Troop 507 Leadership Expectations

The purpose of a Patrol Leader is to provide leadership to the patrol and to set an example to the other Scouts in the patrol. With the ultimate goal of building a cohesive team that works well together. 

Term of Patrol Leader – 6 months 

• October 1 - March 31

• April 1 - September 30

Troop 507 Leadership Expectations. 

1. Have an activity or patrol meeting at least once a month outside of the troop meeting. 

2. Advancement: Ensure that all the patrol members makes some advancement during your term as patrol leader. 

• Second Class and below Scouts need to advance on rank level in 6 months (Patrol Leaders Term). 

• First Class and above Scouts need to earn one Eagle Required merit Badge or 2 non-Eagle required merit badges in 6 months. 

3. Communication: The Patrol Leader will be responsible for communicating with the patrol and ensuring the patrol member are informed on all events. 

• Responsible for phone call arounds. 

• E-mail communication 

1. Create an E-mail Distribution List of all patrol members.

2. E-mail the distribution list to the Scoutmasters

3. Copy the Scoutmasters on all communications to the Scouts. 

• Communicate with the Scoutmasters and the Senior Patrol Leader any issues you may have with the patrol. 

4. Attendance: The patrol leader is to encourage his patrol members to attend all Troop 507 events and meetings. 

• Meetings 

• Trips 

5. Trip Planning: Menus and duty rosters for trips must be e-mailed to both Scoutmasters for review and comment prior to purchasing food for a trip. 

Patrol Leaders, who are unable to demonstrate that they know the basic leadership skills and provide guidance to their patrol during their term as patrol leader, will not pass leadership requirement for their next rank. Or if they do not have at least 4 patrol events. 

Your Duties as Patrol Leader

When you accepted the position of patrol leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a Patrol Leader, you are expected to do the following:

• Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.

• Keep patrol members informed.

• Assign each patrol member a specific duty.

• Represent your patrol at all Patrol Leaders' council meetings and the annual program planning conference.

• Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.

• Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.

• Know the abilities of each patrol member.

• Set a good example.

• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.

• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Show and develop patrol spirit.

Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader

Keep Your Word. Don't make promises you can't keep.

Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.

Be a Good Communicator. You don't need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go." A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on.

Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work.

Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.

Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.

Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up.

Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.

Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.

Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.