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 Patrol
Leader's Resources
Letter
to a Patrol Leader
What
I have often told to gatherings of Patrol Leaders, I repeat now to you
who read this; namely, that you have great power to do good or to do
harm to the Scouts placed under your charge. It largely depends on your
character and your example to them which way they go.
There
are three steps you should take:
First, win your
boys by making yourself their friend and helper.
Secondly,
influence them by your example in conduct and in doing things.
Thirdly,
control them with your good sense and by keeping them to the teaching of
the Scout Law.
Your
key to success is to thoroughly understand the inner meaning of the
Scout Law, to carry it out in all that you do and thereby to give the
lead to your boys.
From
Lord Baden-Powell
The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his Patrol. He represents his Patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council. By accepting the position of Patrol Leader, you agree to provide service and leadership to your troop. The responsibility should be fun and rewarding. This job description outlines some of the things you are expected to do while serving in this leadership role.
Patrol Leader Duties:
1) Help the SPL by leading the Patrol during meetings and activities.
2) Must inform Assistant PL and Senior Patrol Leader if he will be absent.
3) Appoint the Assistant Patrol Leader
4) Represent the Patrol at the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC).
5) Plan and lead Patrol Meetings.
6) Help all Patrol Members advance in rank and earn merit badges.
7) Keep patrol members informed.
8) Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
9) Set a good example.
9) Live by the Scout Oath and Law; Show Scout Spirit.
Patrol
Leader Worksheets
Forms
included are PLC Meeting Note, Patrol Meeting Notes, Patrol Equipment
List, Outing reflections, Outdoor Planning Notes, Patrol Duty Roster,
Meal Planning and other useful information for the PL. Patrol
Meetings
The ingredients of good Patrol meetings are the 3 C's:
short and impressive ceremonies,
checking on attendance, dues and advancement,
coaching in Scoutcraft requirements;
and the 3 P's:
planning future activities,
working on service, money-earning and other projects,
and play: games, songs and stunts. (See Chapter 5 of the Handbook for Patrol Leaders.)
Patrol Flag Ideas
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Patrol Activities
Most patrol activities take place within the framework of the troop. However, patrols may also conduct day hikes and service projects independent of the troop, as long as they follow two rules:
The Scoutmaster approves the activity.
The patrol activity does not interfere with any troop function.
Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader
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Keep Your
Word. Don't make promises you can't keep.
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Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.
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Be a Good Communicator.
You don't need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go." A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on.
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Be
Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work.
Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
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Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
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Set an Example.
The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up.
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Be Consistent.
Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
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Give Praise.
The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
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Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.
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