round a turn and two half hitches

Round turn and two half hitches

Used to secure a rope to a pole, or to start or finish a lashing. Pass the running end of the rope over the pole twice. Then pass the running end over the standing part of rope, and tuck it back up and under itself, forming a half hitch. Repeat this for a second half hitch. This knot has a redeeming feature – it rarely jams!  Tip. Superior to a Clove Hitch for starting and finishing a lashing as the half hitches prevent this knot from unrolling, as they have the effect of locking the knot. The Clove Hitch looks neater (!) but it has a tendancy to unroll, and can be difficult to tie tightly when tying off.

sheep shank

Sheepshank

The Sheepshank is a shortening knot, which enables a rope to be shortened non-destructively. The knot is only really secure under tension, it will fall apart when slack. (See tip below.)      Tip. Use up to five half hitches each end of the Sheepshank to make the knot more secure, and for fine tuning the shortening. Tip. Never cut ropes to shorten them! Always use a shortening knot such as the Sheepshank, or coil the excess.

sheet bend

Sheet Bend (Flag Bend, Common Bend)

The Sheetbend is commonly used to tie two ropes of unequal thickness together. The thicker rope of the two is used to form a bight, and the thinner rope is passed up through the bight, around the back of the bight, and then tucked under itself. The knot should be tied with both ends coming off the same side of the bend, as illustrated here. However it can easily be accidentally tied with the ends coming off opposite sides of the bend, when it is known as the Left Handed Sheet Bend. The Left Handed Sheet Bend is to be avoided as it is less secure. Tip. If the ropes are of very unequal thickness, or placed under a lot of tension, use a Double Sheetbend.

PATROL SYSTEM

Patrols

This is a representative form of government used by Girl Scouts. It consists of two parts – the patrol and the Court of Honor. The spirit, vitality and welfare of the troop is the main objective of the patrol system.

PATROLS + COURT OF HONOR = PATROL SYSTEM

  Patrols

  The Patrol Leader

  The Assistant Patrol Leader

  Patrol Treasurer

  Patrol Secretary

  Transportation Manager

  Commissary Manager

  Equipment Manager

  Health and Safety Manager

  Court of Honor

  Troop Secretary

  Troop Treasurer

  Installation of Patrol Leaders

PATROLS:

The troop is divided into small groups, usually consisting of six to eight girls. Each group is called a patrol. Patrols can have interesting names chosen by the girls. Some names are based on the girls’ interests, the part of the country where they live, etc. A patrol interested in nature lore might be called “Tree Tops”. Patrols often invent an identifying emblem, which they use on a patrol flag and/or on their patrol equipment.

The troop is richer because of the strength and ingenuity of its patrols, all working together on troop plans.

THE PATROL LEADER:

Each patrol has a patrol leader, elected by the girls in her patrol, to serve for a time determined by the troop and the leaders. They vote for her, just as any responsible citizen votes for candidates for public office.

Before voting, read over the duties of the patrol leader, then ask yourself, “Will she do a good job? Is she the kind of girl who is fair or will she be bossy? Will she speak for everyone in our patrol at the Court of Honor? Does she have ideas that are fun and exciting?

These are important questions, for the patrol leader is in charge of seeing that things go well and smoothly. Here are some suggestions for the patrol leader’s duties.

• Conducts regular patrol meetings using agenda made at Court of Honor with the troop leader and other patrol leaders.
• Learns what her patrol wants to do by leading discussions and offering suggestions.
• Represents her patrol at regular Court of Honor meetings by reporting on patrol progress and activities, getting needed assistance and sharing ideas with other patrol leaders.
• Works with her assistant patrol leader and shares some of the leadership of the patrol with her.
• Helps herself and others in her patrol to learn or practice Scouting skills.
• Takes charge of any special assignment given to her patrol
• Assigns duties to patrol members and sees that they are carried out.
• Helps her patrol organize to get jobs done.
• Consults with troop leaders for special help on plans or problems, and keeps them up-to-date on patrol activities.
• Tries to live by the Promise and Law; she needs to set an example for the members of her patrol.

