Scout Leadership Course Session Activity Notes

Session activity

The Patrol System: Team Game

Time to allocate for this activity

60 minutes

Resources required

Game materials (balls, etc.)

Activity Notes

Patrols have a team game to encourage teamwork.

Introduction (5 mins)

What is The Patrol System? Ask for some ideas from the course. Encourage ideas that talk about a team work environment, youth leadership, communication channels, etc.

Why is The Patrol System important for a leader? Again, briefly encourage comments from the group which include ease of management, shared leadership, youth decision making, etc.

The task (10 mins)

Play a team game of your choice for 10 minutes with the presenter making observations of how the team works together (or not) and is led.

Discussion (5 mins max)

Stop the game and discuss the presenter's observation:
- How does the game work?
- Who is the leader?
- How was the leader selected?
- Could the leader selection be done better?

Continuing the task (15 mins)

Play the game for a further 15 minutes with some of the Scouts sitting out to observe the actions of the team (they can rotate on a "subs-bench" principal).

Patrol activities

Each Patrol gets together as a Patrol Council to discuss their understanding of The Patrol System:
- What is it?
- How does it work?
- What are the advantages or dis-advantages?

Presentations (2 mins each)

Each Patrol feeds back on their discussion to the group.

Notes on other Patrol Structures

During the session, it is essential to mention that other Patrol Structures exist - in particular, those that are formed ad-hoc for special events or activities (State Rally, Blue Cord Hikes, canoeing interest, etc.) and some Troops re-structure around friendship groups, activity interests or age grouping. Encourage the Scouts to think outside the box when looking a the "Patrol".

Conclusion (2 minutes)

The presenter sums up the outcomes of the session and gives a brief overview of the Patrol System (as found on the participant handout). Use examples from real life.