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Scoutmaster Podcast 40
Interview with the authors of a fantastic patrol method book – Working the Patrol Method.
Applying the patrol method is a perennial challenge for all of us, indeed it is the subject of much of the Scoutmaster blog and podcast. I cannot recommend Working the Patrol Method strongly enough – an essential tool for every Scoutmaster and adult leader.
This podcast lasts 56 minutes (!) – I didn’t want to break up the interview. I think it will be worth your time.
In This Podcast
Interview with the authors of Working the Patrol Method [11:33]
Podcast Notes
Working the Patrol Method (my review with links to purchase the book) Available on Amazon
Patrol System Survey Results (PDF file)
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Great show. I too went to Woodbadge (actually it was my councils last Woodbadge for the 20th century), and caught the vision of how patrols were to operate within a troop. I do not hear a whole lot about the patrol method other than people saying “oh yes, we have patrols.” I bought a copy of the 1942 Scoutmasters Handbook, and read from cover to cover. Hillcourt really knew his stuff.
I expect to keep this book close, with my 42 SC Handbook and my copy of Mark Ray’s “Scoutmasters Other Handbook” for easy reference.
No it’s not easier to do it ourselves.
It may seem that way at first, but it’s not true.
If it seems that way, then you don’t know what your Scouts are capable of.
If you work the program then the more Scouts that you have, the easier it is. Hmmmmmm. You don’t agree with that.
Think of yourself as leader of a non-profit organization (March of Dimes, Habitat, YMCA, etc). The more people (volunteers) the easier the job is and the more work gets done.
The Scoutmaster is the leader of a non-profit organization. He has 10, or 30 or 80 volunteers (Scouts and adult leaders). Put them to work. Then sit back and watch.
Clarke, you said something about the committee going crazy. Ok, let them go crazy! I’m ok with that. Just so long as they do THEIR job.
Challenges cure things. If you are having trouble with leadership, take them out and challenge them. Talk them into climbing, canoeing, rafting, backpacking, etc. Usually they are eager for that stuff. The natural challenges of these type of events will cause real leadership to rise to the top.
I really like the idea of a campout with nothing planned. They won’t complain, though. They will find things to do. Just cooking three meals on Saturday will usually keep them busy most of the day. Last Saturday we had a patrol cook breakfast until 10:30am. Comments at the closing reflection time: “Best bacon that I ever had!! I love this campout!” (Next month it’s going to get more complicated and exciting and keep building through the spring. No more sleeping in 🙂 )
Cool stuff Clarke and the patrol guys. Keep it coming.