Troop Leadership
A. The Boy Lead Troop
Empowering the boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their patrols and their troop. The boys themselves develop a troop’s program and take responsibility for figuring how they will achieve their goals.
The patrol leaders council (PLC) plans and runs troop activities and programs. They hold an annual planning conference to discuss the coming year’s calendar. The Scoutmaster and his assistants should provide direction, coaching and support. The Scoutmaster retains veto power over the PLC, but should only use it if a plan violates BSA policy or jeopardizes the safety of troop members.
The leaders of the boy led troop and the voting members of the patrol leaders council are the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol leader, the Patrol Leaders and the troop guide(s).
B. The Boy
“The Patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation you don’t really have a Boy Scout troop.“
-Robert Baden-Powell
“Scouting is a game for boys under the leadership of boys under the direction of a man.”
-Robert Baden-Powell
Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of boys who are more or less similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility of making the patrol a success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievement of the patrol and of each of its members.
There are three kinds of patrols - new-scout patrols, regular patrols, and venture patrols. A new-scout patrol includes 11-year old boys who are just joining at troop. The new Scouts function together as a patrol during their first year in the troop, working toward their goal of completing the requirements for the First Class rank. As boys earn their First Class rank, they may move into a regular patrol if they so choose. Regular patrols usually are composed of Scouts who have completed the First Class requirements or who are in at least the seventh grade. They are groups of peers similar in age, achievement, and interests. A Venture patrol is an optional older-boy patrol (ages 14-17) within a troop. These boys have the maturity and experience to plan and take part in more challenging high-adventure outings and sports activities. Boys in Regular patrols upon turning 14 and life scout or above may elect to move into a venture patrol. Any waiver of this requirement is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.
C. Troop Meetings for Parents
Scouting is three-quarters–outing.
The troop meeting is the glue that holds the Scout troop together. Well-planned meetings that the boys run themselves can be full of excitement and satisfaction. Troop meeting time devoted to learning new skills and organizing future campouts, service projects, and other activities will keep interest levels and enthusiasm high.
Troop meetings serve many purposes, including motivating boys, strengthening patrols, promoting patrol spirit, learning and practicing Scouting skills, and exercising leadership. The seven step troop meeting plan is: pre-opening, opening, skills instruction, patrol meetings, inter-patrol activity, closing - Scoutmaster’s minute, and after the meeting.
Each month the troop centers its meetings and events around well-planned activities that Scouts will find challenging and exciting. At the annual planning conference in August, the patrol leaders’ council selects program features for the coming year.
D. Training Junior Leaders
“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.”
“Never do anything a boy can do.”
By accepting the responsibilities of troop and patrol leadership, Scouts are preparing themselves to be leaders throughout their lives. Opportunities to develop leadership skills are every bit as important to Scouts and to Scouting as are any requirements for advancement.
It is the Scoutmaster’s responsibility to make sure the Scout has all the necessary tools and to encourage the scout to be successful through coaching and mentoring. Troop Leadership Training (TLT) is Scoutmaster-directed training and takes three hours. This should be provided to newly elected leadership as soon as possible following the election of leaders. The SPL, ASPL and PL’s are required to attend.
Youth leaders should also be encouraged to attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). This is a week-long outdoor experience.