Lord Baden-Powell once said, The patrol method is not
just a way that the scout troop can function, but is
"the only way that a scout troop can function properly."
Patrol size will depend upon a troop's
enrollment and the needs of its members, though an ideal
patrol size is eight Scouts. Patrols with fewer than
eight Scouts should try to recruit new members to get
their patrol size up to the ideal number.
A patrol
is a group of boys of similar age, rank, or common
interest. By using the
patrol method it allows Scouts to interact in a small
group outside the larger troop context. Scout in a
patrol work together as a team and share the
responsibility of making their patrol a success. A
patrol takes pride in its identity, and the members
strive to make their patrol the best it can be. Patrols
will sometimes join with other patrols to learn skills
and complete advancement requirements. At other times
they will compete against those same patrols in Scout
skills and athletic competitions.
Each patrol will elect one of its members to serve as
Patrol Leader. The troop determines the requirements for
patrol leaders, such as rank and age. To give more
youths the opportunity to lead, most Troop 219 elects
patrol leaders twice a year.
Some troops may have elections more
often.
Types of Patrols
There are three kinds of patrols:
new-Scout patrols, regular patrols, and Venture patrols.
New-Scout patrols
are for 11-year-old Scouts who have recently joined the
troop and are together for the first year in the troop.
An older, experienced Scout often is assigned as a troop
guide to help the new-Scout patrol through the
challenges of troop membership. An assistant Scoutmaster
should also assist the new-Scout patrol to ensure that
each Scout has every opportunity to succeed right from
the start.
Regular patrols
are made up of Scouts who have completed their First
Class requirements. They have been around Scouting long
enough to be comfortable with the patrol and troop
operation and are well-versed in camping, cooking, and
Scouting's other basic skills.
Venture patrol
is an optional patrol within the troop made up of Scouts
age 13 and older. These troop members have the maturity
and experience to take part in more challenging
high-adventure outings. The Venture patrol elects a
patrol leader, who works with an assistant Scoutmaster
to put the patrol's plans into action.
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Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings may be held at any time
and place. Many troops set aside a portion of each troop
meeting for its patrols to gather. Others encourage
patrols to meet on a different evening at the home of a
patrol member. The frequency of patrol meetings is
determined by upcoming events and activities that
require planning and discussion.
Patrol meetings should be
well-planned and businesslike. Typically, the
patrol leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe
collects dues, and the assistant patrol leader reports
on advancement. The patrol leader should report any
information from the latest patrol leaders' council
meeting. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to
planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments
made to each patrol member.
Patrol Activities
Most patrol activities take place within
the framework of the troop. However, patrols may also
conduct day hikes and service projects independent of
the troop, as long as they follow two rules:
Patrol Spirit
Patrol spirit is the glue that holds the
patrol together and keeps it going. Building patrol
spirit takes time, because it is shaped by a patrol's
experiences—good and bad. Often misadventures such as
enduring a thunderstorm or getting lost in the woods
will contribute much in pulling a patrol together. Many
other elements also will help build patrol spirit.
Creating a patrol identity and traditions will help
build each patrol member's sense of belonging. Every
patrol needs a good name. Usually, the patrol chooses
its name from nature, a plant or animal, or something
that makes the patrol unique. A patrol might choose an
object for its outstanding quality. For example, sharks
are strong swimmers and buffaloes love to roam. The
patrol may want to add an adjective to spice up the
patrol name, such as the Soaring Hawks or the
Rambunctious Raccoons.
A patrol flag is the patrol's trademark,
and it should be a good one. Have a competition to see
who comes up with the best design and who is the best
artist. Make the flag out of a heavy canvas and use
permanent markers to decorate it. In addition to the
patrol name, the patrol flag should have the troop
number on it as well as the names of all the patrol
members. Mount the flag on a pole, which also can be
decorated. Remember, the patrol flag should go wherever
the patrol goes.
Every patrol has a patrol yell, which
should be short and snappy. Choose words that fit the
patrol's goals. Use the yell to announce to other
patrols that your patrol is ready to eat or has won a
patrol competition. Some patrols also have a patrol
song.
Other patrol traditions include printing
the patrol logo on the chuck box and other patrol
property. Many troops designate patrol corners somewhere
in the troop meeting room; patrols may decorate their
corner in their own special way. Some patrols like to
specialize in doing something extremely well, such as
cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.
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The Patrol Leaders'
Council
Troop 219's PLC meets on the third
Wednesday of each month.
As a patrol leader, you are a member of
the patrol leaders' council, and you serve as the voice
of your patrol members. You should present the ideas and
concerns of your patrol and in turn share the decisions
of the patrol leaders' council with your patrol members.
The Patrol Leaders' Council is made up of the Senior
Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings; the
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, all Patrol Leaders, and
the Troop Guide. The Patrol Leaders' Council plans the
yearly troop program at the annual troop program
planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune
the plans for the
Your Duties as Patrol Leader
When you accepted the position of patrol
leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to
your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this
responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun
and rewarding. As a patrol leader, you are expected to
do the following:
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Plan and lead patrol meetings and
activities.
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Keep patrol members informed.
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Assign each patrol member a specific
duty.
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Represent your patrol at all patrol
leaders' council meetings and the annual program
planning conference.
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Prepare the patrol to participate in
all troop activities.
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Work with other troop leaders to make
the troop run well.
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Know the abilities of each patrol
member.
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Set a good example.
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Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
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Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
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Show and develop patrol spirit.
Tips for the Patrol Leader
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