Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) |

Assistant Patrol Leader

Description: The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence

Comments: Substituting for the Patrol Leader is only part of the Assistant Patrol Leader’s job. The APL actively helps run the patrol.

Reports to: Patrol Leader

Type: Elected by members of the patrol

Term: 6 months

Qualifications

Age: None

Rank: None

Experience: None

Confirmation: Appointment Approved by Scoutmaster

Performance Requirements

Training: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.

Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office.

Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort and use the adult leadership and advice when you feel they are needed.

General Leadership Responsibilities

Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.

Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.

Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone will assume your responsibilities. This requires you to “Be Prepared”, plan ahead and this will never be an issue.

Specific Leadership Responsibilities

Helps the patrol get ready for all troop activities.
Lends a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit.
Must be well informed in case Patrol Leader is absent.
Follows the Patrol Method.

What it means in Troop 2

Assist the Patrol Leader in the following:

Planning and leading patrol meetings and activities.
Keeping the patrol members informed.
Preparing your patrol to take part in Troop activities.
Assist your patrol leader by following through on assigned duties.
Keep informed.
Make sure you know what is going on so you can help out.
Assume responsibilities of the patrol leader in his absence
Know what the Patrol Leader is supposed to do and fill in for him when he is absent.
Represent the patrol at the PLC in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
In the absence of your Patrol Leader, represent and vote for your patrol at the PLC.
Attend at LEAST two PLC meetings with the patrol leader present to learn the process and procedures.
Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
Make sure you know what you are supposed to do and do it well.
Help whenever you can to maintain discipline.
Develop patrol spirit.
Have skits ready for outing campfires.
Have cheers ready for outing campfires.
Have songs ready for outing campfires.
Assist troop chaplain in Scout Own Service during outings when necessary.

Keep others informed:

Call the patrol members each week to check they are following up on their assignments and communicate program information.
Be sure to let your APL know if you are going to be absent so he can fill in for you.
Make sure he knows what is supposed to happen and what responsibilities the patrol has.
Set a good example:
Be the first to reflect the scout sign.
Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
Exhibit good self-discipline.
Have a good attendance record.
Meet your obligations on time and in full effort.
Have fun but not at the expense of everyone. Goofing off without purpose wastes time and loses the interest and respect of the other scouts.

Leave a Comment