Patrol System

Patrols need to meet regularly to get their work done. Most Troops set aside part of their weekly meetings for patrol breakouts and sometimes they call that Patrol Corners. Others encourage patrols to meet outside the Troop meeting either just before or after the Troop meeting, or at a different time or place. Perhaps on a Sunday afternoon at the patrol leader’s home. But whenever or wherever a patrol meets, it should be well planned and business like just like a Troop meeting. Typically a patrol leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe collects dues, the assistant patrol leader reports on advancement, and a patrol leader reports on what happened at the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting. The bulk of the meeting is then devoted to planning upcoming outings. Other work can include designing a patrol flag, outfitting patrol box, or especially new Scout patrols working on advancement requirements. It’s also a good idea to save some time for fun. That’s what Scouting is all about.

 

Below are some common Q's and A's on the Scout Patrols.

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What is the patrol method?

The patrol’s a small team of eight or so Scouts, and it’s more than organizational convenience or a Scout version of the Cub Scout den. It’s the place where boys learn skills together, take on leadership responsibilities, perhaps for the first time, and develop friendships that will last over a lifetime.

 

What are the three types of patrols?

New Scout patrol: That might be a patrol of brand new Scouts who just moved up from a Webelos den, or it might be a group from a recruiting night that all joined together where they learn some basic skills as they join the troop.

 

Traditional patrols: These are Scouts in that middle age group that are about the same age, have some similar interests and they work together to do things and learn advancement together.

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Older Scout patrol: These are Scouts, say 14 years and older, who have been in the patrol for a while and have moved up into troop leadership positions.

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How are patrol meetings different from troop meetings?

Some troops hold patrol meetings during their regular troop meetings. Others encourage patrols to meet on their own time, perhaps on a Sunday afternoon at the patrol leader’s home.

 

What are some ideas for patrol meetings?

There are several good ideas and these include:

• Have the patrol leader report on what happened at the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting

• Plan upcoming outings, including food menus

• ​Design patrol flag

• Outfit and clean patrol box

• Work on advancement requirements

• Play a game or have fun in some way

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Can patrols do activities outside of the troop, other than meet?

Yes. Patrols can have their own day activities, such as a service project, or working on advancement, or merit badges. If they go overnight, they need to have adult supervision, but they can do lots of things on their own. Service projects are a great thing for patrols to do.

 

What’s patrol spirit?

Patrol spirit starts with the patrol name, which members choose and says something about them. Patrols develop a totem, a yell, a song, or whatever they want to do. Patrols should create and do things that make all members feel part of a team.

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What does the patrol leader do?

• ​Plans, organizes, conducts patrol meetings activities.

• Represents the patrol as a member of the patrol leader’s council.

• Keeps patrol members informed about upcoming events and deadlines.

• Encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements

• Sets a good example by living up to the Scout Oath and Law.