
Troop Historian
The Troop Historian collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards and other memorabilia. Troop displays prepared by the Historian can be used during Courts of Honor, Troop open houses and other special Scouting occasions.
Troop Librarian
The Troop Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, merit badge pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, diskettes, and lists of approved merit badge counselors. He checks out these materials to Scouts and Adult Leaders and maintains a record to ensure that all items are returned. He may also suggest the purchase of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current items.
Chaplain’s Aide
The Chaplain’s Aide assists the Troop Chaplain (an adult from the Troop or Charter Organization) in conducting the Troop’s religious observances. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning, and promotes the religious emblem program. He is responsible for the planning and preparation of the “Scouts Own Service” during each Troop campout.
Adult Leadership
Adult Participation
Adults must successfully complete BSA training for their position as well as Youth Protection Training. Youth Protection Training and training for Troop Committee positions can be taken online via the website www.scouting.org.
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters must complete both the classroom session (SMLST) and the outdoor session (OLS) to be trained in their position. These are District level courses and are usually offered once or twice a year in the Shelby District.
Troop Committee
The Troop Committee functions as the administrative and support organization for the Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of the non-program issues surrounding the Troop (newsletters, Troop website, Troop funds, fund raising activities, membership drives, activity permits, advancement records, procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment. The Committee is composed of persons from the charter organization and parents of Boy Scouts.
The Troop Committee meetings should be held monthly and are open to all parents and other interested adults.
The following is a list of committee positions in Troop 404:
Charter Organization Representative
Speaks for all phases of Scouting for the charter organization. Interprets Troop matters to the charter organization. Represents the Troop and the charter organization at District and Council meetings. Is usually a member of the charter organization.
Committee Chairperson
Keeps the Committee functioning properly, coordinates the efforts of the Committee and Scoutmaster. Calls and presides at all meetings of the Troop Committee.
Committee Secretary
Keeps the calendar of Troop, District and Council events up to date. Keeps the minutes of Troop Committee meetings and handles Troop correspondence.
Committee Treasurer
Custodian of all Troop funds. In charge of banking, paying approved bills, etc. Makes application for Troop insurance and facility permits. Responsible for the Troop budget plan and financial records. Arranges for the annual audit of Troop financial records.
Advancement Coordinator
Oversees the advancement of Troop members. Schedules Board of Reviews for rank advancement. Records completed advancement requirements for each Scout on Scoutmaster software. Responsible for submitting advancement reports to the Council office.
Outings/Activities Coordinator
In cooperation with the Scoutmaster, guides the Troop’s outdoor program for the year. Provides an opportunity for Scouts to spend at least 10 days and nights camping outdoors. Assists Scoutmaster with plans and preparations for campouts and participation in camporees. Seeks new camping and hiking sites for the Troop and makes necessary arrangements for each outing (reservations and permits).
Quartermaster
Supervises the care of all Troop equipment. Conducts a regular inventory of Troop equipment. Recommends the replacement of existing equipment as required and makes repairs as needed.
Webmaster
Maintains the Troop website which is located at altroop404.org.
Coordinate with the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chairman to ensure that all necessary information on the Troop website is kept current and up to date. Communicate with the web hosting agency as needed to maintain the website in proper working order. Research other Troop websites to discover ways of keeping the Troop website as attractive and informative as possible. Strive to continually improve the Troop website. Our Troop also maintains a Facebook homepage.
Merit Badge Coordinator
People who are knowledgeable by virtue of a vocation or hobby about the various merit badge subjects are selected and approved by the Troop Committee. A Merit Badge Counselor must not only possess the necessary technical knowledge but also have a solid understanding of the needs, interests and abilities of Scouts. MB Counselors are registered with the council and must renew their registration on a yearly basis. There is no registration cost for this position.
Programs and Operations
Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the Troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult in the Troop. The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the Troop Committee.
