The role of the Patrol Leader and the Assistant Patrol Leader
Unlike other sections in the Scout Movement, the roles of the Patrol Leader (PL) and his Assistant (APL) are key to a successful Patrol. The badges that these Scouts wear are not handed out just because a young person reaches a certain age. This article discusses what it means to be a PL (or an APL) and the duties that a good PL should be doing on a weekly basis.
So let’s start with the Assistant Patrol Leader. As the name suggests, this person will help the Patrol Leader in running the patrol. At camp, this may be working with a small team to put up a patrol tent, whilst the Patrol Leader works with the others to set up the kitchen. They need to have a reasonable idea of how to get a team to work – and also of Scouting; like the PL they need to demonstrate to the rest of the Patrol what it means to be a good Scout. In some cases, the APL will have to stand in for the Patrol Leader, so this isn’t a role for someone who likes to keep to themselves, or can’t work with others!
The APL is not expected to be “as good” as the PL – part of the job of the APL is to learn how to be a good PL – but they still should be of good stock that is keen to learn and develop.
The Patrol Leader (PL) is the front person in any Patrol. They have quite a difficult job to do – often getting the Patrol to do less “fun” jobs. Their list of duties include:
- motivating their Patrol to getting jobs done
- make sure that tasks are being completed properly and completely
- listening to the Scout Leaders and passing on instructions clearly and completely
- explaining to the Scout Leaders why their Patrols haven’t completed their tasks
- looking after the new Scouts and show what it is to be a good Scout
- they have to be someone that the Patrol can go to if they have a problem – and helping their patrol learn new skills
- encouraging the Patrol to attend camps and activities
- ensuring that the Patrol is smartly turned out for inspection
- making sure that any challenges are completed on time.
Quite a list!
One major factor in deciding who makes a good PL or APL is their involvement in the Troop. The Patrol system doesn’t just happen on a Friday night, it is used throughout all the Scout activities including camps – so the good PL and APL will ensure that they attend most (if not all!) the activities that are organised by the Troop!
First Meeting back!
So, with over 25 Scouts on our official list, I was expecting a better turnout than actually happened. But did that stop us from having fun? Nope!
We started with a favourite game of mine - 15 passes. Scouts pair up and have to successfully pass the ball (or in my case a re-purposed – and unused - dog toy)fifteen times without being interrupted by another team (if they are, they have to start again from 1). Scouts must be at least 1-2 metres away from each other and can only hang onto the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds before it must be passed.
After playing that, the winning patrol from last term went off to MacDonalds for their prize.
The remaining scouts then went through the programme for the coming term, looked at the pictures from the summer camp, and did a little bit of knotting.
We then played the next game – an effective communication game. Patrols had to carry a ball round the outside of the HQ (an obstacle course in itself!) without dropping the ball (the ball is placed on a table and allowed to move freely). Those engaged in getting the table and ball round the course enjoyed the challenge – and the others enjoyed running around outside the Scout Hall. Everybody wins!
We finally finished the evening with three Scouts being invested. As we handed over the badges, scarves, books etc one of three remarked “It’s like another birthday!” A great first meeting back.
Let’s Get Ready to Thumble!!!
The mystical art of Thumb wrestling has now gone mainstream! Being a keen amateur I met up with Senator Skull to interview him, especially on his important match against Wasabi.
(Senator Skull: courtesy of the Thumb Wrestling Federation)
“So Senator Skull, how is the training going?”
[Senator Skull says nothing and just glowers]
“Wasabi says that you will be a push over when you get into the ring. She’s even written a poem about it. What’s your comment?”
[Senator Skull says nothing and just glowers]
“I understand that you split the Sinistras when you joined them. What was the reason behind that?”
[Senator Skull says nothing and just glowers]
“Look, I know you have an image and all, but I would get a better response from your pet cat. I was told by Wasabi that she’s considering painting it pink to go with your…. Owww! Stop Headbutting me! Medic! Medic! Man down!”
For more information on the Thumb Wrestling Federation, go to www.thumbwrestlingfederation.com. On the site you can get information on the wrestlers, download some cool stuff, including the ability to make your own mask… check out mine (I think I’ll replace the Twitter pic with this one!)
http://www.thumbwrestlingfederation.com/games/maskmaker/
Just remember – as with Lucha Libra (Mexican wrestling) you can be whoever you want to be, but once the mask is pulled off you are just who you really are – and can never go back. So until I pull this mask off in the ring, I will forever be known in wrestling as “The Frogster”!
The Thumb wrestlers are out on tour and are available through supermarkets etc.
“Four Three Two One – who will be the strongest thumb?”
