TroopLeadersToolBox

The Best Patrols & National Honor Patrol Award The Best Patrols A TROOP'S BEST patrols exhibit enthusiasm, teamwork, and camaraderie—that special spark known as patrol spirit. How do your patrols measure up? Here are some tips for building patrol spirit and a way to reward success: Choose a good name. This is a key step toward building patrol identity. Use descriptive words, like Roaring River Rats or Fearless Falcons. Create a distinctive patrol yell. Make a patrol flag. Draw the design on canvas or heavy cloth and mount it to a wooden staff. Carry the flag wherever the patrol goes. Develop members' talents. Does anyone have a specialty? Maybe some are great cobbler cooks or outstanding actors for campfire skits. Team up for patrol competitions. These contests are fun and strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation needed to achieve group goals. BSA National Honor Patrol Award Show off patrol quality by earning the National Honor Patrol Award, which requires fulfilling the following requirements over a three- month period: 1. Have a patrol name, flag, and yell. Put the patrol design on equipment and use the patrol yell. Keep patrol records up-to-date. 2. Hold two patrol meetings each month. 3. Take part in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other Scouting event. 4. Complete two Good Turns or service projects approved by the patrol leaders' council. 5. Help two patrol members advance in rank. 6. Have at least 75 percent of members in full uniform at troop activities. 7. Have a representative attend at least three patrol leaders' council meetings. 8. Have 8 members in the patrol or experience an increase in patrol members. www.troop19.org

Conducting Impressive and Effective Troop Ceremonies The Opening Ceremony The Opening Ceremony marks the official beginning of the troop meeting and sets the tone for remainder of the meeting. Flag etiquette must be followed. It is important to have the service patrol prepared to start on time and all troop members are in formation and attentive for a dignified ceremony. 4 Major Parts of a Troop Opening  Ceremony  Senior Patrol Leader Opening Remarks  Patrol Leader Reports  Uniform Inspection Ideas for Opening Ceremonies  The Scout Law can be twelve separate ceremonies by devoting one point of the law with an in-depth explanation and relating it to something newsworthy  A good song leader can lead the troop in singing a patriotic song  Readings from the writings of any number of authors and poets who have helped us understand what it means to love one’s country  Scout Badge Ceremony—a large replica of the Scout Badge is used with Scouts called forward to point out the different parts and meanings.  Flag History—A large poster of a prominent historical flag is displayed and described  Colors of my Flag—Describe what each color of the flag symbolizes  Dramatic—a variety of ceremonies can be done with candles, special lighting and audio visual effects. The BSA catalog includes recorded video tapes and cds for high profile ceremonies. Conducting the Opening Ceremony Senior Patrol Leader calls troop to formation. A variety of patrol formations such as files or a U-shape based on the location and objectives can be used. Senior Patrol Leader: Troop, Attention. Tonight’s Service Patrol, The Silver Wings, will now conduct the Opening Ceremony. www.troop19.org Revised 2-19-05

Patrol Leader and/or Patrol Member: (note: commands will vary based on what the patrol is presenting for a ceremony). Join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Scout Salute. I pledge allegiance…. Two (Scouts drop their salute but remain at attention) Join us in reciting the Scout Oath On my honor… Join us in reciting the Scout Law A Scout is… Two Senior Patrol Leader: Troop at Ease (this means you don’t have to stand at attention but the scouts must remain quite and in file). The SPL thanks the service patrol and gives a brief welcome and a high level overview of the troop meeting agenda. He then proceeds with the Patrol Leader Reports. The reports short be concise (no more than a minute) and state the attendance ratio on any activity along with what was accomplished. Patrol Leader: takes a step forward and provides the following information as appropriate:  Ratio of scouts present to absent (Example: 7 out of 8 members are present)  Patrol Meeting Report  Patrol Activity Report  Rank Advancement Senior Patrol Leader: continues with remaining patrols until all reports are completed. The SPL or ASPL conducts the uniform inspection. This can be performed with the support of additional youth leaders. Reports are given back by the reviewers and top uniformed patrols are recognized. Senior Patrol Leader: Troop Attention, Troop Dismissed. He dismisses patrols under the guidance of the Patrol Leaders to commence with the next activity period. www.troop19.org Revised 2-19-05

