Serve in position of responsibility

Requirement 5 introduces youth leadership as a mandatory advancement criterion. As a Star Scout candidate, you transition from being guided by older Scouts to taking active responsibility for the operation, morale, and success of your unit.

Approved Positions of Responsibility for Scout Troops

Scouting America establishes a defined list of youth leadership positions that qualify for rank advancement. Each role serves a distinct and vital function within the troop:

• Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): The top youth leader of the troop, elected by the Scouts. Leads troop meetings, chairs the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), coordinates annual program planning with the Scoutmaster, and oversees all other youth leaders.
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): Appointed by the SPL. Acts as second-in-command, directs troop meeting setups, manages troop scribes, quartermasters, and librarians, and leads the troop when the SPL is absent.
• Patrol Leader (PL): Elected by the members of their patrol. Leads patrol meetings, represents the patrol on the PLC, coordinates campsite setup and meal planning on campouts, and fosters patrol spirit.
• Troop Guide: An experienced senior Scout appointed by the SPL and Scoutmaster to mentor and instruct a new-Scout patrol, helping newly joined youth advance to First Class.
• Order of the Arrow Troop Representative (OA Rep): Serves as the primary liaison between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge or chapter, promoting OA events, unit elections, and service opportunities.
• Scribe: The troop’s administrative officer. Records attendance at meetings and outings, tracks dues payments, takes minutes at PLC meetings, and works with the troop committee scribe.
• Quartermaster: Manages all troop camping equipment, cooking gear, tents, and tools. Maintains the troop trailer/supply room, keeps an accurate gear inventory, and coordinates gear check-out and maintenance.
• Historian: Collects, preserves, and displays troop historical records, photographs, news clippings, awards, and memorabilia. Produces annual scrapbooks or digital archives.
• Librarian: Organizes and maintains the troop library of merit badge pamphlets, literature, maps, and reference materials; manages the check-out and return system.
• Webmaster: Maintains the troop website, digital calendar, email newsletters, and electronic communication platforms in compliance with Scouting youth protection and social media guidelines.
• Chaplain Aide: Assists the troop chaplain or adult leaders in conducting non-denominational Scouts’ Own religious services at campouts, encourages reverence, and supports troop members during times of personal need.
• Outdoor Ethics Guide: Promotes the Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Code during troop outings, advises patrols on low-impact camping practices, and conducts outdoor ethics training.
• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM): An accomplished Scout (at least 16 years old) who functions as an assistant Scoutmaster, providing advanced skill instruction, adult-youth liaison, and specialized mentorship.
• Bugler: Performs traditional bugle calls (Reveille, Assembly, Taps, To the Colors) at troop meetings, campouts, and flag ceremonies. (Note: Bugler qualifies for Star and Life, but not for Eagle).
• Instructor: An experienced Scout who teaches specific scouting skills (such as first aid, pioneering, orienteering, or knot tying) to individuals or patrols.
• Den Chief: A Scout who works directly with a Cub Scout den leader to assist with weekly den meetings, lead games and songs, mentor Cub Scouts, and encourage transition into Scouts BSA.

Venturing, Sea Scout, and Lone Scout Positions

If you are dual-registered or advancing within a Venturing crew, Sea Scout ship, or Lone Scout arrangement:

• Venturing Crew: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Den Chief, Historian, Guide, Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, or Outdoor Ethics Guide.
• Sea Scout Ship: Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Purser, Yeoman, Storekeeper, Crew Leader, Media Specialist, Specialist, Den Chief, or Chaplain Aide.
• Lone Scout: Demonstrating significant leadership responsibility in your school (e.g., student government, club officer), religious organization (e.g., youth group officer), or community organization.

What “Serve Actively” Means

Holding a leadership patch is not enough; you must actively perform the responsibilities of the role throughout the four-month period:

1. Meet Expectations: Work with your Scoutmaster and SPL to review the specific duties of your role at the start of your term.
2. Attend Regularly: Show up to PLC meetings, weekly troop meetings, and outings prepared to perform your duties.
3. Communicate & Delegate: If you encounter difficulties, communicate early with your SPL or Scoutmaster rather than letting your duties lapse.
4. Combining Positions: You may combine time served across more than one position to reach your four-month total (e.g., two months as Patrol Leader followed by two months as Scribe), provided you served actively in each.

The Scoutmaster-Approved Leadership Project

If no approved youth leadership position is available in your unit, your Scoutmaster may assign a specific leadership project to help the troop.

• This project must require planning, leadership, and execution of substantial value to the troop over an extended period.
• The project scope and success criteria must be agreed upon with your Scoutmaster in advance.
• (Note: A leadership project is permitted for Star and Life, but is NOT permitted for Eagle).