Patrol Names

I am (probably unreasonably) opinionated about patrol names. No doubt it has something to do with the experience of being a Camp Director and having to read silly or suggestive Patrol names during a reasonably solemn ceremony before a couple of hundred parents each week.

Scouts will sometimes invent silly or inappropriate patrol names.

While the concepts of creativity and ownership are important so are those of honor, tradition and self respect.

Sarcasm and irony are powerful tools that have their place but they also imply the whole thing is a big joke.

There is no reason to strive or excel under a poorly chosen name, it is an excuse for treating the actions associated with it lightly.

Sports teams don’t usually choose names that inspire a giggle- they choose names that come to represent dedication, honor and excellence. (Okay “Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers” inspires a grin.) This is not to say I think Scoutmasters should veto a name chosen by a patrol because the choice is theirs. I’d rather we talks to teh Scouts about this before they choose a silly or inappropriate patrol name and encourage them to give it some thought.

Names and symbols have significant implications, they should be chosen carefully.