The Closing Ceremony The closing ceremony is quiet and permits individual thought about one’s self and the point of the ceremony. After all the announcements have finished and the Scoutmaster has completed his Scoutmaster Minute, it is time to conduct the closing ceremony. The transition needs to be quick to maintain a tone of reverence. The mood and influence can be destroyed by giggling, missed cues, or a forgotten announcement that is boomed out at the last minute. Commands for Closing Ceremonies  The Senior Patrol Leader thanks the Scoutmaster and calls the troop to attention and the Service Patrol forward.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, the SPL dismisses the troop. Ideas for Closing Ceremonies  Moment of Silence followed by the Scout Benediction (“May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.”  Singing of quiet songs such as; Scout Vespers, Kum Ba Yah, Our Paddles, etc.  Moment of Silence followed by “Be Prepared!”, “We are Prepared!”  Troop Pledge—the troop is formed and the color guard brings the colors to the front. Next the leader asks all members to repeat each part after the leader: “As a member of Troop ___, I pledge that I always will be an active member of my patrol, Take part in all troop activities, Continue to advance in rank, And observe the Scout Law at all times. On my honor as a Scout, I will do my best.”  Spirit of Scouting—Form the troop in a circle and turn out the lights. Leader lights a candle saying: “Scouts, this candle represents the spirit of Scouting, the good turn, the Scout Oath and Law, and the motto. As we share the symbolic flame of the spirit of Scouting, let us stand silently for a moment and about what it means to each of us to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Now we will pledge ourselves with the Scout Oath.  Flag Folding Ceremony—explains the symbolism behind each of the 13 folds of the flag (and hint, it does not have to do with the 13 colonies).  Brotherhood Circle and Scout Benediction—Brotherhood circle is formed with the right hand crossing over the left hand. www.troop19.org Revised 2-19-05

Guidelines for Successful Troop Meetings  A good troop meeting follows the seven-step troop meeting plan  The BSA publications, Troop Program Features, Volumes I, II, and III, are full of great ideas to bring troop meetings to life  The Patrol Leaders’ Council plans the troop meetings  Except for the Scoutmaster’s Minute, each section of the troop meeting is the responsibility of the Scouts themselves  The Scoutmaster checks with the Senior Patrol Leader 48 hours before a troop meeting to make sure everything is ready  The Senior Patrol Leader contacts each Patrol Leader and any other appropriate youth leaders 48 hours before a troop meeting to ensure preparedness  The Patrol Leaders contact their patrol members each week to update them on the agenda and of anything required Seven-Step Troop Meeting Plan 1. Preopening 2. Opening 3. Skills instruction 4. Patrol meetings 5. Interpatrol activity 6. Closing-Scoutmaster’s Minute 7. After the meeting Tips for Effective Troop Meetings 1. Troop meetings must have variety, action and purpose 2. Many meetings can and should take place outdoors 3. The patrol assigned as the Service Patrol should arrive early to prepare the room or outdoor area 4. Rotate assignments among patrols weekly

5. The Senior Patrol Leader is in charge of every troop meeting 6. Start and end on time. Some troops meet for ninety minutes, others meet for two hours. 7. The Senior Patrol Leader should move about during the meeting and make observation notes to coach is youth leaders after the meeting. 8. Use the Scout Sign to maintain order and deal with any disruptions immediately 9. Alternate favorite activities to avoid reducing popularity 10. Interpatrol contests should relate to the skills instruction 11. During the planning stages of skills instruction, remind instructors that demonstrations are most persuasive when they show rather than simply tell 12. Instructors arrive prepared and have their materials gathered ahead of time 13. Hands on experience is a very effective method of teaching 14. Keep the program moving 15. Be flexible, if part of the program is not working well, end it and move on to the next item 16. Recognize Scouts and Patrols for positive outcomes –well planned presentations, proper uniforming, a good opening ceremony, point system and other good efforts deserve praise 17. Debrief with the Patrol Leader’s Council after the meeting to discuss Start, Stop, Continue Evaluating Troop Meetings After the meeting the Patrol Leader’s Council discusses the meeting results and reviews the agenda for the next meeting.  Did we accomplish a purpose?  Was the meeting fast paced and fun  Was the meeting well attended?  Did we do something new and different?  What worked well that we can do again? The Scoutmaster Handbook, 1998 Edition www.troop19.org Revised 2-19-05

