Re: Patrols

There has been some discussion over the last week about Patrols, and
moving members around.

By my way of thinking Patrols are meant to work as self-directed teams
(to use some current TQM jargon). If these teams are to work
effectively, the mix of personalities must be right, and nobody is
that good that they can get it right first time all the time. So some
tinkering with Patrol membership is inevitable.

There are however three important things to keep in mind:

1. In a youth run program, the youth should have a say in who goes
where, and this includes the Scout being moved.

2. Team building and 'bonding is important, and we all need to think
about how new Patrols are formed and new members introduced to a
Patrol. I remember some discussion some time back about what our US
friends call 'hazing', better known on this side of the Pacific as
initiation. In team building, I believe there is a fine line between
positive shared group experiences and the negativity of some
initiation rites. BUT think about how a new member will be bonded into
the Patrol.

3. What do we do with the Scouts who just don't fit in anywhere? This
is one of my big dilemmas! On one hand, we must face it that some
Scouts are a real hinderance on the Patroll system in our Troops. On
the other hand, those are perhaps the Scouts who have the most to gain
from the Scouting program.

My approach earlier this year when I reorganised Patrols after the
departure of a few key Scouts was to consult the Troop Council first,
then the whole Troop. This resolved the basic structure really well. I
then had to do some subtle 'pushing' to resolve some of the problem
people. And no it wasn't perfect, and there have been some
adjustments, but on the most part it has really worked well.

Bruce Ward
Australia

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