Youth Leadership
Troop 455 is a Scout-Led troop. This means that the boys themselves, the Scouts, learn how to organize & lead the Troop. After training, and with supervision and support from adult leaders, boys run the show. As the Scouts work through rank advancement and as they travel on their trail to Eagle, they learn how & then lead teams of Scouts in various situations. Scouting provides for growth of moral strength & character, teaches Citizenship, & enhances the development of physical, mental & emotional fitness. This is all done in the spirit of fun & adventure.
Patrol Leaders’ Council
The patrol leaders’ council for Troop 455 plans the yearly troop program at the annual planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month. The PLC is made up of the Scouts that hold Positions of Responsibility (PORs) at the troop. It is led by the senior patrol leader, who presides over the meetings.
The PLC is the troop’s elected and duly appointed governing body. Resting on their shoulders is the planning, preparation, and presentation of the troop’s Scouting program. It’s up to them to see that the promise of Scouting is delivered. Though this might appear to be a daunting proposition, with the proper training, they can gain the required tools and skills needed to run things in a fashion that results in a thriving program benefitting all the members of their troop.
| Position of Responsibility | Troop 455 Leader |
|---|---|
| Senior Patrol Leader | Ethan Polk |
| Assistant Senior Patrol Leader | Anderson Smith Cote |
| Patrol Leaders | Nate Polk (Scorpion) Walker Moore (Flaming Monkeys) Patrick Amevo (Moose) |
| Scribe | Michael Miller |
| Historian | Open |
| Troop Guide | Open |
| Quartermaster | Josh Strange |
| Chaplain’s Aide | Wesley Mercer |
| Librarian | Open |
| Den Chief | Cole Regna Gavin Matthews Connaway North Antle |
| OA Representative | Anderson Smith-Cote |
| Webmaster | Wiley Lum |
Positions of Responsibility
Scout troops are run by Scout leaders who are elected or appointed from and by the troop’s Scout membership. These Scout leaders are responsible for seeing that the troop runs well, grows, and meets the needs of the members. The number of Scout leaders can change over time, depending on the size and needs of the troop. Following is a summary of the responsibilities of each position in a typical troop.
 | The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders’ council meeting. He appoints scouts for positions of responsibility with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster. In order to serve as Senior Patrol Leader, it is a good idea to have served as a Patrol Leader or in a similar position. |
 | The Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL) are the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He helps the senior patrol leader run meetings and activities. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. |
 | The Patrol Leaders (PL) are the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader. He plans and leads patrol meetings and activities. In order to be a Patrol Leader, it is a good idea to be of 1st Class rank or higher. |
 | The Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL) are appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend. He helps the patrol leader plan and lead patrol meetings and activities. |
 | The Troop Guide leads the new Scouts through their early Scouting activities. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their first ranks. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the other patrol leaders. |
 | The Scribe keeps the troop records. He attend and keep logs of patrol leaders’ council meetings and other troop meetings. |
 | The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster works as part of the Scoutmaster corps and handles any duties assigned by the Scoutmaster. These young men follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in the troop. |
 | The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving as a communication link between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. |
 | The Quartermaster maintains patrol and troop equipment and keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol and troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. |
 | The Librarian maintain a troop library and oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. |
 | The Historian keeps files of pictures and facts about past activities of the troop. He preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. |
 | The Webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He should make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that members’ and leaders’ privacy is protected. A member of the troop committee may assist him with his work. |
 | The Instructor teaches Scouting skills as needed within the troop or patrols. An instructor is an older troop member proficient both in a Scouting skill and in the ability to teach others. First aid, camping, backpacking, – the subject can encompass any of the areas that Scouts will want to master, especially those required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. Troops may have more than one instructor. |
 | The Outdoor Ethics Guide (Leave No Trace Trainer) help the troop plan and conduct an outdoor program that emphasizes effectively practicing the principles of outdoor ethics. He specializes in teaching Leave No Trace principles and ensures that the troop follows the principles of Leave No Trace on all outings such as camping and other outdoor activities. He can also help Scouts earn the Leave No Trace award. He should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace. Ideally, he should have completed Leave No Trace training as well as earned both the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges. |
 | The Chaplain Aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. |
 | The Bugler plays the bugle (or a similar instrument) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. (Bugler is not an approved POR for the Eagle Scout rank.) He should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. |
 | The Den Chief serves as the activities assistant for a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout den. He works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. |
Training
There are two key Leadership Training courses that the Troop recommends for all members of the PLC. ILST is required for all elected members of the PLC, and NYLT is required to be eligible to run for Senior Patrol Leader.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST): The purpose of the ILST course is to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Scouts in leadership positions within their troop understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. Completion of ILST is a prerequisite for Scouts to participate in the more advanced National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
National Youth Leadership Training: NYLT is a week-long advanced leadership course designed to teach Scouts the tools, techniques and skills they need to be better leaders – not only in their units, but also at home, in school, and in their daily lives. Led by an exemplary, highly-trained youth staff, NYLT participants work hard and play hard together through group activities, games, and adventures as they experience Scouting at its best.
PLC Elections
Troop 455 elections are be held semi-annually, from December to May (of the next year), and from May to December. This allows newly elected leaders time to observe a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meeting, as well as time to plan and prepare for their new leadership role and term.