Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation

What Is a Patrol Leader?

Scouts BSA Troops are led by the youth, not the adults. So it is important to understand the various youth leadership positions and how they work together. This article continues the series on youth leadership positions.

A Patrol Leader is elected by his patrol. He is essential for implementing the patrol method within the Troop. He guide his patrol, receives input from them, and represents them in the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The position description below is a sample. Modify it to fit the needs of your troop.

The printable copy also includes a self evaluation form for the position. Our youth leaders self evaluate at least once during their term. We try to keep it positive with them, but it does help them recognize areas they should be working on.

Patrol Leader Description

This is just an example. Adjust it to meet the needs of your own unit.

Qualifications

• Second Class rank or higher (Exception: There is no rank requirement for the leader of a new scout patrol)
• Must be approved by the Scoutmaster
• Elected by the members of the patrol
• May not serve two consecutive terms (Exception: May run for a consecutive term if there are only one or zero candidates)

Reports to: The Senior Patrol Leader

Duties

• Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
• Keep patrol members informed.
• Create a duty roster for each camping trip.
• Help patrol members succeed in their assigned duties
• Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings. Attendance expectation 65%
• Make sure Assistant Patrol Leader attends any meeting/activity he will not be able to attend.
• Prepares the patrol to take part in all troop activities.
• Develop patrol spirit.
• Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 65%
• Attend troop meetings. Attendance expectation 65%
• Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
• Know what patrol members and other leaders can do.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the field uniform (class A) correctly to all regular troop meetings and religious services.
• Wear the activity uniform (class B t-shirt) to all outings and other troop activities.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.

Sponsored

Learn more about how Scouts BSA troops are run

Printable copy

Scouts BSA Youth Leadership

Who leads a Scouts BSA troop? The youth. With mentoring from adult leaders of course.

A Scout Leader’s Guide to Youth Leadership Training

This excellent book will help adult leaders learn how to train effective youth leaders.

The Patrol

Learn more about the patrol method and why it is essential to the Scouts BSA program.