Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout Troop. A Patrol is a small group (6 to 8 boys is the ideal size) of boys who work together as a team to make the Patrol a success (this is the foundation of the “Patrol Method”). Each Patrol has a name and should develop a Patrol yell, Patrol flag and other things that give the Patrol its own identity. In Troop 412 the Patrols sit together during meetings and are assigned responsibilities for various parts of the meeting such as the opening, the closing and pre-meeting set up. The Scouts also plan their participation in Troop campouts as Patrols. Similarly they tent, cook and eat as Patrols.
In addition, Troop equipment such as tents and stoves are assigned to each Patrol. The Patrol is responsible for making sure that this equipment is available for its use at the campout, and may require working with the Quartermaster or other parties. Failure to meet these responsibilities may well result in a weekend out under the stars with out the benefit of a tent or cold meals without the benefit of a stove! As Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement once observed, “The object of the Patrol Method is not as much saving the Scoutmaster trouble as to give responsibility to the boy.”
In Troop 412 we have decided that each Patrol should consist of Scouts of diverse ages. We believe that this contributes to the “Boy Run Troop” concept. This Patrol organization creates another opportunity for boys to teach and mentor other boys. It also presents more opportunities for leadership and helps to provide continuity in the Troop Program and Scout skills over time. In addition, it gives the older Scouts a sense of ownership in their own organization.
First year Scouts, as they reach the rank of First Class, are assigned (via the Senior Patrol Leader, and the Scoutmaster) to existing Patrols in the early Spring after they have had a year to become familiar with the Troop’s program and the basics of Troop camping through the Troop’s First Year Scouting Program.
Parental input may be solicited to assist the Scoutmaster in assigning the first year Scouts to more permanent Patrols.
After Scouts reach their 5th year in the Troop, they will be allowed to form their own Patrol or join an existing ‘Venture Patrol’. This allows them to ‘kick back’ a bit and perform an advisory role in the Troop.
Other Patrol functions (on a rotating basis) include (but are not limited to): responsibility for setup and takedown of chairs and other equipment used for the Troop functions; performing opening and closing ceremonies of Troop meetings; and responsibility for loading and unloading of the trailer used for the transport of the Troop equipment to a campout.
The members of each Patrol elect one of their own to serve as their Patrol Leader. Troop 412 conducts elections twice a year for the purpose of electing Patrol Leaders. In some cases, the Senior Patrol Leader may appoint the Patrol Leaders.
Other Scouts may be assigned to Positions of Responsibility for the Troop according to their abilities, interests, and needs of the Troop. The elections for Senior Patrol Leader take place once a year. Scouts who are interesting in running for Senior Patrol Leader should approach the Scoutmaster and express their interest, and be prepared to discuss their qualifications and goals.
Becoming a Patrol Leader is often a Scout’s first opportunity to develop practical leadership skills. His responsibilities include taking a leading role in planning and conducting the Patrol’s participation in Troop activities, encouraging other Patrol members to complete advancement requirements; representing the Patrol as a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council, and being sure that the Patrol arrives at Troop Campouts with the appropriate equipment and groceries. The Patrol may also elect other leaders such as an Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Quartermaster.
The Patrol Leaders’ Council consists of the Patrol Leaders, The Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and perhaps some other positions of responsibility, at the discretion of the Senior Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders’ Council plans and runs the Troop’s Program and activities and gives long-range direction with an annual program planning meeting that lays out the Troop’s calendar for the coming year. The Patrol Leaders’ Council reviews and evaluates the Troop’s most recent activity, plans the next month’s activity and plans the Troop meetings for the next month.
In Troop 412 the Patrol Leaders’ Council meets at least once a month, typically the Monday following a Troop campout. |
