The Patrol Method

• "Never do for Scouts what they can do for themselves!"

Scout Patrol

A group of Australian Scouts hike along a fire trail in a national park.

Each troop is divided into patrols of around five to ten Scouts. A patrol's independence from the troop varies among troops and between activities. For instance, a troop typically holds ordinary meetings as a unit. Patrols' autonomy becomes more visible at campouts, where each patrol may set up its own area for cooking and camping. However, on a high adventure trip which only a small part of the troop attends, divisions between patrols may disappear entirely. Patrols may hold meetings and even excursions separately from the rest of the troop, but this is more common in some troops than in others. Each patrol has a Patrol Leader (PL) or Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). Some troops mix older and younger Scouts in the same patrols, so that the older Scouts can teach the younger ones more effectively, other troops group Scouts by age, so that the members of one patrol have more in common.

Patrol Method Examples

Examples that you might have it wrong:

• Court of Honor: Adults show up 15 minutes early and scurry about setting up the room, chair, flags, refreshments, decorations, etc.

Resources

Handbook For Boys 1953

Here are some excerpts from the BSA HANDBOOK FOR BOYS (Fifth Edition, 1953)…

“You do your part in the Patrol when you do your best to live up to the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Motto and Slogan. This makes you a better Scout yourself, and you set an example for others. When they see that you are living up to the spirit of Scouting, you help them to be better Patrol members.

“You do your part in the Patrol at meetings, hikes, and camping trips. You may be selected for a Patrol job: such as Patrol Leader or Assistant, Scribe, Treasurer, Cheer Leader, or Hikemaster; or may help the Scout who has one of these jobs.

“”You may know where a Patrol Good Turn is needed, and help to carry it through.

“You may think of a new kind of hike…or a new place to go.

“Patrol activities are decided upon by all members of the Patrol.

“When you have learned a few Scouting skills…you can help your Patrol Leader train other Scouts in your Patrol. This will help you too, for there is nothing like teaching others to help you learn a subject yourself.

“A Patrol is a group who are good friends and who can work and play together as a team. (Your Patrol) has a name, its own officers, and much of the fun you find in Scouting will be with…your Patrol.”

See Also

• Ask Andy About Patrols - NetCommissioner Ep #589.