Boy Scout Troop 589, Chaska, MN, Welcomes You!

The Patrol System is a basic and fundamental component of the Boy Scouts of America program. Shortly after joining the Troop, each new Scout is assigned to a new or established Patrol comprised of 6 to 10 Scouts organized along the lines of age and friendships. The members of each Patrol select one of their own to serve as Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader, with elections taking place every six months. A Patrol Leader is a member of the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC), and serves as the voice of his fellow patrol members. A Patrol Leader will present the ideas and concerns of his patrol and share the decisions of the Patrol Leader’s Council with his patrol members.

The Patrol Leaders' Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), who presides over the meetings; the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Troop Leaders, and all Patrol Leaders. The Patrol Leaders' Council meets several times a year to plan, with the guidance of the Scoutmaster, the yearly Troop program. This plan is then approved by the Troop Committee.

Scout Leadership Positions

In the Patrol System of Scouting, the Scouts themselves are encouraged and guided to organize and run the Troop. There are many leadership positions available. Elections for all Troop positions are held every six months.


	Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) The Senior Patrol Leader is the top Scout in the Troop. He is in charge of running all Troop meetings, activities and campouts. He delegates duties and supervises the other Scout Leaders. He coordinates and leads the Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works closely with the Scoutmaster in carrying out his duties.

	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader assists the SPL in all of his duties. He steps in and takes charge whenever the SPL is not available. He attends all PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works closely with the SPL and the Scoutmaster in carrying out his duties.

	Patrol Leader The Patrol Leader acts as a liaison between the SPL and his Patrol, keeping his Patrol informed of all Troop decisions. He is in charge of his Patrol at all meetings, activities and campouts. He takes Patrol attendance, ensures his Patrol participates in planned activities, and settles any disputes within his Patrol. He encourages his Patrol members to reach their next rank. He attends PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works closely with the SPL in carrying out his duties.

	Assistant Patrol Leader The Assistant Patrol Leader assists the Patrol Leader all of his duties. He steps in and takes charge whenever the Patrol Leader is not available. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works closely with the Patrol Leader and SPL in carrying out his duties.

	Quartermaster The Quartermaster is the supply and equipment “boss.” He keeps a current inventory of Troop equipment and sees that it is in good condition. He checks Troop equipment in and out, and reports to the PLC and the Troop Committee on equipment needing repair or replacement. He attends PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works with the SPL and the Scoutmaster in carrying out his duties.

	Scribe The Scribe is the Troop secretary. He attends the PLC meetings and keeps a logbook of their decisions. He keeps a record of attendance at meetings, activities and campouts. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works with the Troop Records Chair in carrying out his duties.

	Historian The Historian collects and cares for Troop memorabilia: photos, news stories, and awards. He attends campouts and activities, taking pictures for the scrapbook. He attends PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works with the Committee Chairperson in carrying out his duties.

	Librarian The Librarian keeps the Troop’s books, pamphlets, magazines, and audio/visuals available for checkout by Scouts and leaders. He keeps a file of all Troop literature and a record of all materials loaned out. He recommends new acquisitions and reports on needed replacements. He attends the PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works with the Committee Chairperson in carrying out his duties.

	Chaplain’s Aide The Chaplain’s Aide plans Sunday morning services at campouts. He helps to see that religious holidays are considered during Troop planning. He promotes the Religious Emblems program. He encourages Patrols to say Grace before meals. He attends PLC meetings. He keeps his notebook updated, and passes it on to the next Scout to hold his position. He works with the Scoutmaster in carrying out his duties.