Patrol Method

Podcast Episode (00:43:43): Download MP3 Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 238 | What, exactly, is the Patrol Method? Why did our founder emphasize the importance of the patrol method over all else in Scouting? In this week’s podcast the fourth of four installments that discusses how basic ideas to practically apply the patrol method. I also answer email questions on how to have Scouts form patrols, how to address bad behavior that happens outside of Scouting, and what positions of responsibility are elected, which are appointed, and if a Scout can hold more than one such position....

This is post number three in this four part series on the patrol method 1. The Character School, 2. The Adult Role, 4. Making it happen Our first post in this series establishes the patrol method as the character school of Scouting, that real self-government makes the Scout Oath and law more relevant than a bunch of concepts preached by adults. That Scouts find meaning in the life of the patrol and troop where individual responsibilities become group responsibilities....

This is a self assessment tool to help gauge how well a troop applies the patrol method. It may be a good idea to have several adults and youth troop members complete the assessment and discuss the results. This is not very scientific but it will at least give you an idea of where you are. Here’s PDF version you can download. Chose only one option for each pair of statements...

Scoutmaster Podcast 40 Interview with the authors of a fantastic patrol method book – Working the Patrol Method. Applying the patrol method is a perennial challenge for all of us, indeed it is the subject of much of the Scoutmaster blog and podcast. I cannot recommend Working the Patrol Method strongly enough – an essential tool for every Scoutmaster and adult leader. This podcast lasts 56 minutes (!) – I didn’t want to break up the interview....

Scouting is a process of developing character. In this second part of a three part series I’ll talk about the Scouting process and the changes we need to make to allow the process to work. It’s likely we’ll all find changes challenging especially when those changes are aimed at empowering our you leadership. I’ll suggest some structural changes you can make to enable the process of youth leadership development to take hold....

One of the most common things I am asked about… .. is how to manage the transition from adult-led to youth-led Scouting. In this first of three podcasts talking about this transition I’ll point out that the process begins with education ourselves as to how Scouting is constituted, how the game is played. What we will learn is youth leadership youth leadership is central to achieving our aim as Scouters and we ought to do all we can assure we respect and encourage our Scouts authority and autonomy....

Scoutmaster Podcast 10 This podcast features my patrol system overview based on Baden-Powell’s Aids to Scoutmastership In This Podcast Patrol system [2:02] Clean camp [10:34] Choosing a Troop [14:33] “Difficult” Scouts [18:44] Podcast Notes Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Scoutmaster Podcast 8 The third talk about moving from an adult lead to boy led troop In This Podcast Ten Ways Adults Frustrate Youth Leadership [2:38] 4th of July Bonfire [9:40] 3rd and final installment of Adult to Youth Leadership [16:35] Podcast Notes Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Scoutmaster Podcast 7 The second talk about moving from an adult lead to boy led troop. In This Podcast Troop Manuals, Contracts and the like [2:39] Retreat with George [9:19] Moving from Adult to Youth Leadership 2 [13:22] A Scout is Helpful [20:50] Podcast Notes Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The Test of the Patrol Method An old experienced Scoutmaster said once: “The test of the Patrol Method is in the easy chair!” His audience looked nonplussed, so he elaborated his statement: “Get an easy chair and place it in a corner of the Troop meeting room. If you can sink into it just after the opening ceremony and just sit throughout the meeting, without a worry for its success, without lifting a finger or moving a foot until time comes for the closing-well, then your Troop is run on the Patrol Method-your boy leaders are actually leading....

Custom award ribbons are an inexpensive way to recognize patrol or individual achievements; Troop Honor Patrol Camporees Attendance/Participation Nights camping Inter Patrol Scoutmaster’s Challenge I’ve used Dinn Brothers for years and have been very satisfied with their pricing and service. A 2″ x 8″ custom imprinted ribbon in quantities of 100 costs only .44 each. It’s not difficult to put together an order of 100 with free imprinting and color changes....