In order to provide special attention and training to our new scouts and parents, Troop 453 designated a special patrol as the New Scout Patrol. If there are more than 6 new scouts, the New Scout Patrol is divided into 2 groups with the same program and same Patrol Meetings.
Troop Guides and ASM are assigned to the New Scout Patrol(s). Patrol Leader and other youth leader positions are rotated every 2 months to ensure new scouts have more chances to be trained for different youth leader positions.
Each new scout is assigned to a New Scout Patrol once he joins the troop. A new scout is required to stay with his New Scout Patrol for 6 months. After the 1st 6 months, the new scout may move to a regular patrol or stay with his new scout patrol.
The patrol leaders' council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The patrol leaders' council is composed of the following voting members: senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, troop guide, Venture crew chief.
The troop's activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The troop's yearly plan is then submitted to the troop committee for approval. The troop committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders' council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the patrol leaders' council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the patrol leaders' council through the Scoutmaster.
The Troop's Youth Leaders
The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers.
Junior Leader Positions
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) - top junior leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) - fills in for senior patrol leader in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors.
Troop Historian - collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members.
Librarian - keeps troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by troop members.
Instructor - teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members.
Chaplain Aide - assists in troop religious services and promotes religious emblems program.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (Jr. ASM)- a Scout 16 or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned.
Patrol Leader (PL)- gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders' council.
T453 requires PL to be 1st Class or higher rank OR 13 or older.
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) - fills in for the patrol leader in his absence.
Venture Crew Chief - leader of a troop's Venture crew.
Troop Guide - advisor and guide to the new Scout patrol.
Den Chief - works with a Cub Scout den as a guide.
Den Chief Info - Yahoo Group Login Required.
Quartermaster - responsible for troop supplies and equipment.
