| PATROL SYSTEM TRAINING |
| WHY USE THE PATROL SYSTEM? The following are but a few of the benefits of a well-run patrol system: 1. It encourages responsibility and leadership. 2. More girls can express their opinions in a shorter amount of time. 3. It reduces the workload for the leader. 4. It is an easy and fair way to delegate tasks. 5. It helps maintain the girls' interest. 6. It teaches girls cooperation. 7. And because Juliette said so!! Patrols work well when: 1. Everyone has ideas. 2. Everyone helps plan. 3. Everyone does their part. 4. Everyone follows the Girl Scout Promise and Law. |
| HOW TO DIVIDE INTO PATROLS There are many ways to divide into patrols and these may be determined by the purpose of the particular patrol being formed. Following are several examples of ways to divide the group up: 1. By age 2.By interest 3. By lot 4. By adult slection (especially, if there are girls who tend to be a problem when placed together) 5. By a combination of the above methods. Discourage choosing sides. Make sure that any division is fair for all |
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| PATROL LEADER The Patrol Leader is chosen to preside over the patrol and guide it to carry out tasks as agreed in the Court of Honor. Terms of office should be detemined before the selection. Changing Patrol Leaders too frequently does not allow each girl to benefit from this leadership experience. Not changing Patrol Leaders frequently enough leads to Patrol Leaders who get tired of their job. This varies with the individuall girls. A good term is approximately 3-6 months. following are some qualities that a good patrol leader needs to have: 1. A good patrol leader is prepared a. She had pencil and paper handy at all times. b. She brings calendar and patrol suggested items for discussion to Court of Honor meetings. c. She prepares her own written agenda for each patrol meeting. 2. A good patrol leader is fair a. She treats each individual the way she would wish to be treated. b. She never shows favoritism c. She rotates kapers. 3. A good patrol leader is considerate a. She listens to those in her patrol and presents everybody's ideas. b. She is never judgmental of others. 4. A good patrol leader sets a good example a. She keeps her patrol on task. b. She is punctual and if she finds she will be late, she callshe Assistant Patrol Leader c. She demonstrates that she lives by the Promise and Law. d. She speaks for patrol and not for herself at Court of Honor meetings. Selction of the Patol Leader may be done by: 1. Election 2. Age/rank/grade 3. Adult selection |
| ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER The Assistant Patrol Leader needs to possess the same qualities that you want in your Patrol Leader. Her responsiblities include: 1. Taking charge of the patrol when the Patrol Leader is absent 2. Being present at Court of Honor meets when Patrol Leader is absent or by invitation 3. Working with the Patrol Leader in planning 4. Completing those tasks delegrated to her by the Patrol Leader |
| PATROL MEETINGS Patrol Meeting are held on a regular basis. During weekly troop meetings, patrols can meet for a portion of the time or they can stay together for the entire meeting to complete a task, whatever is needed. Because they work closely together, team spirit often develops. Choosing patrol names, making patrol flags or songs, or developing a patrol cheer often helps foster this team spirit. Patrol meetings are presided over by the Patrol Leader who keeps them on task. There should a a definite agenda of things to accomplish for each Patrol Meeting. Troop business such as dues and attendance may be handled as part of the patrol's responsiblity. A large project can be broken down into smaller tasks with each patrol being responsible for a certain task in order for the entire project to be completed easier. When appropriate, patrols may come together to accomplish a larger task. |
| HOW TO MAKE AN AGENDA In order for the Patrol Meeting to flow smoothly, the Patrol Leader needs to make a written agenda of what needs to be accomplished. 1. First, the Patrol Leader neeeds a binder or spiral notebook set aside for patrol business. All notes taken by the Patrol Leader at the Court of Honor as well as at the Patrol Meetings need to be in one place so they can be easily found. Loose scraps of paper tend to get lost. 2. The Patrol Leader needs to develop her own system of track of her notes and which items need to be acted upon. Perhaps she can place a star next to the items that need action. 3. A list needs to be made of all those items the need action. 4. If discussion is needed, the Patrol Leader can list questions to facilitate that discussion. 5. The Patrol Leader needs to prioritize the items on her list and place similar topics together. More important items should be at the top of the list. 6. Estimate how long each item on the list should take to accomplish and write it next to each item. 7. Prepare a written agenda to distribute (or write on the board) and follow the agenda. When items take more time than estimated, a decision will need to be made as to whetherr to move on or to cut something else from the agenda in order to make room for the longer topic. |