Baden-Powell is accredited with developing the “patrol method” originally for the British Army shortly after his success at Mafeking. His military career was changing into more of a training officer, shortly before going into the “Scouting Scheme” (as he called it) full time.
Baden-Powell’s Definition from “Aids To Scoutmastership”: “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 Scouts grow as a group and as individuals.”
“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.”
Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s Founder
Things to remember about Patrols:
✔ Troops can have as many patrols as the membership require (6-8 Active Scouts).
⫸ The limiting factor is usually equipment.
✔ Patrols will have it’s own name and logo, flag, and patrol yell.
✔ Many troops will have a “Green Bar” Patrol for the troop’s youth staff headed by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL).
⫸ Youth staff in the PLC (Patrol Leaders Council) that are not a Patrol Leader already.
✔ Many troops will have a first-year patrol, that the other patrols can recruit from after 1st Class.
✔ It’s not recommended to restrict age grouping as in “Senior” or “Venture” Patrol. Without constantly mixing in new members. Otherwise, this type of patrol is setting its self up to phase out (age out).
✔ Make sure that tent sharing restrictions of YPT are kept in mind.
✔ The Scoutmaster conference is a good time to find out what the new Scouts opinions on patrols.
✔ The patrol assignment is recommended too and approved by the Scoutmaster or the appointed ASM.
✔ All patrols have a Patrol Leader, Asst. Patrol Leader, Grubmaster/Cook, Logistics/Engineering Specialist (Quartermaster), and my favorite… Morale Officer or Branding Specialist (Cheerleader).
✔ Patrols can go on activities and camp independently from the troop. (Everything must be approved by the Scoutmaster and within YPT of course.)
⚠️ Political Correctness Warning: The writings that are referred to in this video, may contain objectable material. Keep in mind that these materials were developed by individuals from the late 1800s. It would be unfair to put our current day judgment on Individuals and their writings from the past. Using common-sense you can still obtain enlightenment from their works.
📄 Aids To Scoutmastership PDF: http://www.whitestag.org/files/bsa_pubs/Aids_to_Scoutmastership.pdf
🎬 Who Was Baden-Powell?: https://youtu.be/OY9pv8iF4wg
