Troop Organization

Patrols

Patrols are the building blocks of Scouting. Each patrol has a flag they design and make that they carry at troop meetings and at campouts. Every patrol has a yell, too. You give the yell when your patrol wins a contest or performs well at any other event.

Patrol Leader

Your patrol will elect one of its members to serve as Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader is in charge of the patrol at troop meetings and during outdoor adventures. He will also represent the patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council. While there is only one Patrol Leader, every member of a patrol shares the duties of leadership. If you're not the Patrol Leader, you could be the one who finds the way on a hike, is the chief cook at camp, or who teaches other Scouts how to tie a knot.

New Scout Patrol

The New Scout Patrol is a group of boys who have just become Scouts. They are helped by a Troop Guide -- an older, experienced Scout who can help show them the way. Members of a New Scout Patrol choose their Patrol Leader, plan what they want to do, and take part in outings and troop meetings just like any patrol. They also learn the basic skills they need in order to enjoy hiking, camping, and other Scouting adventures. Before long, members of a New Scout Patrol will discover that they are completing many of the requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

Senior Patrol Leader

This is the top boy leader of the troop and is elected by all of the Scouts. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he is in charge of planning and running troop meetings as well as the Patrol Leaders' Council, and does all he can to see that the patrols succeed.

Patrol Leaders Council

The activities of your troop are planned by a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The PLC is made up of your Patrol Leaders, Senior Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, and other troop leaders.