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Youth Role · Troop Leadership
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The top youth leader of the troop.
Overview
The Senior Patrol Leader is the highest-ranking youth position in the troop. The SPL runs troop meetings, leads the Patrol Leaders Council, and represents the scouts to the Scoutmaster. This is the most demanding youth leadership role — and the most rewarding.
Responsibilities
- 1Run troop meetings and Courts of Honor
- 2Preside over Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings
- 3Set the tone for troop culture and expectations
- 4Assign duties to junior leaders
- 5Represent troop scouts in communication with adult leaders
- 6Mentor Assistant SPL and patrol leaders
Time Commitment
3–5 hours/week including meetings, PLC, and prep
Ideal For
A First Class or above Scout who leads by example and communicates clearly
Works With
ScoutmasterAssistant SPLPatrol LeadersTroop Guide
Tips From Leaders Who've Done It
- ▸Run a tight PLC — agenda in advance, start on time, end on time.
- ▸Delegate. You can't do it all yourself and it's not your job to.
- ▸Know every patrol leader's name and how their patrol is doing.
- ▸Your Scoutmaster is your coach, not your boss. Use them.