Is the real patrol method dead?

[Armymutt]

Well, we reorganized the troop this month.  The SPL created three patrols from four, spreading the various ages across each patrol.  The old patrol identities were disposed of.  Our situation did make some things a foregone conclusion.  Each patrol only had one really viable candidate for PL.  We just have too many young Scouts and too many older ones who either hit 18 by January or who are leaving the program at the end of the year (ES who proudly states that he doesn't know any knots).  They have created new identities - patrol names, flags, yells, and cheers.  Our first campout is next weekend. 

My son, an 11 y/o G.I. Joe fan, was really upset that his patrol chose Buccaneers over Vipers.  He's autistic, so he takes every disappointment rather roughly.  I pointed out to him that they can do a whole lot more with the pirate theme and that most of his patrol mates have dads in their 20s to early 40s and have no exposure to an 80's toy line, despite it having a rather large role in our house.  I think he's on board (no pun intended) with the idea.  Told them they can name their dining fly after a pirate ship, adopt pirate code names, make a sign for their campsite with a pirate theme, etc.  

I've been hyping up the idea of patrol activities - hikes, campouts, etc.  I keep trying to get our new 18 y/os to register as adults for that purpose.  The 16 y/os keep forgetting that they can also go on a campout as a provisional patrol, as long as they have someone over 21 and another adult.  At the same time, the new PLs can set up a patrol outing to work on advancement.  To get that idea moving, I set up a 5-mile hike for those needing Second Class.  We had three Scouts attend, and a new recruit.  Still trying to figure out how to get more attendance at these "side quests".  

[DuctTape]

Perhaps the "side quests" could start as just fun stuff to do. Find the advancement opportunities hidden within. For example: Get the patrol to just go the local park to play. While there notice the different trees, plants and signs of animal life. 

[InquisitiveScouter]

23 minutes ago, Armymutt said:

Well, we reorganized the troop this month.  The SPL created three patrols from four, spreading the various ages across each patrol.  The old patrol identities were disposed of.  Our situation did make some things a foregone conclusion.  Each patrol only had one really viable candidate for PL.  We just have too many young Scouts and too many older ones who either hit 18 by January or who are leaving the program at the end of the year (ES who proudly states that he doesn't know any knots).  They have created new identities - patrol names, flags, yells, and cheers.  Our first campout is next weekend. 

My son, an 11 y/o G.I. Joe fan, was really upset that his patrol chose Buccaneers over Vipers.  He's autistic, so he takes every disappointment rather roughly.  I pointed out to him that they can do a whole lot more with the pirate theme and that most of his patrol mates have dads in their 20s to early 40s and have no exposure to an 80's toy line, despite it having a rather large role in our house.  I think he's on board (no pun intended) with the idea.  Told them they can name their dining fly after a pirate ship, adopt pirate code names, make a sign for their campsite with a pirate theme, etc.  

I've been hyping up the idea of patrol activities - hikes, campouts, etc.  I keep trying to get our new 18 y/os to register as adults for that purpose.  The 16 y/os keep forgetting that they can also go on a campout as a provisional patrol, as long as they have someone over 21 and another adult.  At the same time, the new PLs can set up a patrol outing to work on advancement.  To get that idea moving, I set up a 5-mile hike for those needing Second Class.  We had three Scouts attend, and a new recruit.  Still trying to figure out how to get more attendance at these "side quests".  

And how about a drawing of a pirate holding a sword in one hand, and a VIPER in the other??  Now that would be cool

[Armymutt]

26 minutes ago, DuctTape said:

Perhaps the "side quests" could start as just fun stuff to do. Find the advancement opportunities hidden within. For example: Get the patrol to just go the local park to play. While there notice the different trees, plants and signs of animal life. 

That's kind of what we did.  We covered 12 Second Class requirements on that hike.  First aid discussions while walking.  Demonstrations during rest stops.  I'm offering orienteering next month.  A large portion of the troop is off on Monday the 10th while their parents have to work.  Trying to get a contingent together to hit our council camp to give the young ones something to do.  Signing off a First Class requirement helps.  

[HashTagScouts]

1 hour ago, Armymutt said:

Well, we reorganized the troop this month.  The SPL created three patrols from four, spreading the various ages across each patrol.  The old patrol identities were disposed of.  Our situation did make some things a foregone conclusion.  Each patrol only had one really viable candidate for PL.  We just have too many young Scouts and too many older ones who either hit 18 by January or who are leaving the program at the end of the year (ES who proudly states that he doesn't know any knots).  They have created new identities - patrol names, flags, yells, and cheers.  Our first campout is next weekend. 

My son, an 11 y/o G.I. Joe fan, was really upset that his patrol chose Buccaneers over Vipers.  He's autistic, so he takes every disappointment rather roughly.  I pointed out to him that they can do a whole lot more with the pirate theme and that most of his patrol mates have dads in their 20s to early 40s and have no exposure to an 80's toy line, despite it having a rather large role in our house.  I think he's on board (no pun intended) with the idea.  Told them they can name their dining fly after a pirate ship, adopt pirate code names, make a sign for their campsite with a pirate theme, etc.  

I've been hyping up the idea of patrol activities - hikes, campouts, etc.  I keep trying to get our new 18 y/os to register as adults for that purpose.  The 16 y/os keep forgetting that they can also go on a campout as a provisional patrol, as long as they have someone over 21 and another adult.  At the same time, the new PLs can set up a patrol outing to work on advancement.  To get that idea moving, I set up a 5-mile hike for those needing Second Class.  We had three Scouts attend, and a new recruit.  Still trying to figure out how to get more attendance at these "side quests".  

Hype him up that there are some cool options for patrol patches with that name!

[Armymutt]

1 minute ago, HashTagScouts said:

Hype him up that there are some cool options for patrol patches with that name!

I showed him the Black Pearl Patrol Patch.  The guys all liked it.

[DuctTape]

2 hours ago, Armymutt said:

That's kind of what we did.  We covered 12 Second Class requirements on that hike.  First aid discussions while walking.  Demonstrations during rest stops.  I'm offering orienteering next month.  A large portion of the troop is off on Monday the 10th while their parents have to work.  Trying to get a contingent together to hit our council camp to give the young ones something to do.  Signing off a First Class requirement helps.  

Cool.

 

My main point was to increase attendance by not marketing the side quest as advancement, but instead market it as a fun time to play like a Patrol kickball game. The advancement just hitches along for the ride. Even if no advancement happens, it builds patrol identity and cohesion.