Patrols

Boy-Led

Boy Scouts is a boy-led, boy-run organization, but the boys must be trained to be leaders. One of the Scoutmaster’s most important responsibilities is to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers the boy with the skills he will need to lead his troop.

What is a Patrol?

A patrol is a small group of Scouts who work together as a team, share responsibilities, and take ownership of their patrol’s success. Through the patrol method, Scouts learn cooperation, leadership, and how to depend on one another — skills that serve them long after their Scouting years.

Troop 474’s Patrols

Troop 474 is organized into three patrols: Jaws, Timberwolves, and Cows. New Scouts are placed into a patrol based on age, so that each Scout is alongside peers at a similar stage of their Scouting journey.

Each patrol develops its own identity and spirit over time. Patrols compete against one another in Scout skills and activities, plan meals together on campouts, and build the kind of camaraderie that often turns into lifelong friendships.

Patrol Leadership

Each patrol is led by a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader — both elected by the Scouts themselves. The Patrol Leader plans and leads patrol activities, keeps patrol members informed, and represents the patrol at the Patrol Leaders’ Council, where the troop’s program is planned. The Assistant Patrol Leader supports the Patrol Leader and steps in to lead when needed.

Together, the Patrol Leaders’ Council — made up of the patrol leaders from each patrol, the Senior Patrol Leader, and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader — plans the troop’s monthly meetings, campouts, and events. Adult leaders advise and support, but the scouts do the leading.