How Many Count as a Patrol?
A Question about How Many Count as a Patrol
Karen asked this question:
How many from a Patrol does there need to be to qualify as doing “anything” as a Patrol? I was told 3 or more.
Check with the Youth Leadership
It is normally up to the Senior Patrol Leader and patrol leader with the Scoutmaster to interpret requirements and pass that information along to other leaders and in turn the rest of the troop. So first your Scouts should discuss this with the SPL and patrol leader.
The Rule of Four
If you are talking about an activity which only involves one patrol, you would still have to meet the Rule of Four (at least two Scouts and at least two adults) so there would have to be at least two Scouts. We have some small patrols in our troop, so they will sometimes pair up to do patrol activities which will ensure that they have four or five participating.
Readers, what are your thoughts? Add them to the comments below.
Related Resources
Inactive Scouts in Patrols
A reader is involved in a large troop, but due to low participation from scouts it is difficult to have patrol leader elections and a youth led program.
The Patrol Method
The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting’s aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. The patrol method is very important to this.
What Is Active Participation?
Active participation in the Scouting program is required for advancement. So Scouts who are not participating in patrol activities might have difficulty advancing. See section 4.2.3.1 of the Guide to Advancement for details.
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