Troop Roles

Job Descriptions for Every Troop Role

Every troop role — youth or adult — works better when the person in it knows what the job actually is. These one-page descriptions cover responsibilities, time commitment, who you work with, and practical tips from leaders who've held the role.

Each role has a printable job description card. Click any role to open it.

Youth Leadership Roles

Troop Leadership

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The top youth leader of the troop.

Time: 3–5 hours/week including meetings, PLC, and prep

Troop Leadership

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

Second in command of the troop — and the SPL's training ground.

Time: 2–4 hours/week

Patrol Leadership

Patrol Leader (PL)

The leader of a patrol — the backbone of the troop.

Time: 2–3 hours/week plus PLC meetings

Patrol Leadership

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)

The Patrol Leader's right hand — and the patrol's backup leader.

Time: 1–2 hours/week

Troop Staff

Quartermaster

Keeper of the gear. If it's broken, missing, or dirty — that's on you.

Time: 1–2 hours/week plus campout check-in/check-out time

Troop Staff

Scribe

The troop's record keeper.

Time: 1–2 hours/week

Troop Staff

Historian

The keeper of troop memories.

Time: 1–3 hours/month plus event time

Troop Staff

Librarian

Manages the troop's books, merit badge pamphlets, and resources.

Time: 1 hour/week

Troop Staff

Instructor

Teaches Scouting skills to younger and newer scouts.

Time: 2–3 hours/week including prep time

Troop Staff

Chaplain Aide

Supports the troop's spiritual dimension and Scout spirit.

Time: 1–2 hours/week

Troop Staff

Den Chief

Serves a Cub Scout den as a youth mentor and role model.

Time: 2–4 hours/month (den meeting schedule varies)

Troop Staff

Order of the Arrow Representative

Connects the troop to the OA brotherhood.

Time: 1–2 hours/month

Adult Volunteer Roles

Scoutmaster Team

Scoutmaster

The adult leader of the troop — coach, mentor, and backstop.

Time: 5–10 hours/week including meetings, prep, and campouts

Scoutmaster Team

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM)

Supports the Scoutmaster and often owns a specific program area.

Time: 3–6 hours/week depending on assignment

Committee

Committee Chair

Leads the troop committee — the adult support organization behind the Scoutmaster.

Time: 4–6 hours/week including meetings and admin

Committee

Troop Treasurer

Manages troop finances so the Scoutmaster can focus on scouts.

Time: 2–3 hours/week plus committee meetings

Committee

Advancement Chair

Owns the troop's advancement tracking and recognition process.

Time: 3–4 hours/week

Committee

Outdoor Activities Chair

Plans and coordinates troop campouts and high adventure.

Time: 2–4 hours/week during planning periods

Committee

Fundraising Chair

Runs the troop's fundraising efforts to keep fees low.

Time: 2–5 hours/week during active fundraising periods

Committee

Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator

Builds and manages the troop's merit badge counselor network.

Time: 2–3 hours/week

Committee

Chartered Organization Representative (COR)

The formal link between the troop and its chartered organization.

Time: 2–3 hours/month minimum

Committee

Eagle Coach / Eagle Coordinator

Guides Eagle candidates from Life rank through the final board.

Time: 2–4 hours/week depending on active candidates

These descriptions are paraphrased guides for volunteer leaders. Always refer to your BSA unit, council, and current scouting.org resources for official position requirements.