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:
The Scoutmaster approves the activity.
The patrol activity does not interfere with any
troop function.
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.
Click here for a complete listing
of patrol names.
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.
The Patrol Leaders' Council
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 upcoming month.
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:
