Patrol Method

The Scoutmaster’s Handbook, the Patrol Leader’s Handbook, and the Boy Scout Handbook all reference the patrol method as the core concept for troop organization and operation. The Handbook for Boys, published in 1911, stresses that the patrol is the building block upon which the troop is formed.

Troop 160 consists of two to five patrols depending on current troop size. Each patrol has six to ten scouts including a patrol leader and an assistant patrol leader. The patrols are responsible for organizing their part of the weekly meetings and for carrying out patrol duties during camping trips and other troop activities.  The exception is for the “new” scouts.  For several months after joining the troop, these “new” scouts are kept together in temporary patrols so that they can quickly learn basic scouting skills before they are promoted into one of the existing patrols in the troop.

The patrol method is employed for camping trips and Troop 160 follows these guidelines.  They center on keeping each patrol intact during the planning and execution of the camping trip.  This includes purchasing food and other camping supplies, preparing and cleaning up after meals, transporting gear, and participating in scout functions and activities.

The patrol method as applied to weekly meetings is also well defined. Specific weekly patrol meeting details include:

• An assistant scoutmaster or registered adult leader is assigned to each patrol to serve as a patrol advisor.  The patrol advisor serves a six-month term concurrent with the term of the Boy Scout Leaders (Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol leader, etc.). The patrol advisor will serve as an experienced resource for the patrol leader, as a mentor for the patrol members, and as a “shadow” monitor as the patrol conducts its activities.  The patrol advisor is assisted by another adult leader (who is encouraged but not required to be registered with the troop) to provide the two-deep leadership required for all Boy Scout activities.  Both registered and unregistered adults are trained in their duties and expectations within the patrol method. Both adults participate in all patrol activities, including weekly meetings and camping trips.

• The weekly troop meeting is structured to provide at least half of the meeting time for “patrol corners”, stressing the patrol-selected and patrol-administered activities.  Each patrol is responsible for program planning and delivery of this portion of each meeting.

• Classrooms in Centenary United Methodist Church are used to hold patrol corners under the direct supervision of the patrol advisors, leaving the rooms exactly as found (or better), and adhering to conditions agreed upon in advance between the Church and Troop 160. The Scout Hut is used by the entire troop for the opening and closing ceremonies, announcements, and Scoutmaster’s Minute at the end of each weekly meeting, and for indoor troop activities.

• Where possible, patrol meeting activities are structured around healthy patrol competition. This includes recreation activities, advancement, attendance, and uniform inspection. The goal of these activities is to strengthen the ability of the patrol to work together as a unit.