“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

The Patrol is a group of Scouts who belong to a Troop and who are similar in age, development, and interests. The Patrol Method allows Scouts to interact in a small group outside the larger Troop context, working together as a team and sharing the responsibility of making their Patrol a success. A Patrol takes pride in its identity, and the members strive to make their Patrol the best it can be. Patrols will sometimes join with other Patrols to learn skills and complete advancement requirements. At other times they will compete against those same Patrols in Scout skills and athletic competitions.

The members of each Patrol elect one of their own to serve as Patrol Leader. 

Patrol size depends upon a Troop’s enrollment and the needs of its members, though an ideal patrol size is eight to ten Scouts. 

THE PATROL METHOD

As a member of a patrol, Scouts have opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else. Unlike a sports team, a Scout patrol carries out a wide range of tasks that require pooling resources and working together to function successfully in all kinds of circumstances.

For most Scouts, being in a patrol is the first time they have to rely upon themselves and others around their age to follow an array of necessary steps to satisfy objectives that requires a wide range of life skills.

Like any team, a patrol will function well only as long as all the particular responsibilities pertaining to the completion of a task are carried out successfully. Because of its size, this gives every member an opportunity to participate, and this in itself results in some positive outcomes. Making a contribution to the patrol’s success provides a welcome sense of belonging, of being appreciated, and a feeling of competency resulting in self esteem.

As an illustration, let’s take the example of preparing a dinner on a campout. To accomplish this undertaking effectively, all members of the patrol get to plan the menu and duty roster under the direction of their Patrol Leader.  The duty roster assigns each member of the patrol a specific responsibility like:

• Shopping for the food.
• Getting the water for cooking and cleaning
• Preparing the fire or setup the stoves
• Cooking the meal
• Leading the blessing
• Serving the food
• Cleaning up after the meal

Patrol activities require cooperation, sharing responsibilities and leadership, working for the collective good, and putting skills into action. The patrol method models good citizenship and develops servant leadership.

ORGANIZING PATROLS

There are many different ways that controls can be organized.  Patrol members can all be the same age or of different ages

When a single Scout joins the Troop, they are assigned to an existing Patrol (usually to balance the number of patrol members).  When a large new group of Scouts join the Troop, they form a new patrol and elect a Patrol Leader.  An older Scout, called a Troop Guide, works with the Scouts to help them get acclimated to Scouting and to reach the rank of First Class.

The Scoutmaster also assigns each Patrol an Assistant Scoutmaster to act as a patrol advisor. The patrol advisor advises and supports the patrol leader and Troop Guide but does not take over his responsibilities in any way.

In Troop 457, Scouts stay together in the same patrol throughout their time in the troop.  In rare circumstances, patrols may be adjusted or dissolved if a majority of Troop members vote in favor of the change.

PATROL ACTIVITIES

Patrols are encouraged to meet regularly and participate in activities together. 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.

Patrols are also encouraged to conduct regular patrol meetings (typically a part of the Troop meeting). Patrol meetings should be well-planned and businesslike. The Patrol Leader typically runs these meetings which discuss:

• Patrol Member’s advancement needs
• Report any information from the latest Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting
• Planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made to each Patrol member.

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 which the members choose when the patrol is formed. 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.

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 Patrol property. Some Patrols like to specialize in doing something extremely well, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.