Tampines District Patrol Leader Training Course Participants Course Notes

TAMPINES DISTRICT
PATROL LEADER TRAINING COURSE

PARTICIPANTS COURSE NOTES
Page 1 of 89
2. ROLES OF PLs & APLs
The basic foundation of a scout unit is the patrol system. This is what makes us different
from the other uniform groups.
The patrol system is a unique system where scouts are in charge of the running of the unit
weekly meetings. The system comprises of a group of 08 scouts being led by a Patrol
Leader (PL) whom is elected by them or has been appointed by the unit’s GSL.
An Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), whom is also elected by the patrol or appointed by the
GSL, assists the Patrol Leader.
The Patrol Leader and his assistant, forms the Patrol Leaders in Council (PLC) with the
other Patrol Leaders and their assistants. The PLC is the heartbeat and the backbone of
the Scout unit.
Thus, with such an important role to play in the unit, it is important for you to know your
role as a Patrol Leader.
Page 15 of 89
2.1. Your Role as a PL
The responsibility of the Patrol leader, as was discussed earlier, is a challenging
one. Your Scout Leader expects a great deal from you & will often give you the
free hand in running the weekly meetings & some activities.
The Patrol Leader is in charge of the welfare of the patrol, looking into the needs
of each of his/her patrol members. These needs can be scout related or others.
This is in line with the scout sign meaning the elder & stronger helping the
younger & weaker.
The Patrol Leader has to be able to command the respect of his/her members but
not through the regimentation but through the activities they do together. Through
such activities, the members learn to listen to their PL and this builds honour &
success for the patrol.
A patrol leader must be able to perform the duties himself / herself before he / she
can instruct his / her members to do it.
He / She also chairs the Patrol in Council (PIC) & channels all information
gathered in the PIC to the Patrol Leaders in Council (PLC) in which he / she and
his / her assistant are members of.
Page 16 of 89
2.2. Typical Characteristics of a Patrol Leader
• Must be at least a Scout Standard holder
• Must be responsible & trustworthy
• Responsible for the efficiency & smartness of his/her patrol members &
help in their progress.
• Train his/her patrol & set a high standards for himself/ herself
• Organises patrol activities
• Inspires patrol togetherness
• Assists the Scout Leader in the running of the unit
Page 17 of 89
2.3. How to be a good Patrol leader
Set a good example. Whatever you do your members will follow.
How can you do it?

• Show them that you can obey orders whether they are verbal, written or
printed
• Show them that trust & honour are of importance to you
• Always play & work hard together
• Your members will follow with very little persuasion if you remember that
you must LEAD not PUSH.
“I want you, Patrol Leaders to train your members, entirely on yourselves,

because it is possible for you to get hold of each & everyone in your patrol &
make a good scout out of him/her. It is of no use in having only one or two
brilliant scouts in the patrol leaving others to be just no good at all but you
should endeavour to make them all to be fairly good. The most important step to
this is yourself, because what you do, your members will follow. Show them that
you can obey orders whether they are given by word of mouth, printed or written,
that you can follow & carry them out whether your Scoutmaster is present or not.
You should also show them that you can earn proficiency badges, this they will
follow with little persuasion. But remember that you must LEAD, not PUSH”
- Lord Baden Powell, Scouting for Boys.
Page 18 of 89
2.4. Duties and Responsibilities of a PL
• A PL is a scout appointed by the Scout Leader to take charge of the patrol.
Sometimes, he/she is elected.
• His/her duty is to try and take hold and develop the qualities of each scout
in his/her patrol.
• He/she trains his/her Patrol through activities
• Leads his/her Patrol in everything and does not let his/her members do all
the things themselves
• Careful in choosing APL
• In training, the PL keeps himself/ herself ahead of his/her patrol
• Sets and maintains standards within the patrol
• Arranges and plans programmes
Page 19 of 89
2.5. The Patrol Leaders’ Creed
• “I shall develop the spirit of Scouting in my patrol by striving to make my

Scouts keen, loyal, happy and hardworking
• To keep myself and my patrol moving steadily up the Scout Ladder of

Progress
• To be an example to the members of my Patrol to the best of my ability by

keeping the Promise and Law
• To make my Patrol more useful
• To lead my patrol by standing up for it
• To plan thoroughly all the work assigned and be generous in

encouragement, give credit where due and be charitable.”
Page 20 of 89
2.6. Promoting good behaviour in the Scout Group
You as Patrol Leaders or APLs are the main link from which Leaders and all
Scouts in the Troop can establish good behaviour.
Discipline is a team effort!
Planning and editing of a Code of Conduct in the Troop. This may not necessarily
be very regimental, but unique to the Troop, and one where Scouts are proud to
identify with and to abide to.
2.6.1. PL’s and APL’s responsibilities:

• Running the Patrol and getting the members to be together.
• Obtain feedback through the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
• Convey message from the Leaders.
• Remind members from time to time about rules and making it a
part of them.
Simple rules have the most effect, where they are easily remembered.
Example:
- All Scouts should meet up in Troop meetings regularly.
- Scouts work as a team.
- No bullying.
- No making fun of others, as I do not like it too.
- No noise during sessions or prayers, give some respect!
The PL and APL’s role also includes being the eyes for the Leader and the Patrol
Leaders’ Council. They help to observe individuals, and foresee any problems in
the near future.
Page 21 of 89
2.7. Games in Scouting
Many times, the fun side of being the PL and APL is to be given the tasks of
organising games for the Troop or members.
Games are more enjoyable and is often much more effective in teaching Scouts
rather than through classroom sessions. Here are some pointers for you if you are
preparing games:
Variety - don’t overdo old favourites, they can eventually become boring
Equipment - Ensure all equipment are ready and in good condition before
commencement of games. This will ensure safety too.
Rules - Make them simple and clear.
Fairness - Prevent reciprocal actions by making the game a fair and fun one.
Trial - Always have a trial for new games. It will ensure understanding and
prevent unhappy situations.
Knockouts - Involve as many people as possible, prevent knockout games.
Competition - Good balance of competition will promote learning and
encourage participation.
Time - Do not over play a game. You may want to stop while it is still being
enjoyed.
Troop game box/ book - You may suggest a book to be maintained by the troop
for games, along with a box where all the equipment is kept. This will facilitate
your incoming orientation or camping anytime by insertion of a game.
Page 22 of 89
2.8. In Summary
• A Patrol Leader should:
• Assist the Scout Leader(s).
• Be an active member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
• Encourage Patrol Activities and Meetings.
• Train himself/ herself.
• Do his/her best to live up to the Promise & Law.
• Take care of the welfare of his/her members.
• Command respect; thru’ activities done together (NOT by regimentation).
• Be able to do the task before delegating to others.
• Respect his/her members and be at best discipline at all times.
Page 23 of 89

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TAMPINES DISTRICT

PATROL LEADER TRAINING COURSE

How can you do it?

“I want you, Patrol Leaders to train your members, entirely on yourselves,

- Lord Baden Powell, Scouting for Boys.

• He/she trains his/her Patrol through activities

• Careful in choosing APL

• In training, the PL keeps himself/ herself ahead of his/her patrol

• Sets and maintains standards within the patrol

• Arranges and plans programmes

• “I shall develop the spirit of Scouting in my patrol by striving to make my

• To keep myself and my patrol moving steadily up the Scout Ladder of

• To be an example to the members of my Patrol to the best of my ability by

• To make my Patrol more useful

• To lead my patrol by standing up for it

• To plan thoroughly all the work assigned and be generous in

2.6.1. PL’s and APL’s responsibilities:

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