What is so special about Patrol Spirit anyway?

“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.”
~Sir Robert Baden-Powell

Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouting movement, knew from his military experience that boys (and men) worked better together in small groups than alone or as part of a bigger group.   It was this knowledge that led him to develop patrols within the Boy Scouting program.

A patrol is a group of 6 to 10 boys who are often cast together in this small group that   must learn to work together for the betterment of all of their members.     The best way to make the group “gel”   is the development of Patrol Spirit.

Patrol Spirit
Patrol spirit is the glue that holds the patrol together and keeps it going. Building patrol spirit takes time, because it is shaped by a patrol’s experiences—good and bad. Often misadventures such as enduring a thunderstorm or getting lost in the woods will contribute much in pulling a patrol together. Many other elements also will help build patrol spirit. Creating a patrol identity and traditions will help build each patrol member’s sense of belonging.

Every patrol needs a good name.   Our patrols use one of the bird names from the Troop’s approved list (Bobwhites, Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, Ravens or Roadrunners).

A patrol flag is the patrol’s trademark, and it should be a good one.   Have a competition to see who comes up with the best design and who is the best artist.   Make the flag out of a heavy canvas and use permanent markers to decorate it.   In addition to the patrol name, the patrol flag should have the troop number on it as well as the names of all the patrol members.   Mount the flag on a pole, which also can be decorated. Remember, the patrol flag should go wherever the patrol goes.   Also, as the patrol wins patrol competitions or is otherwise recognized with a ribbon or award, it should be hung from the patrol flag for all to see.

Every patrol has a patrol yell, which should be short and snappy.   Choose words that fit the patrol’s goals.   Use the yell to announce to other patrols that your patrol is ready to eat or has won a patrol competition.   Some patrols also have a patrol song.

Other patrol traditions include printing the patrol logo on the patrol box and other patrol property.

Some patrols like to specialize in doing something extremely well, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.

In short, the patrol can be a wonderful thing when everyone in the patrol works together to move the group forward.