Boy Scouting: The Patrol Method

The Scout Method An informal educational system Its aim is character training helping Scouts become independent and helpful It uses the outdoors and fun activities to generate challenges to be solved by Scouts to help them learn This “hands on” method provides practical learning and experience

The Patrol System An essential building block of Scouting Unique to Boy Scouts Boys in this age range naturally gravitate to “gangs” of peers Patrols are groups of 6 to 8 boys in a Troop

Reasons for the Patrol System 1.Friends 2.Small Size 3.Responsibility 4.Frees up the adults 5.Democratic 6.It is what works

Autonomy and Leadership Patrols are boy led Allows Scouts to group with friends A small group can get things done Encourages teamwork and problem solving Provides a reasonable size group to learn leadership skills and the concept of shared leadership

Leadership Scouts are trained in leadership (JLT, etc) The Patrol Leader is elected by the members of the patrol The patrol does its own planning and implementing Adults are available to advise and intervene when essential but not to lead The Patrol Leader represents the patrol at the Patrol Leaders Council to plan for the Troop

Leadership Scout learn to work together Scouts learn to problem solve Scouts can also learn by failing sometimes Scouts learn to lead Scouts learn to follow Friendships and fun come from this Scouts learn to become responsible, self- reliant and independent

Meets Developmental Needs Boys in this age range seek to: –Expand their boundaries –Expand their independence –Form affinity groups (peer families) – to belong –Function in affinity groups –Expand their responsibility and authority

Forming Patrols New Scouts should be organized into patrols of 6-8 peers –Similar in age, development, and interests Assign an Assistant SM to work with this patrol as they start up SM & SPL to train the new patrol The Troop Guide and Instructor are assigned as mentors and resources The new patrol should be independent within months although the Guide and Instructor are still available for them

Maintaining Patrols What size of a patrol a problem? What if the new Scouts group is not large enough for a patrol? What if a patrol gets below “critical mass”? What a patrol gets too large? What about the Senior patrol(s) and age- outs?

Resources The Scoutmaster Handbook Junior Leader Handbook Boy Scout Leader Training Junior Leader Training Roundtables and peers in other Troops Wood Badge