1. The Patrol Method and an Introduction to Teaching Youth Leadership
Greg Porpora
Troop 42
New Fairfield Connecticut

2. The Patrol Method

3. The Methods of Boy Scouting
The Ideals
The Patrol Method
The Outdoors
Advancement
Association with Adults
Personal Growth
Leadership Development
The Uniform
The Patrol Method is one of the 8 methods of Scouting. It has been said that it is the most important method. The Patrol Method also supports the 6th and 7th methods of Scouting: Personal Growth and Leadership Development

4. How Important is the Patrol Method?
It is necessary to point out at the start that the Patrol System is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried out, but that it is the only method. -Roland Philipps, Commissioner for East London, The Patrol System, 1914
It is necessary to point out at the start that the Patrol System is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried out, but that it is the only method.
The Patrol System by Roland Philipps, 1914

5. Then and Now
William “Green Bar” Bill Hillcourt introduced the Patrol Method
The Patrol Method makes for stronger troops
The Scouts like it and they stay.
William “Green Bar” Bill Hillcourt introduced the Patrol Method to the BSA in the late 1920s and wrote extensively about it in the 1936 edition of the Handbook for Scoutmasters.
We have been using it ever since.
The BSA has found that the Patrol Method makes for better functioning Scout Troops, and better retention.

6. What is the Patrol Method?
What do you think the Patrol Method is?
Ask the students what they think the Patrol Method is
Solicit their answers and write them down on a flip chart or chalk board
Don’t tell them what it is just yet, we will present it later

7. Take Any 30 Boys
TAKE any thirty boys, turn them loose in a closed street, a playground, or in a sports field-and you know what happens?
TAKE any thirty boys, turn them loose in a closed street, a playground, or in a sports field-and you know what happens.
Shortly something will be under way. A clatter of many eager voices raised in discussion-and out of the large group will evolve a number of smaller groups, in gangs, ready for game or mischief.
Such are boys. The impulse of forming gangs is natural to them. They cannot help themselves.
- From Handbook for Scoutmasters, 1936 Boy Scouts of America. Compiled by Bill Hillcourt.

8. What is a Patrol?
A patrol is that small group of boys and friends under their own leadership who plan and carry out troop and patrol meetings and activities. It is the basic organizational unit of a Scout troop.
- Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4, The Boy-Led Patrol

9. Friends and Responsibility Small Size - Up to 8 Boys
Aspects of a Patrol
Friends and Responsibility
Small Size - Up to 8 Boys
Should the Patrol be able to function without the troop?
Friends and Responsibility
Patrols permit a Scout to be in a group of friends - he is important. He has a job to do
Small Size - Up to 8 Boys
Where each boy gets involved because he's really needed
It is a good size for Scouts to plan and carry out projects, to hike and camp together, to take part in troop games and events, and to practice leadership on a manageable scale
Patrols are complete functioning entities of themselves. They should be strong enough to operate outside the troop structure and within it. One can argue that if the patrol is not strong enough to function outside the troop, than the patrol is not fully operational yet.
Reference: - Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4, The Boy-Led Patrol

10. What is the Patrol Method?
Patrols and their boy leaders run the program in their Patrols and the Troop.
The adults stand aside and let the Scouts do it all.
Patrols teach youth leadership
The patrol method leverages that natural instinct in the adolescent boy to form a small group.
Boy Scout Troops are made up of patrols
All troop activities are conducted through the patrols, not around them
The Scoutmaster is not the leader of a Boy Scout Troop, the SPL and the Patrol Leaders are. Patrol leaders run the program in their patrols and coordinate troop activities with the Senior Patrol Leader.
The primary unit in a troop is the Patrol.
The SM and his assistants act as teachers and mentors. They teach the Jr. Leaders how to lead and they then stand aside as much as possible and let the boys lead.
The SM and his assistants also are aware of what is happening and step in as safety officers if needed.
Patrols teach youth leadership in a lot of ways
Organizing patrols - Using duty rosters
Planning menus and figuring food costs
Encouraging advancement - Guiding a patrol's involvement in problem solving
Teaching outdoor skills - Helping to ensure patrol safety during outings
Handling patrol finances
Helping other Scouts make the most of their own leadership opportunities

