Welcome to Troop 283
Welcome to Troop 283,
As an Assistant Scout Master you will have many exciting opportunities, new adventures and just plain fun as you guide and mentor the boys of Troop 283 through the Scouting Program.
One of your first and most important roles will be that of guiding a Patrol from their first day as Boy Scouts until they can stand on their own as a highly functioning unit within the Troop. To do this you too will need guidance and understanding of the Patrol Method and how it works in Troop 283. The information that follows as well as all the materials and information in your Patrol-in-a-Box kit will ensure that you are successful in your endeavor. I and your fellow Assistant Scoutmasters will also be here to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for stepping up to this important role and thank you for guiding the scouts as they form a Patrol and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Now let’s get you trained and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Thank you,
Rob Houts
Scoutmaster Troop 283
The Patrol
The patrol is a group of Scouts who belong to a troop and who are probably 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.
What the Patrol Method is
The patrol method is working when the adult acts as a guide, mentor, and counselor to the youth, helping them by word and example to lead one another, to influence one another, to encourage competition and excitement so that the boys grow as a group and as individuals. In 1920, Baden-Powel consolidated notes he had assembled on the training of boys through Scouting and published them as Aids to Scoutmastership. He wrote,
“The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations, and where the System if properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. It cannot help itself! The formation of the boys into Patrols of six to eight and training them as separate units each under its own responsible leader is the key to a good Troop.”
The Patrol is the unit of the Troop for work, play, discipline and service. An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on to the individual. This is immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to lead his Patrol. It is up to him to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his Patrol. It sounds like a large task, but in practice it works. Then, as the various Patrols see each other working together as a Troop, you produce a Patrol spirit which infuses pride in the program throughout the Troop. Each boy in the Patrol realizes that he is himself a responsible unit and that the honor of his Patrol and Troop depends to some degree on his own ability and commitment to the Program.
Enthusiasm is contagious
In Patrols that are working, you see enthusiasm among the youth—and adults. If the youth are enthusiastic, they care which Patrol they belong to. (Just try to switch them to another one!) They have yells, their meetings start on time, and everyone is excited about being there. Uniforming is an important part of the process and is consistent and neat. There is pride in belonging. Participation is consistent and high.
We foster Patrol commitment by encouraging a high-spirited experience. Patrols are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and “Do their best” to accomplish new skills and participate in new experiences. These skills and experiences are often times their own reward, and the boy learns quickly this reward is the best kind.
When you come right down to it, Patrol spirit and the Patrol method are joined at the hip. The Patrol method does not work without the invigorating tonic of Patrol spirit. As Baden-Powell pointed out, the way to create Patrol spirit is through "emulation and competition." The adult leaders' most important job is to create an environment that fosters youth's natural desire to do their best and in the process, better themselves.
How does the Patrol System work in Troop 283?
A Patrol will be formed in Troop 283 as new scouts join, typically after crossing over from Cub Scouts. This Patrol should be between 6-10 boys. Each Patrol will have an adult Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) to oversee and guide its development. Ideally it will also have a Troop Guide from one of the senior patrols. This patrol will in most cases resemble the Den of scouts from one Pack and may have a few boys from other Packs depending on the number of scouts available.
A new Scout Patrol must accomplish several things in its first few months with the troop. These include the following:
1) Patrol Name
2) Patrol Flag
3) Patrol Yell
4) Patrol Member Duties
These items form the foundation of a great Patrol one that is FUN and effective. Before one can accomplish the above items it is important to know exactly what is meant by each and who is overseeing these beginning stages. Once these steps are complete the patrol begins to form its identity and plan its meetings, outings, service projects and campouts. There is also an opportunity to be properly trained so each member can be as effective as possible in his given role.
Assistant Scoutmaster
The ASM who guides and mentors the boys through the developing stage of the Patrol is typically one of the parents of one of the boys in the Patrol. This adult will be trained to understand the Patrol Method and will know how to help their boys succeed. They too may be new to the process, but the training provided and the support of senior troop leadership will ensure a smooth ride as the Patrol forms. This ASM is the key voice between the scouts and the parents to make sure everyone knows what is going on and when it is happening. It is critical for retention and participation that a clear line of communication takes place between the ASM and each family. The ASM will also join the other ASM’s and be engaged in guiding and delivering the Troop Program to all the boys across the various meetings and outings.
Troop Guide
The Troop Guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new Scout Patrol. He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. He helps the Patrol Leader of the new Scout Patrol in much the same way the Scoutmaster works with the Senior Patrol Leader to provide direction, coaching and support.
Implementation
The ASM and Troop Guide use the tools of the Patrol to mentor the Patrol Method to the boys. Although Troop 283 is a boy-lead troop, they must first be guided in the ways of the Patrol Method so they can lead effectively and correctly. The information laid out in the following pages ensures that the Patrol succeeds as do all of the boys leading it. There is also a basic framework for how this information could be delivered to the boys.
Patrol Name
This is the name the boys give their Patrol. Every patrol needs a good name. 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.
Patrol Flag
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 the best artist is. 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. It is also important to design a stand to hold the flag during meetings and campouts.
Patrol Yell
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.
Patrol Member Duties
Patrol Leader
The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as patrol leader. To give more youths the opportunity to lead, Troop 283 elects patrol leaders twice a year. The first election of a Patrol Leader will be held after the Patrol has had a chance to form, meet as a patrol multiple times and develop the items mentioned above. By waiting to elect a leader the boys are given time to better understand the process and decide if they would like to be Patrol Leader. The election will typically coincide with Troop Elections.
