Patrol Meetings                     Patrol Activities                     Patrol Spirit
               Patrol Representation         Patrol Leader Functions
                                                 Patrol Leader Tips

Patrol meetingsmay be held at any time and place.     Many troops set aside a portion of each troop meeting for its patrols to gather. Patrol meetings should be well-planned and business-like. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made for each patrol member.

Patrol activities can take place within framework of the troop, or patrol. Patrols may conduct separate day hikes, service projects and etc., provided the Scoutmaster approves and provided the patrol activity does not interfere with any troop function.

Patrol spirit is the glue that holds the patrol together and keeps it going. Building this spirit takes time. It is shaped by by experiences, both good and bad. Common adventures can pull the patrol together.  Patrol identity and traditions will help build each patrol members sense of belonging.  Every patrol should have a patrol flag, name, and yell.  Ideally they should have a separate meeting location and have a specialty, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.

Patrol representation is provided by the  patrol leader, who is a member of the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) and who serves as the voice of the patrol.  He presents the ideas and concerns of the patrol, and in turn shares the decisions of the patrol leaders’ council with his patrol.”

When accepting the position of patrol leader, a boy agrees to provide service and leadership to the patrol and the troop. It includes:

• Planning and leading patrol meetings and activities.
• Keeping patrol members informed.
• Assigning each patrol member specific duties.
• Representing the patrol.
• Preparing the patrol to participate in troop activities.
• Working with other leaders to make the troop run well.
• Knowing the abilities of each patrol member.
• Setting a good example.
• Wearing the Scout uniform correctly.
• Living up to the Scout Oath and Law.
• Showing and developing patrol spirit.

      The following are ten tips for being a good patrol leader:

1. Keep your word.  Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
2. Be fair to all and don’t show favorites.
3. Be a good communicator.  Step out front and say “Let’s go.”
4. Be flexible. Not all will go as planned.  Prepare to shift to plan B.
5. Be organized.  Time spent planning will be time saved later. Keep a record of who agrees to do each task, and fill out a duty roster before going to camp.
6. Delegate jobs. Empower your patrol members to try new tasks.
7. Set an example.  Lead by example, and therefore be cheerful and your patrol will be cheerful.
8. Be consistent. Don’t be one way one moment, and another way the next.  It will lead to a positive response from your patrol members.
9. Give praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away! Say good job, nice job, or that is a job well done.
10. Ask for help.  Ask someone with more experience.

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