11. The Aims of the Patrol Method
The primary aim of the Patrol Method is to teach leadership.
Scouts learn leadership by leading.
The Scoutmaster provides them with the tools and encouragement to do their jobs.
“One of your most important challenges as Scoutmaster is to train boy leaders to run the troop by providing direction, coaching, and support. They will make mistakes now and then and will rely upon you to guide them. But only through real hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.”
The Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 3, "The Boy-Led Troop
Scouts learn by doing. They don’t teach leadership in school so this is all very new to them. The Scoutmaster gives them the tools and encouragement that will help them learn how to lead.

12. Setting Up and Maintaining Patrols
There are three kinds of patrols:
New-Scout patrols (for youth just joining the troop)
Regular patrols (usually for boys who have earned at least the First Class rank)
Venture patrols (made up of older Scouts)
- The Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4, “The Boy-Led Patrol”
The number and the kinds of patrols a troop has depends upon the age of the Scouts, their interests, and their needs.
Patrols are sometimes organized according to the neighborhoods in which boys live.
Whenever possible, Scouts should have input in which patrol they are in. This promotes ownership of the patrol by the Scouts
The New Scout Patrol is a patrol for those just joining the troop and until they make 1st class
The regular or permanent patrols are for all Scouts over 1st class.
If you have older boys who would like to do high adventure activities over and above what the troop normally does, the Venture patrol could be a place for them.

13. Patrol Leaders Patrol elects a patrol leader. (usually every 6 months)
The patrol leader takes the leading role
Each patrol leader can appoint an assistant
- Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4 – The Boy Led Patrol
Each patrol in a troop elects a patrol leader. (usually every 6 months) The patrol leader takes the leading role in planning and conducting patrol meetings and activities, and represents the patrol at meetings of the patrol leaders' council. Each patrol leader can appoint an assistant patrol leader to serve with him.
Patrol Organization
One elected Patrol Leader – No term limits – usually every 6 months
Assistant Patrol Leader appointed by Patrol Leader
Patrol jobs assigned as necessary - Scouts accept responsibility and contribute
Scouts have say in how patrols are organized
Elections for patrol leaders are conducted by many troops once every six months. (there are no term limits.)
The purpose of the election of a Patrol Leader is for the Scouts to pick someone they can follow in their small group. The purpose of patrol elections is not to make sure a Scout has a position of responsibility so he can advance. If a Scout needs a position of responsibility and is not elected as PL, then he can ask for an appointed troop position. That is one reason they exist. This calendar allows boys time to learn their new roles and to develop as leaders in the patrol
Other patrol leadership posts are appointed positions that can be used to offer other Scouts opportunities to be of use to the patrol
Every Scout in the patrol should have a regular job to do so he feels wanted and has ownership in the patrol

14. Boy-Led Patrol

15. TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART for a Large Troop
Scoutmaster
TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART for a Large Troop
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Assistant Scoutmaster New Scout
Assistant Scoutmaster Venture
Senior Patrol
Leader
Assistant Senior Patrol
Patrol Leader
Venture Patrol
Assistant Patrol Leader
Chaplain's Aide
Quartermaster
Historian
Scribe
Librarian
OA Troop Representative
Instructor
Patrol
Grubmaster
Cheermaster
Troop Guide
New-Scout Patrol Leader
Den Chief
Patrol Leaders' Council

16. Troop Positions Senior Patrol Leader. OA Troop Representative
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Historian
Patrol Leader
Librarian
Assistant Patrol Leader
Instructor
Troop Guide
Chaplain Aide
Quartermaster
Den Chief
Scribe
Jr Assistant Scoutmaster

