Patrols

“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting can be carried on. It is the only method.”

—Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s founder

A significant part of the Scouting experience is to get plenty of HANDS ON activity. From knot tying, to cooking on a fire and stove, to learning how to use a pocket knife or axe… Scouts “DO“.

In order to make sure everyone gets a chance to DO, scouts are divided into smaller groups within the Troop so that everyone gets ample opportunity to participate. This is part of what the BSA calls, “The Patrol Method”.

Troop 279 currently operates three permanent Scout patrols (Monkey, Stallion, and Panther) and several transitory patrols (Phoenix, Ace, Sasquatch). A dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) mentors each patrol. Patrol Leaders (PLs) then run their patrols according to the patrol method. Each PL often delegates tasks to their self-appointed staff, including an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). All PLs report to the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), who runs the troop.

The Monkey, Stallion and Panther patrols are the Troop’s permanent patrols. These patrols are “tweaked” each spring at the Troop’s Court of Honor, to help ensure the makeup of each patrol contains scouts of similar age, talent and interests. At the same time (at the spring COH), the scouts of each patrols have the opportunity to personalize their patrol’s identity (i.e. Funky Monkeys, Prancing Ponies, Thunder Cats, etc.). In addition to the three permanent patrols, the troop also deploys several transitory patrols, including the Phoenix, Ace, and Sasquatch patrols.

The Phoenix is a temporary patrol(s), designed for new scout integration. Depending on number of new Scouts, the troop may establish up to two Phoenix Patrols: the Fire Phoenix Patrol; and the Ice Phoenix Patrol. In addition to the dedicated ASM mentor, a Troop Guide and/or will develop and prepare the Phoenix patrol(s) to enter one of the permanent patrols at the spring Court of Honor.

The Ace Patrol is established for Eagle Scouts that have not yet turned 18.  Scouts in this patrol are also assigned as Junior Assistant Scoutmasters.  Typically this patrol has limited membership and the exemplary scouts in this patrol are usually attached to other patrols during outings and events.

The Sasquatch (a.k.a. “Never Seen”) Patrol is reserved for currently registered scouts that are not active in the troop.  By establishing a Sasquatch Patrol, it allows the troop to maintain communications and a connection with all our scouts, while helping to populate our permanent patrols with only active scouts.

The last patrol in the troop is the Old Buzzards Patrol, which is assigned for the adult leadership. On outings the Old Buzzards functions just the same as any other patrol (i.e. setting up camp, cooking, activities, etc.), to help demonstrate that the patrol method works at ALL levels.

Below are five patrol method fundamentals that Troop 279 tries to instill to help our Scouts achieve the aims of Scouting:

Forming Patrols

Patrols are made of scouts of SIMILAR AGE, ABILITY, and INTERESTS. Baden-Powell said ‘six to eight’ is a pretty good rule of thumb for patrol size. We’ve found that 10-12 scouts per patrol is more practical due to the busy schedules of today’s youth.  By having slightly larger patrols, it helps to ensures that each patrol will maintain 6-8 scouts attending each outing.

Real Free-Handed Responsibility

Patrol leaders must have actual, ‘free-handed’ responsibility. They must be allowed to think and plan for their patrol. This is a delicate business. Too much training, mentoring and oversight will smother the flame of initiative. …but, feed the fire slowly! Partial responsibility will only bring partial results.

Independent, Distinct and Autonomous Patrols

Patrols need to stand on their own. They need their own identity. This extends to every aspect of the program. When camping each patrol has their own area, their own food, their own leadership and their own program.

Emulation and Competition between Patrols

Spirited, good-natured competition among the Patrols helps patrol Spirit grow and flourish. Games and contests among patrols build individual as well as group character. Scouts realize that their individual contribution adds to the scout’s patrol honor and spirit.

Green Bar Participation

Everything the patrol does is driven by the Green Bar (a.k.a. patrol leader’s council), exercising real authority and decision making in choosing and preparing for activities based on the goals of Scouting.