history of senior patrol leader

[asm206]

While looking at a replica of the 1910 Handbook for boys I noticed it didn't say any thing about Senior Patrol Leader. Does anyone know when and how the position came into being? Is there a boy who is credited with being the first SPL? And how have the duties and responsibitlies of a SPL changed over the years

[acco40]

The Senior Patrol Leader position badge was established in 1915. (I'm guessing that that is when the position originated too.)

 

Trying to find your answer and came across these interesting tidbits:

 

The core program of scouting has remained the same since scouting began in 1910 in the United States. However, there have been a number of interesting changes over the years.

 

Did you know at one time:

 

Life Scout Was Earned Before Star Scout

Adults Could Earn The Rank of Eagle Scout

The Number of Merit Badges Needed for Eagle Scout Was 24

The Number of Green Bars of Yesteryear Signified Different Positions Than Today

Patrol Leaders Had Silver Rank Badges

Background Color on Service Stars Denoted Years of Service

Brass Belt Loops Were Used in Advancement

Patrol Identification Was By Colored Ribbons

 

The position of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) was introduced in 1926.

 

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader was created as a position in the last months of 1959.

 

Troop Guide became a brand new position in 1989.

 

Thanks to http://www.sageventure.com/history/changes/ for the above information.

(This message has been edited by acco40)

[NWScouter]

Other trivia bits. You had a silver colored tenderfoot, second class, and first class badge if you were a patrol leader. Also you continued to wear your first class badge even after you earned Star, Life and Eagle.

Also if you held a office like scribe, it's badge was on the patch with your rank upto first class.

Instead of the tenderfoot badge now on adult position patches there was first class badge.

See http://www.sageventure.com/history/early_badges/index.htm