17. Patrol Organization
Patrol Leader
Assistant Patrol Leader
Quarter Master
Scribe
Grubmaster
Cheermaster

18. Patrol Leaders – Leading Your Patrol
Organizing Your Patrol
Supporting the Senior Patrol leader
Teaching Leadership and Team Buildling
Using Duty Rosters
Planning menus and determining food cost
Encouraging Advancement
Guiding the Patrol through problem Solving
Teaching Outdoor Skills
Ensuring Patrol safety during outings and meetings
Handling Patrol finance
Helping other younger Scouts make the most of their Leadership abilities
Have Fun !!!!!!
- Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4 – The Boy Led Patrol
Each patrol in a troop elects a patrol leader. (usually every 6 months) The patrol leader takes the leading role in planning and conducting patrol meetings and activities, and represents the patrol at meetings of the patrol leaders' council. Each patrol leader can appoint an assistant patrol leader to serve with him.
Patrol Organization
One elected Patrol Leader – No term limits – usually every 6 months
Assistant Patrol Leader appointed by Patrol Leader
Patrol jobs assigned as necessary - Scouts accept responsibility and contribute
Scouts have say in how patrols are organized
Elections for patrol leaders are conducted by many troops once every six months. (there are no term limits.)
The purpose of the election of a Patrol Leader is for the Scouts to pick someone they can follow in their small group. The purpose of patrol elections is not to make sure a Scout has a position of responsibility so he can advance. If a Scout needs a position of responsibility and is not elected as PL, then he can ask for an appointed troop position. That is one reason they exist. This calendar allows boys time to learn their new roles and to develop as leaders in the patrol
Other patrol leadership posts are appointed positions that can be used to offer other Scouts opportunities to be of use to the patrol
Every Scout in the patrol should have a regular job to do so he feels wanted and has ownership in the patrol

19. Patrol Meetings During Troop Meeting On Campouts Separate from Troop
At school
Wherever the patrol is
Patrols can meet without adults
Agenda Items
Plan its parts in a Troop activity
Plan a Patrol activity
Practice for some competition or show
Plan a menu for a hike or campout
Make or repair some patrol equipment
Work on advancement
Develop Patrol Spirit
Give the patrols goals to get achieved at their patrol meetings and have them report progress in front of the rest of the troop. Goals can be anything:
Advancement
Fundraising
Miles hiked as a patrol
Whatever. The important thing is they have a goal to strive for and they struggle to get there… with the pride of success!

20. Types of Patrol Activities
Hikes
Campouts
Service Projects
Climbing gyms
Patrol treks
etc
GTSS: There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when the presence of adult leaders is not required and adult leadership may be limited to training and guidance of the patrol leadership. With the proper training, guidance, and approval by the troop leaders, the patrol can conduct day hikes and service projects (without adults present.)
However, patrols with adult supervision, can go almost anywhere a troop could go. Sometimes they can go places where a troop can’t go because of the size of the troop.
Patrols should learn to function on their own. Patrol activities help them to do that.
Also as the Scouts progress, they should be camping further away from the rest of the troop if possible (say 300 feet away.)

21. Building Patrol Spirit
Why is Patrol Spirit Important? What happens when Patrols lose Patrol Spirit? Is it OK if a Scout says “My patrol is better than yours?” Names some ways to develop Patrol Spirit
Strive to build Patrol Spirit. Each member of each patrol should be proud that they are part of that patrol. With Patrol Spirit a Patrol becomes strong and permanent. Without it a Patrol is just a bunch of boys that may fall apart at any minute. When Patrols fall apart, the troop is in danger of falling apart. Scouts should be very proud of their patrols. They should think their patrol is the best in the troop and their troop is the best in the nation!
Every patrol must be given responsibility Patrols must compete – responsibility of SPL and troop PLC to conduct inter-patrol competitions; Keep patrols active; Everyone in the patrol has a job to do – share the load, share the fun! Patrol spirit doesn't spring up like a mushroom overnight. It can't be made to order. But it can be developed. it can be developed in the same way that a small tree can be helped along by giving it rich soil in which to grow, by tending it faithfully, by letting plenty of sun and air get to it, by pulling up the weeds that threaten to choke it out.
Patrol spirit grows in the things that distinguish the Patrol from the others in the Troop: Patrol name, Patrol Flag, emblem, call, song and cheers.
Patrol spirit grows in the things that Scouts make for their Patrol: Patrol corner or Den, their Log Book, their camping equipment, their Patrol Box, etc.
Patrol spirit grows from the patrol winning inter-patrol competitions and performing individual patrol achievements (campouts, hikes, etc.)
Ask the students to name some whys to develop Patrol Spirit. Help to build patrol pride by recognizing patrols for: Good attendance; Proper uniforming; Best flag; Best yell; Winning interpatrol competitions; Scout Spirit; Enthusiasm; Participating in separate patrol activities
Etc.

