TOP TIPS FOR BEING A PATROL LEADER
PLAN AND RUN GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
As a PL your leader may ask you to help run part of the Troop night. Here are some of the things you could do:
- Organise a game for the Troop.
- Referee a game.
- Work with the other Patrol Leaders to run a whole Troop night.
- Plan a team-building activity for your Patrol.
- Help tidy away any equipment at the end of the night.
Assist New Scouts
As a PL, your leader might ask you to help welcome and look after new Scouts.
Here are some of the things you could do:
- Introduce them to the rest of your Patrol.
- Explain what to do and where to stand during ceremonies.
- Show them where things are at the Scout meeting place, like the toilets and kitchen.
- Explain the rules of games and activities.
- Answer any questions they might have (remember, don’t worry if you don’t know the answer yourself, your leaders are always there to help).
Take the lead and help leaders
You will lead parts of the ceremony each with with the FLAG BREAK.
- CHECK that the flag is folded correctly and ready for Flag Break
- Get your patrol ready and standing to alert – are they dressed smartly? Remember, patrols do loose points
- Is your patrol “on duty” – make sure that they stay and help at the end of the meeting
Ready your troop and help leaders
As a PL you can make sure all the Scouts get the most out of each Troop night by helping the leaders. You can do this by:
- Making sure everyone in the Patrol is ready for games and activities.
- Helping to get any equipment ready for activities and helping clear them away.
- Making sure your Patrol is paying attention when a Leader is giving instructions
Organise and Come up with IDEAS about activities
As a PL your leader if you can think of any good things we can do to either link to badgework or improve skills. Run a PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL or host a PL and APL forum to get ideas going – you can even help plan the meetings for next term! It can be hosted on a different day of the week. This is your chance to let the leaders know what you and your Patrol would like to see on the programme. Make sure you: • Ask your Patrol what they want to be included in the programme and take these ideas to the forum. • Remember to explain to the Patrol what was talked about at the forums and what has been decided and why.
Learn by doing and HAVE FUN!
Your experience as a Patrol Leader could add to your other experiences in Scouting, preparing you to join Explorers. Remember,
Scouting is all about adventure, learning by doing and having fun, so enjoy it!
Patrol Leaders badge • Wear your stripes with pride!