The Patrol Leader's Notebook

1. The Patrol Leader's job

Congratulations!

You have just been appointed Patrol Leader of your Patrol. This is a great honour and a BIG responsibility. You are about to take on what is known around the world as one of the toughest and most IMPORTANT jobs in Scouting - being LEADER of your Patrol.

The fact that your Patrol has elected you to this position means they believe in your ability to lead them.

They and you will be looking forward to exciting days ahead together, with plenty of FUN, adventure, and friendship. The person who is going to make that all happen is you.

Your great fun and thrill will be in turning that bunch of six or seven Scouts into a real SCOUT PATROL that also means helping them to become GOOD SCOUTS.

What are our duties as a Patrol Leader? What follows is a Job Description to get you focused on the things you will need to do.

A Patrol Leader's Job

Things I must do as a Patrol Leader:

  • Set an example as a leader in my behaviour and attitude, especially:
    • in the Scout Law and Promise
    • wearing my uniform
    • and aiming for working towards the Top Award
  • Develop a good Patrol Spirit in my Patrol
  • Instruct Patrol members in Scouting skills
  • Share the leadership in the Patrol by giving everyone a role
  • Plan and run the Patrol meetings, activities, camps and hikes
  • Represent the Patrol at the Court of Honour
  • Keep Patrol members informed
  • Work with other PLs, the TL and Scouters to make the Troop work well
  • Know and be friends with each Patrol member
  • Continually develop my leadership skills by taking part in Patrol Leader Training courses and reading widely.

That may seem a lot when it is written down like that, but there will be lots of people to help you succeed - this little booklet, your Troop Scouters, other PLs; and most important the Scouts in your Patrol.

Your leadership, your friendliness and mostly your ENTHUSIASM and EXAMPLE will count the most in your success.

Next: Developing a Good Patrol Spirit