Patrol Leader

The Patrol Leader is the elected head of their Patrol, with the Scoutmaster’s approval. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council. He also works with the Troop Guide assigned to his Patrol. Patrol Leader candidates must have been in the patrol for at lease three (3) months and achieved the rank of First Class Scout attended Troop Junior Leader Training and District Brownsea Junior Leader Training.

Some of a patrol leader's responsibilities follow:

• Appoints other patrol positions
• Represents the Patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council
• Plans and conducts Patrol meetings
• Helps Scouts advance
• Helps recruit new Scouts
• Keeps Patrol members informed, by contacting them on a weekly basis
• Knows what his Patrol members and leaders can do
• Sets a good example, lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law and shows Scout Spirit
• Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly
• If absent, make sure these duties are covered by another person.

Assistant Patrol Leader

The assistant patrol leader takes charge of the patrol whenever you are not available. He should be a strong ally for you, someone who can be relied upon to help the patrol move forward. You will keep him fully informed about what is going on with the patrol and can use him as a sounding board when you must make tough decisions.

The duties of the assistant patrol leader include:

• Assist the patrol leader in planning and chairing patrol meetings.
• Lend a hand in leading patrol activities and building patrol spirit.
• Help the patrol prepare for troop activities.
• Assist the scribe in keeping current the advancement records of patrol members.
• Monitor the advancement progress of patrol members.
• Represent the patrol at patrols leaders' council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.

In addition, the assistant patrol leader may be given special assignments such as working on a patrol service project or assisting certain patrol members with their advancement.

Patrol Scribe

The scribe of a patrol keeps the log—a record of what goes on at each patrol meeting. It provides an accurate account of decisions made, assignments of responsibilities, and patrol plans for upcom­ing events. To refresh everyone's memory at the beginning of a patrol meeting, the scribe may read the most recent log entry. The scribe checks attendance, collects and records dues, and manages the budgets for outings. He may also be the patrol's Internet webmaster, encouraging patrol members to use e-mail to communicate with one another between meetings. As you consider the candidates for patrol scribe, keep in mind that the task will be best suited to someone who has good writing skills, is well organized, and is dependable.

Patrol Quartermaster

The patrol quartermaster is responsible for the patrol equipment. He maintains inventory of all of the patrol gear and makes sure it is clean and ready for the patrol to use. If an item is broken, he repairs it if he can; if he can't, he brings it to the attention of the patrol leader. If the patrol has a chuck box for its front country camp kitchen, the quartermaster can monitor its contents and see that it is fully stocked with cook gear and staple items. He checks out the gear for campouts and other patrol outings, and he makes sure everything is returned and properly stored afterward. The responsibilities of the quartermaster are suited for a Scout who is organized, dependable, and aware of details.

Patrol Grubmaster

The grubmaster of a patrol takes the lead in planning menus for hikes and campouts. Of course, everyone in the patrol has a say in what he would like to eat. The grubmaster helps make those wishes into reality by writing out the menu, itemizing the ingredi­ents, ensuring that purchases are made, and supervising food repackaging before a trip. Scouts who are completing advancement requirements for cooking can work closely with the grubmaster. The grubmaster should be a Scout who is familiar with the cooking chapter of The Boy Scout Handbook and is aware of the importance of good nutrition. It will help if he is also good at math and measurements.

Patrol Cheermaster

The cheermaster leads the patrol in yells, songs, and skits. His is a vital role when the patrol is taking part in campfire programs. Just as important can be his contributions to patrol spirit during long hikes, when the weather on a camping trip turns stormy, or when the patrol is challenged by adversity. He should be an upbeat, outgoing person who can get up in front of a group and lead a song or a cheer.