TROOP 19 PATROL POINT SYSTEM Meeting Date: _____________ Description Points Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Set-up (on time) 10 10 Opening Ceremony (Organized, Punctual, Creative) 10 Attendance at Inspection (100% of patrol = 10 pts, 10 75% to 99% = 7, 50% to 74% = 5, < 50% = 0) Uniforms: 100% less 1 point for each gig. Patrol is well organized at the Troop Meeting to 15 work on Skills, Next Campout Planning, Advancement, Skits, Games, Patrol Project, 25 Planning Good Turns or Service Projects. PL prepared, EDGE method, Everyone is Participating. 10 15 Patrol Activities: Patrol Hike, Campout, Service 20 Project or other Scouting Event (as reported in the 15 Patrol Leader’s Report at Troop Opening). Max of 10 two per month awarded for points. 50 10 Patrol Spirit: Teamwork, Positive Attitude, And Good Behavior. PLC Meeting: Patrol Represented at Monthly meeting 1st place of skill game 2nd place of skill game 3rd place of skill game Advancement: Patrol Member advances in Rank Closing and Clean-up: Tables/Chairs/Flags/Floor Swept, Bathrooms Checked. Checklist on troop closet is completed and signed. Total Points for this meeting



Troop Meeting Planning and Communication Process Wednesday – Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) reviews meeting plan for the coming week. Friday – Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) emails a draft of the upcoming Tuesday meeting to the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Leadership Patrol and Scoutmaster. Sunday – PLC and Scoutmasters respond with comments. SPL calls leaders to confirm assignments and reminds Patrol Leaders to call their patrol. Monday – SPL sends updated troop meeting plan to the PLC, Leadership Patrol and Scoutmasters to print a copy. Patrol Leaders call their members. Tuesday – Execute troop meeting plan. Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders and Leadership Patrol should have a copy of the plan. Debrief after troop meeting for lessons learned. Weekly Meeting Update by Telephone On or before Monday evening before a Troop meeting, the Patrol Leader or his designee will call each Scout in his patrol to provide them with any information regarding the troop meeting and about any upcoming activities and outings. If the Scout has not received a call by Monday at 8:00 p.m., he is to call his Patrol Leader. If unable to reach the Patrol Leader, he should call his Assistant Patrol Leader. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or the Senior Patrol Leader can be called as a last resort. If a Scout is not planning to attend a troop meeting, he is to notify his Patrol Leader by telephone. If a Scout is not planning to attend a Required Troop Activity (Wreath Sales, Scout Sunday, Klondike or Pilgrim Church Service Project), he is to notify the Scoutmaster in advance by telephone or at a troop meeting prior to the activity. Additional Troop information may be distributed by email and/or posted at www.troop19.org

Troop Campout Planning Process 4 Troop Meetings Prior  Scout leader prints out permission slip and posts a sign-up sheet  Troop website is updated with permission slip 3 Troop Meetings Prior  SPL provides draft campout program and schedule  Adult Leader starts collecting permission slips  PL eliminates “maybes” –gets Scouts to commit by next meeting  PL identifies advancement and skill learning opportunities for members 2 Troop Meetings Prior  Adult Leader finishes collecting permission slips (deadline)  Patrol creates duty roster and menu and has it approved by SPL/ASPL  Patrol Quarter Master (QM)reviews equipment box with Troop QM  PL assigns Grub Master for shopping  SPL finalizes campout program and schedule 1 Troop Meeting Prior  Adult leader finalizes transportation logistics and prepares packet for drivers (map, list of participants by patrol and drivers, permission slips)  Patrol equipment is assigned to Patrol QM by Troop QM

TROOP MEETING PLANNER Date: __________________Theme: __________________ Time Activity Responsible Notes 6:45 Pre-opening and Set-up _____________ 7:00 Opening Ceremony _____________ PLs Patrol Reports SPL / ASPL Inspection SPL and Youth Staff Meeting Announcements 7:10 Patrol Huddle Quick meeting for any important reminder 7:15 Skill Presentation Patrol Leader, Instructors Troop Instructors to assist or invited presenters PL or help ASPL set-up challenges 7:45 Patrol Challenges - 1 _______________ 8:05 Patrol Challenge - 2 _______________ 8:30 Mini Presentation __________ Coordinated by ASPL 8:45 Council Ring SPL ________________ Song / Cheer ________________ Ceremony SPL Announcements Scoutmaster SM Minute ________________ Clean-Up 9:00 Patrol Leaders’ Council SPL / Scoutmaster Debrief & Planning www.troop19.org Revised 8-15-2012

