Patrols, which are the foundation of a Boy Scout troop, are comprised of approximately six to twelve boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for making their patrol a success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All patrol members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the patrol and of each of its members. Each patrol will select a patrol name and then create a patrol yell and flag.  Scouts are expected to wear a patrol patch on the right sleeve of their uniform.

Patrols will be given time during a weekly troop meeting for each patrol to meet by themselves, prepare for upcoming activities and learn new skills.

The members of each patrol elect one of their own members to serve as patrol leader for a period of 6 months. Patrol leaders are elected during a troop election in June and January.  The Patrol Leader will attend the monthly Patrol Leader Council (PLC) with the Scoutmaster.  An Assistant Patrol Leader will be selected by the Patrol Leader.  Before each campout, the Patrol Leader will assign a member of the patrol the leadership position of Grubmaster and Quartermaster.

Patrol Grubmaster

As a patrol, the scouts will prepare a balanced meal plan for their upcoming Scouting activity and then have an Assistant Scoutmaster approve their plan.  The Grubmaster will then purchase the necessary food items, pack and transport the food to the activity, determine the cost per Scout and collect that amount from each patrol member participating in the activity.  The Grubmaster will also be responsible for replenishing any items in the Patrol Box as well as ensuring that all items in the box are clean and functional.  If any items need to be replace or replenished, the cost will be shared by the patrol.

 
Patrol Supply and Food Box (Costs shared by patrol)

1) Large plastic bin to hold contents - labeled with patrol name
2) Plastic bin for food storage
3) Cook set (2 nesting pots 1.5 and 2 liter, with covers and handle, lightweight)
4) Strainer
5) Skillet
6) Utensils (spatula, ladle, large wooden stirring spoon, tongs)
7) Can opener
8) Knife
9) Biodegradable soap
10) Scouring pads / sponges
11) Dish rag or towel
12) 2 pot holders or oven mitts
13) Large plastic trash bags
14) Zip lock bags (qt and gallon size)
15) Paper towels, aluminum foil
16) Toilet paper
17) 2 nesting basins (one wash and one rinse)
18) Matches and butane lighter
19) 50' of 1/4" rope (clothes line ok)
20) Duct tape
21) 10’ x 10’ tarp

Patrol Quartermaster

It is the responsibility of the Quartermaster to obtain equipment needed for the trip from the Troop Quartermaster, bringing it to the Scouting activity and returning it clean and functional to the Troop Quartermaster.

Troop Gear Box (Provided by the Troop for each patrol)

1) Stove (two burner camp stove and single burner backpack stoves)
2) Lantern
3) Propane tank with gooseneck, hose and wrench (for stove and lantern)
4) 1 pot
5) 1 frying pan
6) Dining fly
7) 5 gallon water can
8) Ropes
9) Dutch ovens
10) Many other small items like: saw, shovel, mallet, booms, etc.

 New Scout Patrol

After bridging to Boy Scouts, new 11-year-old Scouts will be grouped into a New Scout Patrol for their first year in Boy Scouts. Typically two older, experienced Scouts will be assigned as Troop Guides to help the New Scout patrol through the challenges of the first year of scouting as well as help them become accustom to the organization and methods of Scouting.  During their first year in the troop, they will function together as a patrol and work toward the goal of completing the requirements for First Class.

An Assistant Scoutmaster will also guide and monitor the progress of the New-Scout patrol for the first year.