Once elected a Patrol Leader will be part of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The PLC is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Scribe, Troop Quartermaster, and other senior troop leadership. It also includes a Patrol Leader from each Patrol. The PLC is responsible for helping to create and implement the Troop Program, including meetings and outings. They also communicate to the troop all necessary information regarding upcoming events.
The Patrol leader also assigns various duties to other members of the Patrol. Depending on the size of the Patrol not all boys may have a duty; however these duties may rotate throughout the Patrol Leaders term. Duties include Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, Quartermaster, Grubmaster, Cheermaster, Outings Chair, and Service Chair.
They work with the APL and patrol as a whole to plan quarterly Patrol campouts. This includes finding the location and planning the activities and duties for the campout.
Assistant Patrol Leader
The assistant patrol leader takes charge of the patrol whenever the Patrol Leader is not available. He should be a strong ally for the Patrol Leader, someone who can be relied upon to help the patrol move forward. He will be kept fully informed about what is going on with the patrol and can be used as a sounding board when the Patrol Leader must make tough decisions. The duties of the Assistant Patrol leader include:
• Assist the patrol leader in planning and chairing patrol meetings.
• Lend a hand in leading patrol activities and building patrol spirit.
• Help the patrol prepare for troop activities.
• Assist the scribe in keeping current the advancement records of patrol members. Monitor the advancement progress of patrol members.
• Represent the patrol at patrols leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend.
• Set a good example. • Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.
In addition, the assistant patrol leader may be given special assignments such as working on a patrol service project or assisting certain patrol members with their advancement.
Patrol Quartermaster
The patrol quartermaster is responsible for the patrol equipment. He maintains inventory of all of the patrol gear and makes sure it is clean and ready for the patrol to use. If an item is broken, he repairs it if he can; if he can’t, he brings it to the attention of the patrol leader. If the patrol has a chuck box for its front country camp kitchen, the quartermaster can monitor its contents and see
that it is fully stocked with cook gear and staple items. He checks out the gear for campouts and other patrol outings, and he makes sure everything is returned and properly stored afterward. This scout may also work with the PL and APL to plan the quarterly Patrol campouts. Responsibilities of the quartermaster are suited for a Scout who is organized, dependable, and aware of details.
Patrol Grubmaster
The grubmaster of a patrol takes the lead in planning menus for hikes and campouts. Of course, everyone in the patrol has a say in what he would like to eat. The grubmaster helps make those
wishes into reality by writing out the menu, itemizing the ingredients, ensuring that purchases are made, and supervising food repackaging before a trip. Scouts who are completing advancement
requirements for cooking can work closely with the grubmaster. The grubmaster should be a Scout who is familiar with the cooking chapter of The Boy Scout Handbook and is aware of the
importance of good nutrition. It will help if he is also good at math and measurements.
Patrol Cheermaster
The cheermaster leads the patrol in yells, songs, and skits. His is a vital role when the patrol is taking part in campfire programs. Just as important can be his contributions to patrol spirit during long hikes, when the weather on a camping trip turns stormy, or when the patrol is challenged by adversity. He should be an upbeat, outgoing person who can get up in front of a group and lead a song or a cheer.
Patrol Scribe
The scribe of a patrol keeps the log—a record of what goes on at each patrol meeting. It provides an accurate account of decisions made, assignments of responsibilities, and patrol plans for upcoming events. To refresh everyone’s memory at the beginning of a patrol meeting, the scribe may read the most recent log entry. The scribe checks attendance and he may also be the patrol’s Internet webmaster, encouraging patrol members to use e-mail to communicate with one another between meetings. The position of Scribe is best suited to someone who has good writing skills, is well organized, and is dependable.
Patrol Outings Chair
This scout is responsible for lining up an outing for the patrol to participate in. This should take place once a quarter and these events must be approved by the SPL and SM before proceeding. They are responsible for all details of the outing including communicating the details to the patrol and the outing budget/fees.
Patrol Service Chair
The service chair organizes and schedules a Patrol level service project once each quarter and makes sure that he has approval from the SPL and SM before moving forward with the project. He is responsible for all communication regarding the event and making sure the Patrol supports the event. He can also coordinate the event with other Patrols to make the event even more impactful.
Patrol Member Training
Troop 283 offers two specialized training opportunities for new Patrol Members. First shortly following elections there will be a specialized afternoon training for Patrol Leaders. This training will give them the basics of their new role and help them to lead their Patrols effectively. Second the troop offers a special Green Bar Bonanza Campout each September. All new scouts are encouraged to attend. At this campout they will learn the basics of each possible position within a Patrol and also some of the Troop positions. This training will prepare them to take on any role and will ensure that the Patrol is ready to move on its own and with the Troop.
Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings may be held at any time and place. These meetings should take place outside of troop meetings. They can be held in a room at Wayzata Community Church, the home of a patrol member or even at an outdoor location. The frequency of patrol meetings is determined by upcoming events and activities that require planning and discussion. Typically there will be two Patrol meetings a month.
Patrol meetings should be well-planned and FUN. Typically, the patrol leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe reports the highlights from the last meeting, and the patrol leader should report any information from the latest patrol leaders' council meeting. The meeting could focus on planning upcoming activities, like campouts, merit badges, outings, etc. Often time’s specific assignments will be made to each patrol member.
Patrol Activities
Most patrol activities take place within the framework of the troop. However, patrols may also conduct things like outings, service projects and even campouts independent of the troop, as long as they follow three rules: