Troop Guide
In Fred’s words
Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts.
The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.
- introduces new Scouts to troop operations
- helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
- teaches basic Scout skills
- coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on their duties
- works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings
- attends patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
- counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges
- sets a good example
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- shows Scout spirit
Scouting America’s position card for this job
Does it count for rank?
Positions that count for Star and Life: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, OA troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster and outdoor ethics guide.
Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Scouting America, December 2025) · Scout troop positions, Star and LifeCollected and written by Fred W. Kimball, Troop 7 Scoutmaster from 1987 to 2003, who kept the troop's website for many years. Brought here with his blessing, in his words. Rank, advancement and position-of-responsibility rules are named here in our own short words; the wording is Scouting America’s, and each one links to where it says it.