How a Troop Works

The Patrol Method

The Patrol Method is the system scouts use to lead their troop. Here’s the key: **the scouts** are the ones who lead, plan, operate, and execute the game of scouting.

A troop is organized into patrols, groups of 6-8 scouts who learn skills together, camp together, and operate as a team. Each patrol elects their own leader, who is given full responsibility for the patrol and its members.

The troop elects a Senior Patrol Leader, who is the president of the troop, responsible for overseeing and coordinating the other youth leaders and in charge of the troop’s program.

Youth Leadership

The Patrol Leaders’ Council is the youth leadership corps of the troop.

Adult Leadership

Adult leadership of the troop is organized this way:

Scoutmaster Corps

The Scoutmaster, with their Assistant Scoutmasters, is responsible for providing direct training, coaching, and mentorship to all the scouts in the troop. They go to troop meetings and campouts, and model what it means to be a scout. The Scoutmaster is directly responsible for the scouts and their program.

Troop Committee

The Troop Committee, led by the Committee Chair, oversees the Scoutmaster Corps and the troop’s “back of house” operations, such as treasury, fundraising, record-keeping, and other logistics.