Scout Leadership Course Handout

Session area

The Role of the Patrol Leader/Assistant Patrol Leader

Outline of the session

In a Scout Troop, the Patrol System is key. Patrols need great leaders. Learning what it takes to be a great Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader will make the job easier.

Session Notes

The Role of the Patrol Leader

The Troop Council, on the recommendation of the Patrol, and the Scout Leader appoints the Patrol Leader. It is normal for the Patrol to hold an election for the PL, but the Troop Council has the final say. It is also important that a Patrol Leader's parents are aware of and support the nomination. The PL chooses the Assistant Patrol Leader, but again the Troop Council, in consultation with the Scout Leader has the final say. Role.

• The PL leads the Patrol in everything, but that does not mean they do everything themselves.
• The PL delegates tasks equally and fairly amongst the members of the Patrol and ensures that they are done properly.
• The PL keeps ahead of the Patrol in Scout training so they can assist and train Patrol members.
• The PL sets an example for the rest of the Patrol to follow in dress, behaviour, attendance, being on time and participating in the Scouting program.
• The PL represents the Patrol on the Troop Council.
• The PL is responsible to the Scout Leader for carrying out the decisions of the Troop Council.
• The PL is responsible for the behaviour of the Patrol, and where necessary brings important discipline problems to the Troop Council.
• The PL trains the Patrol by organising and running interesting and worthwhile activities and camps.
• The PL organises and runs regular Patrol meetings to plan the Patrol's program and develop ideas to be put to the Troop Council. The PL makes sure these meetings are well run and that a record is kept of all decisions.
• The PL promotes a spirit of teamwork, friendship, trust and pride within the Patrol and maintains Patrol traditions and honour.
• The PL examines the patrol on badgework and advises the Leader when a satisfactory standard has been met.
• The PL communicates effectively with the Patrol, the Assistant Patrol Leader, the Troop Council and the Scout Leader.
• The PL makes sure new members are welcomed into the Patrol and are quickly included in all activities as a full member of the team.
• The PL gets to know each member of the Patrol well, including meeting their parents or carers.

The Role of the Assistant Patrol Leader

The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the Patrol Leader with the approval of The Troop Council and the Scout Leader. The Assistant Patrol Leader may be nominated by an election, but the appointment is made by The PL and approved by the Troop Council.

• The APL assists and supports the PL in all their duties.
• The APL takes charge when the PL is not available. This includes periods when the Patrol leader is taking instruction from the Scout Leader.
• The APL assists the PL in training the Patrol and tries to keep ahead of other Patrol members in Scouting knowledge.
• The APL assists the PL with planning and carrying out the Patrol program.
• The APL sets an example for the rest of the Patrol.
• The APL provides encouragement and assistance to other Patrol members and loyally supports the PL.