22. National Honor Patrol Award
This award is given to patrols whose members make an extra effort to have the best patrol possible over a three month period
Requirements can be found: Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4, The Boy-Led Patrol and in Patrol Leader’s Handbook
This is an easy award for patrols to earn after 3 months with the troop. It helps to build patrol spirit.

23. Discussion: Scenario
“That is all right, all you have been saying about The Patrol Method. But I tried it in my Troop, and it just doesn’t work!” “Take last week, for instance. We had our program all outlined, but the boys fell down on it. The Patrol Leaders had forgotten to prepare their Scouts, equipment was missing, and our game leader didn’t show up. I simply had to take over the meeting myself in order to keep it from being a general mix-up!”
Solicit ideas from those present on this response from a Scoutmaster that Bill Hillcourt published in the 1936 Handbook for Scoutmasters. What should the Scoutmaster Stop doing? Stepping in and undermining the Scouts’s authority. Every time you do that you take a leadership learning opportunity away from the Scout and make your goal of teaching leadership that much harder. What should the Scoutmaster Start doing? – Let his Scouts fail and after the meeting have a short meeting with SPL and PLs to discuss how to improve and create an agenda for next time. Use Start Stop Continue. Also empower the SPL to use that agenda. What should the Scoutmaster continue to do? – care about his troop; watch how his Scouts progress in leadership
Bill Hillcourt’s answer:
Which altogether proves nothing against the Patrol Method, but on the contrary that the Scoutmaster wasn't using it. He proved it by making the mistake of taking over the meeting. And for two reasons:
In the first place, the boy leader will expect him to do the same thing next time they fail and failure under those circumstances will mean nothing to them, will teach them nothing.
And secondly, the Scoutmaster by his action showed all the members of the Troop that he had no faith in the leaders they had chosen, breaking down completely the respect for them.
The failure was the Scoutmaster's, not the boys', nor the Patrol Method's He had failed to apply to himself the "test of the easy chair," and had not remembered the simple formula for success in using his Patrol Leaders: "Train 'em trust 'em, and let 'em lead!”

24. Scouting Functions Through Patrols
Make the Patrol the unit ALWAYS, in and out, through thick and thin, for better and worse in victory and defeat, in games and on hikes, and in camp.
“Green Bar” Bill Hillcourt, Handbook for Scoutmasters, 1936
Let ALL troop activities function through the Patrols.
Strive to have all communications channeled through the Patrol Leaders
Everything the troop does should support the Patrol Leaders and help foster the Patrol Method
Make sure there are meaningful Patrol meetings occurring during the troop meetings and encourage Patrol meetings outside troop meetings.
Encourage Patrol activities outside of Troop activities and reward such behavior.
Encourage inter-patrol competitions
Build troop spirit
When an adult is asked a question they should answer:
ASK YOUR PATROL LEADER
The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations, and where the System is properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. It cannot help itself!
-- Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting, Aids to Scoutmastership

25. Sometimes It is Hard
Ask the group to share experiences concerning the Patrol Method
This will develop into a lively discussion.

26. What Are Some Signs of Adult Run?
Lead a discussion in what are some signs of adult run as it pertains to patrols?
Some examples:
Who sets the time to wake up or lights out, adults or scouts?
Who picks the places to set up the tents, tarps and eating area?
Who sets up the times to eat, and program activities?
Who loads the Troop trailer, and who says when it's time to go?
Who counts the Scouts in the cars to make sure everyone is there?
Who decides what kind of camping gear the troop should buy?
Who decides when it's time to go home from the campout?

27. The Patrol Method
Questions on the Patrol Method?