Scout Skills

Troop · Youth Leadership

Scribe

The Scribe is the troop's secretary — the scout who keeps the records. The scribe takes notes at the patrol leaders' council (without voting), records attendance, and helps maintain the troop's advancement records. It's a role of accuracy and reliability.

Role
The troop secretary
At the PLC
Takes notes, no vote
Keeps
Attendance & advancement
Advancement
Counts as a POR

What the scribe does

  1. 1Attend the PLC and take clear notes of discussions and decisions (you don't vote).
  2. 2Record attendance at troop meetings, coordinating with patrol scribes.
  3. 3Maintain advancement records — keep them accurate and current.
  4. 4Track dues or finances if your troop assigns it.
  5. 5Share the records — make notes available so the troop stays informed.

The role

  • Keeps the troop's records accurate — attendance, advancement, and PLC minutes.
  • Supports courts of honor and dues with good data.
  • Builds organization, accuracy, and communication skills.

Notes

  • Accurate advancement records matter — errors can cost a scout credit; keep them honest and current.
  • Handle personal info responsibly — attendance and advancement records include member data; keep them appropriately private.
  • Serve genuinely — advancement credit requires real service, not just the title.

Going deeper

  • The troop's memory. PLC decisions, attendance, and advancement all live in the scribe's records.
  • Notes, not votes. The scribe sits in the PLC to record, not to vote — an important distinction.
  • Accuracy is the whole job. A scribe's value is records people can trust — for courts of honor, dues, and advancement.

Official source

Scribe — Troop Leader Resources, Scouting America →

Duties are paraphrased. Dues tracking and digital record tools (Scoutbook) are troop practice; confirm current details.