TROOP MEETING PLANNER Date: __________________Theme: __________________ www.troop19.org Revised 8-15-2012

Uniform Inspection Form Scout Name: ___________________________ Current Rank: ________________________ Date: _____________________ The above named Scout has presented himself for the annual Scout uniform inspection. A score of 26 or greater is required to pass the inspection. Add the following points: Scout Shirt 5 Red Epaulets (2) 2 Daniel Webster Council Shoulder Patch 2 (present and properly positioned) 2 Troop 19 Patch (present and properly 2 positioned) American Flag (present and properly 2 positioned) Current Year Quality Unit Patch 2 (present and properly positioned) Patrol Patch (present and properly 2 positioned) Current Rank (present and properly 2 positioned) Troop Office Patch (If held, it is the 2 proper office and properly positioned) Troop 19 Hat 2 Scout Belt Worn 2 Scout Pants (or Scout Shorts and Socks) 5 Scout Pants (Note: If a 1st Year Scout and in the troop for less than 3 months, give 5 Points if pants color closely resembles Scout pants.) Deduct the following points: Uniform shows a Troop Office or Rank for which the Scout no longer holds -6 Each patch which is not firmly affixed to the uniform -1. Firmly affixed means that the edges of the entire patch are not curling up. Summary: Additions Deductions Total (Additions - Deductions) Inspector Signature: ________________________________________ Passed / Not Passed (Circle one)

Troop and Patrol Organization All Youth Leaders are expected to:  Set a good example  Wear the uniform correctly  Live by the Scout Oath and Law  Attend a significant majority of Troop functions  Earn advancement  Complete the troop’s Youth Leader Training Program In addition each respective Youth Leader has the following specific duties: Senior Patrol Leader  Preside at all troop meetings, events, activities, and annual program planning conference  Maintain the spirit of the troop and encourage scout enthusiasm and active participation for all activities  Manage the Patrol Point System  Chair the Patrol Leaders' Council  Coach Patrol Leaders on their duties  Name appointed boy leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster  Assign duties and responsibilities to other leaders  Assist the Scoutmaster in training junior leaders  Must have been a Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader  Responsible for training and giving direct leadership to the following appointed junior leaders: scribe, librarian, troop historian, instructor, quartermaster, and chaplain aide  Help with leading meetings and activities as called upon by the Senior Patrol Leader.  Take over troop leadership in the absence of the senior patrol leader  Perform tasks assigned by the Senior Patrol Leader  Function as a member of the Patrol Leaders' Council  Support the Senior Patrol Leader

Venture Patrol Leader  Develop an active program for the Patrol  Provide leadership to a selected high-adventure activity  Keep members informed  Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leader Council meetings  Encourage members to take part in all troop activities  Locate and secure resources necessary for activities  Develop patrol spirit  Work with troop leaders to make the troop run well Troop Scribe  Record attendance at each troop meeting, outing and activity  Distribute activity beads based on attendance at outings  Maintain and distribute notepads and pencils at meeting  Attend and keep a log of Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings  Maintain bulletin board  Work with the Troop Treasurer (Committee Member) for semi-annual dues collection Troop Web Master  Maintains up to date content for the troop website  Works closely with the adult leader in developing and improving the website  Gathers information from patrol scribes for the troop website Troop Quartermaster  Keep records of patrol and troop equipment  Keep equipment in good repair  Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order  Suggest new or replacement items  Work with the troop committee member responsible for equipment

Troop Historian  Gather pictures and facts about past activities of the troop for website content  Take care of troop trophies and keepsakes  Keep information about troop alumni  Photograph trips and meeting activities  Maintain troop awards Troop Librarian  Establish and maintain a troop library  Maintain library of merit badge pamphlets  Distribute list of Merit Badge Counselors  Maintain library of audio visual material  Keep records on literature owned by the troop  Add new or replacement items needed  Have literature available for borrowing at troop meetings  Keep system to check literature in and out  Follow up on late returns Instructor  Instruct Scouting skills as needed within the troop or patrols  Prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment  Assist with advancement and learning  Help Scouts with problems Bugler  Keeps track of schedules  Set time at outings  Play bugle for reveille and taps and other occasions Troop Guide  Help Scouts meet advancement requirements through First Class  Advise patrol leader on his duties and his responsibilities at Patrol Leaders' Council meetings  Attend Patrol Leaders' Council meetings with the new Scout  Patrol Leader  Prevent harassment of new Scouts by older scouts  Help Assistant Scoutmaster train new patrol leader when he takes office  Guide new Scouts through early troop experiences to help them become comfortable in the troop and the outdoors

