Troop 156 is a scout-led troop. Like all Scouting America troops, we rely on the patrol method: dividing the troop into smaller groups that are easier for older Scouts to manage and lead.

Older, more experienced Scouts develop leadership skills by coordinating patrol responsibilities, teaching younger Scouts the skills they need to succeed, and working together to accomplish shared goals.

Adults serve as mentors, providing guidance and guardrails while allowing Scouts to take ownership of their troop and their Scouting experience. Adults also help with transportation and other practical needs when necessary.

Common to all Scouting America troops, the troop leadership is hierarchical. The troop will elect the Senior Patrol and Assistant Senior Patrol leaders from among their ranks.  The SPL and ASPLs will mentor, coach, and oversee patrol leaders. These patrol leaders are in charge overseeing their patrols, a smaller, more manageable subset of the troop.  Other positions are available to scouts who aren't ready for leadership yet such as Scribe, Historian, Guide, Webmaster, and Bugler just to name a few.

Adult leadership is shared as well.  The Scout Master gives the most direct guidance to the troop, the Committee Chair is most visible among the adults. Advancement coordinator and merit badge counselors help the scouts achieve the badges they need for advancement. Other roles like treasurer are necessary for day-to-day finances,  committee members who help out where ever they can, and the Charter Org Representative who helps coordinate the goals of our troop and charter organization, South Church, in our case.