The Patrol Method
Background
Within the larger community of Troop 271, the Patrol is a Scout’s “family
circle”. Often made up of boys who are close in age and experience level, each
patrol helps its members develop a sense of pride and identity. The Patrol is
the building blocks of the troop. Take time to review the Organizational Chart
of the Troop either on the Troop website or get a copy from the Scoutmaster.
New Scout Patrol
When new Scouts join Troop 271, they are formed into a New Scout Patrol. They
will be appointed a Troop Guide (TG) by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). With the
TG providing guidance, they plan what they want to do and take part in the Troop
outings and meetings just like other patrols. They are helped by an Assistant
Scoutmaster (ASM) who adds support. After reaching Tenderfoot rank, the New
Scout Patrol members shall be integrated into the regular patrols.
Regular Patrol
- Patrol Leader (PL). The boys themselves shall elect their PL. The PL
shall select an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). The details of the election
and their responsibilities can be found in the Leadership Development
section.
- Patrol Members. The boys divide up the jobs to be done and share in the
satisfaction of accepting and fulfilling group responsibilities. The
responsibilities of each Patrol member shall include:
- Helping the patrol prepare to participate in all troop activities.
- Informing the PL about your abilities and how you could be involved
in patrol and troop activities.
- Carrying out specific tasks that your PL assigns you.
- Working with others to make the patrol go.
- Expressing ideas and concerns to your PL so he can have input for
the planning and operation of the patrol.
- Continuing to work on advancement.
- Having a positive attitude, wearing the Scout uniform, showing
patrol spirit, expecting the best from yourself and others, and living
up to the Scout Oath and Law.
Patrol Name
Every Patrol shall have a name.
Patrol Flag
Every Patrol shall have a flag and stand. The Patrol shall bring the flag to
the Troop meetings, Summer Camps, Camporees, and other official Boy Scout
events.
Patrol Emblem
Each member of a patrol shall wear the patrol emblem on the right sleeve of
their Scout shirts.
Patrol Yell
Each patrol shall have a Patrol yell.
Size
Your patrol shall be a team of 6 to 8 boys (Scout Handbook, Chapter 2, Your
Patrol and Troop, page17, 1998). Troop 271 limits the total membership to 10.
This is just the right size for outdoors adventures. Only a few tents and a
couple of stoves are needed for this size group to practice leave-no-trace
camping.
Patrol Meetings
Troop 271 believes that Patrols are such an important part of Scouting that,
in lieu of a Troop Meeting, we sets aside one Tuesday a month for patrol
meetings. Every patrol meeting should be well planned and business-like. An
agenda might look like this:
- Call the meeting to order – Patrol Leader
- Collect dues, if any – Patrol Scribe
- Report on advancement – Assistant Patrol Leader
- Report from the latest PLC and other information – Patrol Leader
- Planning upcoming outings and troop activities – Patrol Leader
- Assigned specific tasks – Each Scout in Patrol
- Planning upcoming patrol activities – Patrol Leader
- Hikes, overnighters, service projects, etc.
If a Patrol plans an independent activity outside of the troop activities,
two rules shall apply:
- The SM approves the patrol activity.
- The patrol activity does not interfere with any troop functions.
The Patrol Method at Troop Meetings
Patrols have the opportunities at troop meeting to meet together, to learn as
a team, and to share what they know. Whether they serve as the honor guard
during the opening flag ceremony, as the presenters of a Scouting skill, or as
the organizers of a game or activity, every patrol can contribute to every troop
meeting. Troop meetings offer ideal settings for patrols to take part in
contests and competitions that test their abilities and their expertise at
cooperating with one another.
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