Bugler - a Real Leader

Of all the Leadership Positions in a troop that a scout can hold for Star and Life advancement, I suppose Bugler must be the one with the least amount of obvious leadership potential. A scout playing the role of bugler might just toot the bugle at a couple campouts and that's all. But, if a scoutmaster really wants scouts to demonstrate leadership as they advance in rank, bugler can include some meaningful responsibilities that give the scout opportunity to grow his leadership skills.
For example, the bugler supports the troop in these ways in our troop:

• Practice bugling so he is prepared when called on - improve his bugling skills
• Sound Taps, Reveille, and Assembly at troop campouts - two or more bugling events each campout. He is responsible to wake up first and ensure the troop is roused on time.
• Sound appropriate calls at Courts of Honor and other assemblies as directed by SPL - usually for presentation and retirement of colors.
• Recruit and prepare a back-up bugler for events that he can not attend - ensure the duties are performed by a replacement.
• Maintain the troop bugle - our troop has a very special bugle with a history. It is passed from bugler to bugler and needs to be cleaned and polished.
• Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law - a standard responsibility of all the troop leadership positions.
• Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months - the troop's chosen term of office

These responsibilities require a scout to be prepared and able to play a bugle so there may be a small number of scouts able to hold this position. When the bugler is in front of the troop, parents, and guests at troop gatherings, all eyes are on him and he leads everyone in the ceremony being conducted. Even though he may never say a word in his duties, his leadership comes forth in his attitude, uniforming, and music.