Re: elections

>Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that the Senior Patrol
>Leader is to be elected by the Patrol Leaders from among themselves...i.e.
>the SPL is the Patrol Leader who leads the other Patrol Leaders.
>Charlotte Jerscheid
>Troop 13 BSA
>Baltimore, MD

Charlotte:
Instead of "management theory" how about John Locke (and Tom Paine)--leaders
derive their authority "from the just consent of the governed." <g><g>. The
"book" method is for the entire troop membership (Scouts) to elect the Senior
Patrol Leader and for the patrol members to elect their own Patrol Leader.
(This applies to all Patrols including New Scouts, Venture/Varsity Crews and
standard old-fashioned patrols).
Check the Scoutmasters Handbook for details. I believe it has been this way
for generations. I know that was the method by which I became Patrol Leader of

the Beaver Patrol of Troop 242 in about 1957 and Senior Patrol Leader in 1959
or so. It was the "book" method when I was a Scoutmaster in the 1970s and I
think you will find it so today.
One aside... When adults "select" vs youth "elect" there is sometimes a danger
of the adults perpetuating the system because it seems to work so well. Move
to the youth-led approach quickly. Once the boys get to know each other and
see each other in action. Perhaps use shorter terms at the start so the boys
can revalidate their choices.
The less than excellent choices our youngest (and oldest) Scouts make are still

their choices and boy leadership is an important elelment in leadership
development.
Best success.
Yours in Scouting
Lew Orans
Sam Houston Area Council
Houston, TX

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