Re: Picking Patrols

Kevin Woods asked
> I am seeking input on how troops "pick patrols"

For openers, in our troop I discourage patrol shuffling; I'm trying
to encourage the patrols to use the patrol method and build patrol
spirit; annual reorganization shoots patrol spirit down. However,
sometimes reorganization IS necessary, for instance when you have one
patrol with only two active boys. (That, too, is tough on patrol
spirit.)

How to reorganize is a tough decision. In our troop, it's generally
been done by the SPL; however, my opinion is that since the boys are
supposed to be represented by their patrol leaders at the PLC, it
would make more sense for the PLC to do it. The problem with the
PLC doing it is that often the existing leaders of the patrols want
to keep their existing members -- especially if its members are
active.

One time our SPL reorganized patrols by first assigning active senior
boys, then active junior boys, then less active boys to have a balance
among the patrols. It lasted a year.

Most recently, I worked with the PLC to do a minimal reorganization,
trying to organize the boys by neighborhood. That would be conducive
to getting together for patrol activities, and since the boys live
near each other they do other things with each other, as well. The
"neighborhood concept" didn't pan out completely (for instance, two
brothers seldom want to be in the same patrol!), but what we wound
up with was a pretty good organization.

Two additional thing I would recommend:
1. Do the reorganization just before your scheduled junior leader
elections; that way the new patrols can elect a new leader if desired.
2. Allow boys to swap patrols; that is, if John wants to swap patrols
with Kevin, let them do it WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE 2 PATROLS. That is,
the Rat patrol must be willing to accept John, and the Kangaroo patrol
must be willing to accept Kevin. That will give the patrols some
flexibility and autonomy, while minimizing the possibility of
personality conflicts.

Yis
Chuck Batteau, SM, Troop 751, Glen Allen VA
charles.r.batteau@BellAtlantic.com

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message
• Previous message
• Maybe in reply to
• Next in thread

What's become of SCOUTER Magazine, the print publication?

Buy the Back Issues