A Patrol Leader’s Guide Part 1

Patrols

Patrols are the most basic unit in Scouting. Added together, they form a troop. Think of a troop as a collection of patrols. This very different than thinking of a troop being divided into patrols.

Patrol have their own identity—a name, a flag, their own yells, etc. Their is designated time at each troop meeting for patrols to meet on their own, but they should also meet outside of troop meetings. Patrols can even plan their own activities and go on their own campouts.

The Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the patrol’s key leader. They represent their patrol at monthly meetings of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) and our annual program planning conference, and keep patrol members informed of the decisions made at these meetings. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities; it is the responsibility of the patrol leader to ensure their patrol is prepared to participate in all troop activities.

Patrol leaders keep their patrol motivated and focused on their common goals so they can work together to get things done. Most importantly, they set a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure all patrol members are heard, included, and respected

  • Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities

  • Represent your patrol at PLC meetings and the annual program planning conference

    1. Come prepared with Patrol members’ needs, interests, and feedback

    2. Keep patrol members informed of decisions

  • Delegate responsibilities

    1. Make sure your assistant patrol leader has meaningful responsibilities

    2. Assign each patrol member a specific duty on outings

  • Work with other troop leaders to help the troop run well

    1. Ensure your patrol as fully RSVPed to all activities

    2. Prepare your patrol to participate in all troop activities

    3. Know the abilities of each patrol member

  • Set a good example

    1. Attend at least 75% of meetings and activities

    2. Wear the Scout uniform correctly

    3. Live by the Scout Oath and Law

    4. Show and develop patrol spirit

 

Patrol Leader Resources

 
Christopher Simmons
Christopher Simmons is a Canadian-born, San Francisco–based designer, writer, design advocate and educator. He also loves hamburgers. As principal and creative director of MINE™, Simmons designs and directs brand and communication design projects for clients ranging from Facebook, Microsoft, and Simon & Schuster, to the Nature Conservancy, SFMOMA and Obama for America. His work has been exhibited internationally at galleries and museums, including the Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art, the Pasadena Museum of California Art and the Museum of Craft and Design; it is also included in the permanent design archives of the Denver Art Museum. In addition to writing for design publications and blogs (including two of his own), Simmons is the author of four books—the most recent of which, Just Design, focuses on design for social change. Simmons served as president of the San Francisco chapter of AIGA from 2004–2006 and founded San Francisco Design Week, prompting then-mayor Gavin Newsom to issue an official proclamation declaring San Francisco a city where “Design Makes a Difference.” Simmons was recently named one of the “50 Most influential designers working today.”
http://www.christophersimmons.is
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