The Basics of Patrol Meetings

The Basics of Patrol Meetings (print pdf)

Purpose:
The purpose of having patrol meeting is to help each scout develop friendship and brotherhood with each of the scouts in his patrol by having time for fun and adventure. The patrol meeting is not intended to be a short version of a Troop meeting, rather it should reflect the makeup of the scouts within that patrol and their interests. The patrol setting allows for a more flexible format to use the scouting program to fulfill each scout’s individual aspiration for adventures. Patrol meetings are an active demonstration of Scouting’s “Fun with a Purpose” core value. The patrol meetings are also intended to teach specific skills that include:
- How to have self discipline in a group setting (be a team player),
- How to plan an event and assign tasks with accountability built into the system.
- What is the effect on the other scouts based on how well each of the members does his task.

Planning:
The reason for planning patrol meetings is to make sure each scout’s time is used effectively. When you are going to do something with a number people with divergent schedules planning is critical to make the most of the time. A little planning with plenty of room for change is the best for this size of a group.

Scope:
There are two types of patrol meeting. One is a short meeting within the Troop meeting to do planning and evaluation. The other is an adventure suggested and planned by the scouts in that patrol.
 A “Planning” patrol meeting follows the outline below and is intended to facilitate the “Adventure” meeting. Each patrol will have a planning meeting scheduled at most Troop meetings. Each patrol will have a meeting outside of troop meetings once a month..
 A “Adventure” patrol meeting can be held almost anywhere and may be about almost anything. The main idea is to use the methods of scouting to have fun. This will help with the purpose of scouting and give a forum for some great times with your friends.

Planning Meeting Responsibility:
Patrol Leader Have the meeting pre-planned with the subjects you will cover
Have your notes from last meeting and the PLC meeting
Assistant Patrol Leader Know what the Patrol leader has planned to support him and be ready to step in if needed.
Attendees Be prepared for holding an organized meeting
Have your tasks completed from previous assignments

Adult - mentor/guides:
- Assist with behavior issues that the Patrol Leader cannot handle
- To provide some teaching and coaching to make sure the patrol uses some method for planning.
- To encourage the whole patrol (all ages) to participate.
- To make sure that the patrol meeting has a record of the decisions made and topics discussed (part of any well run meeting).

Planning Patrol Meeting Agenda – Troop 433
Opening (Call to order should include the Patrol Yell)
Old Business, Overview of tasks:
 Review Scouts accomplishments since last meeting (Use Patrol Meeting Planning Work Sheet started from the prior meeting)
 Review any scouts unfinished business that hasn’t been accomplished
 What was well planned and done effectively on the last event? What can be done better for the nest time? (Keep a record for use when planning the next event.)
New Business, Needs of the group:
 Review with members present any concerns or needs for Advancement and record it to bring back to the next PLC.
 Review with members present any concerns or changes in the Troop or Patrol schedule.
 Plan for your next adventure meeting (Record using a separate Patrol Meeting Planning Work Sheet for each adventure).
 Item from PLC ____________________________________________________________________
 Item from PLC ____________________________________________________________________
 Provide Scouts with any “Take Home” information such as copies of your Patrol Meeting Planning Work Sheet for the next scheduled event.
Closing, (Patrol yell, Motto, Slogan)
Patrol Meeting Planning Work Sheet – Troop 433
Planning Sheet is for: Date: ___________________________ Start Time: __________________________ AM / PM
Starting Location: _________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Event: ______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cost: $ _________________, Money is Due: _______________________________
Persons Planning to Attend:
1. Scout in Charge: _____________________________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______
2. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______ 3. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______
4. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______ 5. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______
6. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______ 7. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______
8. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______ 9. Name __________________ Phone: (___) ____- _______
Drivers / Adults: (two deep required, have at least one)
Name ____________________________, Information on file with the Troop Yes / No* Phone: (___) ____- _______
Name ____________________________, Information on file with the Troop Yes / No* Phone: (___) ____- _______
* Each driver must supply the Troop Youth Protection person with driver and insurance information before a trip is taken.
Reservation if required (Who is Responsible for making it)
Name ___________________________________________ Date Due: ___________________________________
Patrol Items needed:
Item ________________________________________ Responsible Scout: ___________________________________
Item ________________________________________ Responsible Scout: ___________________________________
Scouts are to bring: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Event Ends at: Time: _____________ AM / PM
Pickup scout at: ____________________________________________ or Scouts will be dropped off at home.
(location) (Circle One)