TROOP 174 PATROL SPIRIT NEEDS

Patrol Names

The Patrol Name is very important to the success of the Patrol. The name should be something that the whole Patrol is proud of, and something that the other Patrols (and your grandmother) can understand and respect. In Troop 174, we use the standard BSA patrol patches and names that fit the patch and somehow describe the Patrol. For instance if the Patrol decides to use the Beaver patch because they admire the skill and industry of beavers they may be the "Blazing Beavers" (always fast), "Singing Beavers" (always cheerful), or the "Be Prepared Beavers" (ready for anything). Derogatory adjectives should be avoided as they tend to kill, rather then enhance, Patrol Spirit. Patrol names must be approved by the Scoutmaster, and acceptable to patrol mothers and grandmothers. All patrol members must know why the patrol chose the name it did -- so consider your Patrol Name carefully. Link to pictures of patrol Patches and name is http://www.wildrice.com/Troop339/BSpictures/PatrolEmblems/PatrolEmblems.html

Patrol Call

The Patrol Call is used to get the attention of all patrol members and to get them to assemble. The "call" should be loud enough so that patrol members can hear and recognize it at Troop meetings and around the campsite. It should be short and something all patrol members can give. The call should not be offensive to anyone. So, while "Dam It!" may be grammatically correct and related to beavers, it would not be an appropriate Patrol Call. A loud clap, like a beaver's tail hitting the water, or a short phrase like "Beavers Unite" (maybe in a foreign language for mystery) would be much more appropriate. The Patrol Call must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Yell

The "Patrol Yell" is used show pride in the Patrol, or a patrol member. It may be given when the Patrol has done well in a contest, or even when the patrol has gotten into formation and is ready for the next activity. The Yell should be short, loud and show pride in the patrol. It should relate to the Patrol name or the good characteristics of the patrol. "Beavers are Best!" (just plain good) or "Beavers eat wood!" (tough) would be appropriate Patrol Yells. Yells, like patrol calls and names should not be offensive to anyone and should not degrade another Patrol (i.e. "Beavers eat Pine Trees!" would not be appropriate if we had a Pine Tree patrol). To make a yell more interesting it might be in a foreign language -- especially if the patrol was named after a person/group like Vikings, Indians, or Frontiersmen. The Patrol Yell must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Flags

Every Patrol should have a Patrol Flag and it should go wherever the patrol goes -- hikes, campouts, Patrol and Troop meetings. It should be the rallying point for the Patrol and should be proudly carried or displayed by the Patrol. The flag should be small enough to be easily carried and must include the following:

Patrol Name

Troop Number

Frequently the Patrol Flag will also include a picture of the patrol icon, the names of scouts in the patrol, places/dates the Patrol has camped, and small cartoons illustrating something important only to the Patrol (a stuck car, the breakfast no one would eat, a snorkel or shark fin for that really wet campout, etc.) Patrol flags are never really finished -- they should be added to frequently to be relevant to the patrol. You can add feathers (for birds), streamers, or leaves cut out of leather or material to add new members, or record camping places. Ribbons and awards won by the patrol should be displayed on the Patrol Flag. The flag should be waterproof or have a waterproof covering that is always carried on the flagpole. Flags should be made by all the boys in the patrol and should not look like they were made commercially. Every Scout in the Patrol should add something (his totem, initials, leaf, etc.) to the flag when he joins the patrol. Flagpoles should be 6-7' tall and about an inch in diameter. The patrol should have a stand that is used at Troop and Patrol meetings. Patrol flags should not be offensive to anyone.