Assistant Scoutmaster
Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Troop Committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the Troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He or she also provides the required two-deep leadership (two adult leaders present at all BSA activities).
Troop Parents
- Parents are expected to participate when called upon to support the Troop. We need your participation for the Troop to be successful. Each parent should complete the Troop Resource Survey indicating their skills and interests, and return the completed form to the Scoutmaster. All parents are expected to volunteer for the annual fundraising event (Christmas Tree Sale).
- Parents are welcome to attend Troop meetings and most Scouting events. All parents attending an outing with Troop 404 are considered part of the adult patrol and are expected to participate in patrol activities (cooking, clean-up, tenting, etc.) just as the boys participate in their patrols. Parents are not allowed to sleep or eat with their son’s patrol.
- Parents should strive to:
- Read their son’s Scout handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting.
- Complete BSA Youth Protection Training
- Actively follow their son’s progress and offer encouragement and a push when needed.
- Show support to both their son and the Troop by attending all Troop Courts of Honor.
- Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund raising activities (Christmas tree sales or other events).
- Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.
1. Patrols and Patrol Leaders (PL)
The Troop is divided into small groups of Scouts called patrols. Each patrol usually consists of 4 to 8 Scouts. The boys in the patrol elect their patrol leader who in turn appoints the assistant patrol leader. There is no minimum rank requirement for the patrol leader or assistant patrol leader. Patrol leaders will also appoint a scribe and quartermaster within their patrol. These positions are to be served for a term of six months.
2. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the leader of the Troop. The SPL is responsible for the Troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of the troop meetings, the Patrol Leaders’ Council, and of all Troop activities. He does everything that he can to help each patrol be successful. All members of the Troop vote by secret ballot to choose the SPL. A Scout in Troop 404 must be at least 13 years of age and hold the rank of First Class to be eligible for the position of SPL.
The SPL serves a 6 month term.
With the guidance and approval of the Scoutmaster, the SPL selects the Scout which will hold each of the Troop leadership positions. These positions are for a term of six months. Scouts must hold the rank of First Class or higher to serve in a Troop leadership position (this requirement can be waived by the Scoutmaster if the number of First Class Scouts is insufficient to fill all positions).
3. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
The SPL appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Among the ASPL’s specific duties are providing training and guidance for the Troop’s Quartermaster, Scribe, OA Representative, Historian, Librarian, and Troop Instructors. He serves in place of the SPL at meetings and events when the SPL must be absent. The ASPL will rotate into the SPL position after 6 months.
4. Troop Guide (TG)
Each new patrol in the Troop will have its own Troop Guide. A Troop Guide is an older Scout who holds the rank of First Class or higher, has strong teaching skills and possesses the patience to work with new Scouts. As a mentor to the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol, he provides direction for the patrol leader and helps him with his patrol leader responsibilities. The Troop Guide accompanies the new Scout patrol on Troop campouts and makes himself available to assist new Scouts as they learn fundamental Scouting skills.
2. Quartermaster (QM)
The Quartermaster is the Troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. He also reports on the status of equipment in need of repair or replacement at the patrol leaders’ council.
3. Troop Scribe
The Scribe is the Troop’s secretary. He keeps the minutes of the patrol leaders’ council meetings, but is not a voting member of the council. The Scribe may also keep attendance records of other Troop activities such as campouts, and service projects. During Troop meetings, he works with patrol Scribes to ensure the accurate recording of attendance and to keep advancement records up-to-date.
4. Troop Order of the Arrow Representative
An Order of the Arrow representative can be appointed by the SPL to be a link between the Troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the Troop, the representative promotes the OA, urges Troop members to take part in resident camping, and encourages older Scouts to seek out opportunities for high adventure and leadership roles. He reports to the ASPL.
5. Troop Historian
The Troop Historian collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards and other memorabilia. Troop displays prepared by the Historian can be used during Courts of Honor, Troop open houses and other special Scouting occasions.
