Patrols

Patrols are the foundation of a Boy Scout troop. The founder of the Scouting movement, Robert Baden-Powell, said that "[t]he patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method." A patrol is “a group of Scouts who belong to a troop and who are probably similar in age, development, and interests. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in a small group outside the larger troop context, working together as a team and sharing the responsibility of making their patrol a success.” [Scouting.org, Scoutmaster Handbook]

Patrol Meals and Outings

Ideally, patrols will use the following steps when scheduling an outing.

• Determine who in the patrol is attending the month’s outing.

• Pair with another patrol if there aren’t enough patrol members in attendance.

• Pick the meals the patrol would like to have for the outing and select a grubmaster, as well as a budget for the outing.

• The grubmaster goes shopping and prices the meals for the patrol. He communicates each patrol member’s share to the group so they can bring the cash to the next meeting. Food averages about $10 an outing.

• Each patrol member pays the meal portion for the outing and the Scouts agree on the personal and patrol gear they’ll need for the outing.

• Scouts below first class rank bring in their pack for inspection. First class and above

• Scouts will be inspecting to ensure that the Scout has the correct gear for the outing.

• They also sign out or assign patrol gear from the quartermaster and divide it proportionately. Any missing or unserviceable gear is brought to the Scout’s attention for correction.

• The grubmaster goes shopping to purchase the food for the outing.

• Scouts who need a final inspection bring their packs in.

• The grubmaster brings the food in for the patrol and they divide it up.

• Patrol leaders once again ensure that the patrol has all of the group gear they need.

• Scouts bring a signed permission slip.