Patrol Spirit

Patrol Spirit is the glue that holds the Patrol together and keeps it going. Building Patrol Spirit takes time, because it is shaped by a Patrol's experiences — good and bad. Often misadventures such as enduring a thunderstorm or getting lost in the woods will contribute much in pulling a Patrol together. Many other elements also will help build Patrol Spirit. Creating a Patrol identity and traditions will help build each Patrol member's sense of belonging.

How a Patrol acts, and what a Patrol does go a long way in identifying the Patrol. On each activity, Patrols grow closer and closer as a team. Why? Because they do things the Patrol wants to do as a Patrol. Over time it will establish traditions. But traditions don’t just happen; they can be designed as well. A Patrol tradition might include specializing in doing something extremely well, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.

However, for a Patrol to survive and work properly, every member has to agree to live by the same set of rules — like that in the Scout Oath and Law. It’s the Patrol Leader’s job to maintain discipline in the Patrol, and everyone's job to look after the Patrol's honor.

See Also

• Camporee
• The Patrol Method
• The Patrol Leader
• Patrol Positions
• Patrol Meetings