6. Troop Librarian
The Troop Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, merit badge pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, diskettes, and lists of approved merit badge counselors. He checks out these materials to Scouts and Adult Leaders and maintains a record to ensure that all items are returned. He may also suggest the purchase of new literature and report the need to repair or replace
1. Patrols and Patrol Leaders (PL)
The Troop is divided into small groups of Scouts called patrols. Each patrol usually consists of 4 to 8 Scouts. The boys in the patrol elect their patrol leader who in turn appoints the assistant patrol leader. There is no minimum rank requirement for the patrol leader or assistant patrol leader. Patrol leaders will also appoint a scribe and quartermaster within their patrol. These positions are to be served for a term of six months.
2. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the leader of the Troop. The SPL is responsible for the Troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of the troop meetings, the Patrol Leaders’ Council, and of all Troop activities. He does everything that he can to help each patrol be successful. All members of the Troop vote by secret ballot to choose the SPL. A Scout in Troop 404 must be at least 13 years of age and hold the rank of First Class to be eligible for the position of SPL.
The SPL serves a 6 month term.
With the guidance and approval of the Scoutmaster, the SPL selects the Scout which will hold each of the Troop leadership positions. These positions are for a term of six months. Scouts must hold the rank of First Class or higher to serve in a Troop leadership position (this requirement can be waived by the Scoutmaster if the number of First Class Scouts is insufficient to fill all positions).
3. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
The SPL appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Among the ASPL’s specific duties are providing training and guidance for the Troop’s Quartermaster, Scribe, OA Representative, Historian, Librarian, and Troop Instructors. He serves in place of the SPL at meetings and events when the SPL must be absent. The ASPL will rotate into the SPL position after 6 months.
4. Troop Guide (TG)
Each new patrol in the Troop will have its own Troop Guide. A Troop Guide is an older Scout who holds the rank of First Class or higher, has strong teaching skills and possesses the patience to work with new Scouts. As a mentor to the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol, he provides direction for the patrol leader and helps him with his patrol leader responsibilities. The Troop Guide accompanies the new Scout patrol on Troop campouts and makes himself available to assist new Scouts as they learn fundamental Scouting skills.
6. Quartermaster (QM)
The Quartermaster is the Troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. He also reports on the status of equipment in need of repair or replacement at the patrol leaders’ council.
7. Troop Scribe
The Scribe is the Troop’s secretary. He keeps the minutes of the patrol leaders’ council meetings, but is not a voting member of the council. The Scribe may also keep attendance records of other Troop activities such as campouts, and service projects. During Troop meetings, he works with patrol Scribes to ensure the accurate recording of attendance and to keep advancement records up-to-date.
8. Troop Order of the Arrow Representative
An Order of the Arrow representative can be appointed by the SPL to be a link between the Troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the Troop, the representative promotes the OA, urges Troop members to take part in resident camping, and encourages older Scouts to seek out opportunities for high adventure and leadership roles. He reports to the ASPL.
9. Troop Historian
The Troop Historian collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards and other memorabilia. Troop displays prepared by the Historian can be used during Courts of Honor, Troop open houses and other special Scouting occasions.
10. Troop Librarian
The Troop Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, merit badge pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, diskettes, and lists of approved merit badge counselors. He checks out these materials to Scouts and Adult Leaders and maintains a record to ensure that all items are returned. He may also suggest the purchase of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current items.
11. Chaplain’s Aide
The Chaplain’s Aide assists the Troop Chaplain (an adult from the Troop or Charter Organization) in conducting the Troop’s religious observances. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning, and promotes the religious emblem program. He is responsible for the planning and preparation of the “Scouts Own Service” during each Troop campout.
any current items.
7. Chaplain’s Aide
The Chaplain’s Aide assists the Troop Chaplain (an adult from the Troop or Charter Organization) in conducting the Troop’s religious observances. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning, and promotes the religious emblem program. He is responsible for the planning and preparation of the “Scouts Own Service” during each Troop campout.
