Scouting, Volume 38, Number 2, February 1950 Page: 22
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A PATROL MEETING
Few things will build a better Troop than
good Patrol meetings — meetings where
Patrols meet on their own, under their own leader-
ship, and doing what they themselves decide to do.
Such meetings, more than anything else, build
Patrol spirit and a strong sense of "belonging" that
is bound to be reflected in a better Troop.
Depending upon local conditions and Troop pol-
icy, Patrols may meet every week, twice a month,
or once a month. In many Troops today, Patrol
meetings replace one or two Troop meetings per
month. In any case, success depends upon training,
and the better trained the PL's are, the better will
be the Patrol meetings, the stronger the Patrol
spirit, and the better the meshing together of
Patrols toward a smoother running Troop. In any
case too, the basic ingredients of Patrol meetings
ai'e similar, and they closely resemble the outline,
of successful Troop meetings.
Opening (5 minutes)
New Patrols may spend their pre-opening period
practising Patrol cheers, yells, or songs, for nothing
builds spirit more quickly. (HBPL 44-53; 498;
510)* Established Patrols may have developed
their own openings based on Patrol name or tradi-
tions.
Games (15 minutes)
As in Troop meetings, games are designed for
two purposes — fun and instruction. With the
Troop meeting plans before him, the PL may use
games that gear into the Troop plans. Thus in
Patrol meetings, Patrols prepare themselves for
inter-Patrol contests in the Troop. These contests
help to stimulate Patrol meetings; for the Patrol
best prepared will stand a better chance of winning
the game in Troop meetings that add points to its
score. Straight fun games have their place too, as
aids in recreation and sociability.
Scoutcraft (30 minutes)
The Scoutcraft period in the Patrol meeting is
planned for two purposes: to learn the new skills
that gear into the Troop theme of the month, and
to provide help in other skills needed for advance-
'References to Handbook for Patrol Leaders. (HBPL)
ment. In both cases, the well-trained PL can carry
on most of the instruction with Explorer or other
experts called in where necessary. Each issue of
Scouting (page 23 this issue) offers suggestions
for Patrol meeting projects geared into the monthly
theme. Helps in these and other skills are found
in the Handbook for Scoutmasters and Handbook
for Boys.
Patrol Planning (20 minutes)
Every Patrol meeting should give ample time to
planning special Patrol activities, such as good
turns, hikes, camps, stunts for Troop meetings, etc.
Planning together, working together, and playing
together, are the secrets of successful Patrol opera-
tions. When every fellow has his say in what the
Patrol will do, both on its own and as part of the
Troop, he is much more concerned in helping to
get that job done. Needless to say, this planning
for both Patrol and Troop activities, must be co-
ordinated. Monthly Patrol Leader meetings bring
this coordination about. (HBPL 131-140.)
Work (20 minutes)
Every Patrol meeting, too, should include time
for work on Patrol equipment, improving the den,
on Good Turns, and on individual projects where
help of other fellows is needed. Much of the work
may carry over to other times, but a start in
meetings may be necessary to get the project off
right.
Business (5 minutes)
In the small group meeting, there is an excellent
time to introduce parliamentary procedure — re-
ports on last meeting, reports on unfinished busi-
ness and such things as taking attendance, dues
and discussing ways of getting inactive members
back. Keep it simple and brief.
Refreshments (10 minutes)
When Patrols meet once or twice a month, simple
refreshments add much to the meeting. Frequently
Patrols supply their own "eats," but many times
the "hosts' " parents contribute the cookies or cake
and cocoa.
22
SCOUTING MAGAZINE
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Boy Scouts of America. Scouting, Volume 38, Number 2, February 1950, periodical, February 1950; New York, New York. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth313161/m1/24/?q=%221777%22: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Museum.