Den Chief  Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings  Meet regularly with the Den Leader to review the den and pack meeting plans  If serving as a Webelos Den Chief, prepare the boys to join Boy Scouting  Project a positive image of Boy Scouting  Assist the Den Leader Chaplain Aide  Assist Chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of troop members while on activities  Tell members of the religious emblem program of their faith Leave No Trace Trainer  Continue to provide service and leadership to the troop  Have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace.  Successfully complete the Leave No Trace Trainer training course.  Help minimize the troop’s impact on the land by teaching Scouts the principles of Leave No Trace.  Help ensure that the troop follows Leave No Trace principles on outings. Order of the Arrow Troop Representative  Continue to provide service and leadership to the troop  Serve as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop  Encourage year round and resident camping in the troop  Encourage older Scout participation in high adventure programs  Encourage Scouts to actively participate in community service projects  Assist with leadership skills training in the troop  Encourage Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop  Encourage Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members  Set a good example  Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly  Live by the Scout Oath and Law  Show Scout spirit Junior Assistant Scoutmaster  Function as an Assistant Scoutmaster  Accomplish any duties assigned by the Scoutmaster

Patrol Organization All Youth Leaders are expected to:  Set a good example  Wear the uniform correctly  Live by the Scout Oath and Law  Attend a significant majority of Troop functions  Earn advancement  Complete the troop’s Youth Leader Training Program In addition each respective leader has the following specific duties: Patrol Leader  Plan and lead at least one patrol activity every three months  Plan and lead patrol meetings outside of the troop as often as necessary  Keep patrol members informed  Share leadership by assigning each patrol member a job and help them succeed  Display your patrol flag at meetings and activities  Represent the patrol at the monthly Patrol Leader Council meeting and at the annual program planning conference  Prepare the patrol to take part in all troop activities  Develop patrol spirit and control  Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well  Know what patrol members and other leaders can do  Support advancement for the patrol  Plan and lead your patrol on troop outings  Strive to earn the BSA National Honor Patrol Award  Strive to earn the Troop Honor Patrol Point System

Assistant Patrol Leader  Assist the patrol leader in:  -planning and leading patrol meetings and activities  -keeping patrol members informed  -preparing the patrol to take part in all troop activities  Take charge of the patrol in the absence of the patrol leader  Represent the patrol at the Patrol Leader Council meetings in the absence of the patrol leader  Help develop patrol spirit  Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well Patrol Treasurer  Reports attendance and dues to troop scribe Patrol Scribe  Provides patrol information to the Troop Scribe for publication  Assists with the production of the monthly newsletter and Web page Patrol Quartermaster  Maintain and inventory patrol equipment  Keep equipment in good repair  Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order  Suggest new or replacement items  Maintain patrol flag Additional patrol jobs that can be assigned as needed:  Patrol First Aider: This duty goes to the member of the patrol with the most interest and expertise in first aid. He will assemble a patrol first aid kit useful for troop skill games and the Klondike derby.  Patrol Grub Master: Responsible for planning and buying of food for camps, hikes and patrol meetings. This should be rotated and an experienced scout and parent should accompany a newer scout when shopping.  Patrol Librarian: builds up a library of training books and charts and keep good care of them.

 Patrol Hike Master and Patrol Camp Master: These two patrol members will be the experts in hiking and camping, and will lead the planning of patrol hikes and camps.  Patrol Instructor: in charge of instructing in skills. You can have different instructors to specialize in knots, fire building, compass, first aid, etc.  Patrol Chaplain Aide: says prayers and leads the religious activities in the Patrol.  Patrol Musician: if you have a guitar player or a musician of any sort, duty can he fitted in.  Patrol Cheer Master: your most enthusiastic and loudest scout to lead your patrol cheer.  Patrol Ceremony Chief: researches ideas and teaches the patrol new openings and closings to use at troop meetings.  Patrol Photographer: a member who is keen on photography.  Patrol Newsletter Reporter: provides a short report on activities to the Troop Newsletter Editor. With all these things to be done, clearly some patrol members will undertake more than one job. It is a good idea when giving responsibility to look for and people who are capable, sometimes it is necessary to persuade people to do jobs. Additional Patrol Jobs is reprinted in part from ScoutWeb South Africa www.troop19.org Revised 8-15-2011