Patrols

Patrol Meetings

Patrol Meetings are for planning a Patrolâ€™s involvement in upcoming outings and Troop Meetings, selecting menus for hikes and campouts, filling out duty rosters for campouts, assigning Patrol Members specific tasks, and working out other details for the smooth operation of the Patrol. Patrols can also get together for working on Patrol yells, making a Patrol flag, Scout skills, and just plain having fun.

The Patrol Leader runs the Patrol Meeting; if he is absent, the Assistant Patrol Leader fills in. Adult Patrol Advisors are present to assist with discipline and Advancement. Only Scouts who are members of that Patrol may attend. Parents are welcome to observe, but not participate in the Meeting.

Location and Time

Each Patrol holds its own Patrol Meeting on the third Tuesday of every month, in lieu of the Troop Meeting, usually at 7pm at the Patrol Leaderâ€™s home. Whenever possible, the Patrol Meeting should be held outdoors (in the patio or back yard, for example).

Planning

Patrol Meetings are well-planned and businesslike, but with some time set aside for fun. The Patrol Leader plans the Meeting agenda, and works with the Patrol Advisor to obtain a tour permit for the meeting. The Patrol Leader should call Patrol Members at least 24 hours in advance to remind them of the meeting.

The Patrol Leader should call his Patrol Advisor at least one week prior to the Patrol Meeting to make sure that he will be attending the Patrol Meeting. If he cannot attend, contact another Adult Leader. If no Adult Leader can be found, contact the Scoutmaster. BSA rules require two Adults (at least one should be a trained Leader) for all gatherings. Patrol Leaders should inform the Patrol Advisor who those Leaders will be, so that will be included on the Tour Permit.
Prepare an Agenda. The Patrol Leader should meet with their Patrol Advisor and plan the Agenda. He should review his Patrol Leader Council notes for important information to share with his Patrol and check with the SPL on input for upcoming events to plan. Define goals to accomplish and decisions to make. Set a time limit for each agenda item, but have a â€œPlan Bâ€ with some extra ideas or activities in case something does not go as planned. Delegate responsibilities to all Patrol Members to contribute and participate actively at the upcoming Meeting. If possible, distribute the agenda beforehand to each Patrol Member.
Call every Patrol Member at least one day before the meeting to make sure that everyone knows about the Meeting. The Patrol Leader should call all of their Patrol Members and remind them about the Meeting. Scouts under First Class Rank should be reminded to bring their Scout Handbook to the Meeting. Scouts that are at least First Class should be told to bring a Merit Badge to work on at the Patrol Meeting.
Determine what materials (Patrol Leader Notebook, white boards, flip charts, handbooks, equipment, etc.) are required for the Meeting.

During the Meeting

Meetings should begin on time, and the following structure is recommended:

Opening Ceremony, Welcome, Announcements. (10 minutes). The Opening Ceremony should include a prayer and may also include a flag salute and recitation of the Scout Oath, Law, and Motto.
Patrol Business (15 minutes). Discuss past Troop and Patrol activities, plan outing menus and upcoming activities, or build Patrol Spirit. Give everyone an opportunity to talk, make action plans, and take notes.
Advancement (20 minutes). Work on a merit badge or practice a Scouting skill.
Play a Scouting Game (10 minutes). If all other activities have been completed, the Patrol may play a game.
End with a Closing Ceremony (5 minutes).

After the Meeting

The Patrol Leader should:

Review the Patrol Meeting with the Patrol Advisor.
Call the Troop Scribe to report the Patrol Meeting attendance.
Prepare a Patrol Report with any Patrol concerns for the next Patrol Leaders Council.
Promptly take care of all action items that he was responsible for.
Prepare for the next Patrol Meeting.