You may say to yourself, “What a lot for one girl to do!” Remember, though, that the patrol leader should have the cooperation of all the girls in her patrol. She can always call on the troop leader for advice, too, so she has help whenever she needs or wants it. Also, remember that a Cadette or Senior patrol leader may be ready to assume more responsibility than a patrol leader in a Junior troop.

THE ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER:

Another girl elected by the patrol members is the assistant patrol leader. She serves for the same time as the patrol leader and her job is to help the patrol leader in every way she can. The assistant patrol leader does these things and others that she may be asked to do:

• Takes over the job of the patrol leader in her absence.
• Carries out leadership responsibilities delegated by the patrol leader – such as making a kaper chart or organizing a flag ceremony.

Every patrol needs a patrol leader and an assistant patrol leader, but a patrol that really gets things done sees that every member has a definite permanent job. This allows it to whirl into action, not confusion, to get the necessary things done quickly and save time for the real heart of a troop or patrol activity – to turn spur-of-the-moment ideas into fun-packed afternoons. Here is one plan for dividing the work of the patrol:

PATROL TREASURER: The Patrol Treasurer or Finance Manager is in charge of patrol financial matters.

• Collects troop dues from patrol members, keeps a record of troop dues, and turns them over to Troop Treasurer.
• Handles all money for the patrol.
• Keeps financial record of patrol income and expenses.

PATROL SECRETARY: The Patrol Secretary or Recorder is in charge of patrol records.

• Attends to patrol correspondence (invitations, thank-you notes).
• Keeps log of patrol programs and attendance.
• Fills in necessary information on permission slips.
• Keeps a written record of each girl’s progress toward awards.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER: The Transportation Manager is in charge of transportation for patrol events.

• Makes a sure driver receives a thank-you note from secretary.
• Works with Health and Safety Manager to make sure patrol members understand health and safety precautions for travelling by car, bicycle, foot, canoe, etc.
• Finds out about interesting places the patrol can visit, how to get there, and how much it will cost.

COMMISSARY MANAGER: The Commissary Manager is in charge of patrol food.

• Arranges for refreshments for special occasions.
• Appoints shoppers for food and sees that it is purchased.
• Sees that food is delivered on time, properly packed and stored.
• Makes sure food is attractively served; works out plan for cleanup.

EQUIPMENT MANAGER: The Equipment Manager is in charge of patrol equipment.

• Makes up list of personal equipment needed for program and gives a copy to each girl.
• Makes out list of patrol equipment needed.
• Secures, distributes, packs, and stores patrol equipment.
• Makes sure equipment is labeled and kept in good condition.
• Initiates making of patrol equipment (tin-can stove, cook kits, etc.)
• Returns borrowed equipment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER: Make sure a first aid kit is available at all times.

• Keeps first aid kit stocked, replacing items as necessary.
• Alerts patrol to good health and safety practices.
• Makes sure patrol members know what to do in case off fire, storm, accident, lost person, etc.
• Knows how to reach the nearest doctor or hospital or emergency services number.
• Sets up an emergency call system for patrol.

No matter which plan you use, yours, or the one suggested, make sure you can answer “Yes” to the following questions.

1. Does each girl in the patrol have a specific job?
2. Does she have a brief description of what she is to do?
3. Will she really have an opportunity to do her hob because it is based on actual plans for the troop and the patrol?
4. Are copies of each description with the name of the girl who has the hob kept in one place so everyone can see who is responsible for what/
5. Is there a plan to evaluate the division after two or three months? Check to see if jobs need to be rearranged; if each girl has the job best suited to her talent; is it working for both the troop and patrol activities? Some troops elect new officers two or three times a year.

COURT OF HONOR (COH)

Every patrol member has a voice in the COH through the patrol leader. The COY is the heart of the troop. The COH consists of all patrol leaders in the troop, the Troop Secretary, The Troop Treasurer, and the troop leader. Each patrol leader represents her patrol faithfully at the COH meetings. If she cannot be there, she makes sure her patrol is represented.

These are some things the COH can do:

• Plan interesting troop programs based on ideas submitted by the patrols
• Make up ideas for activities and submit them to patrols through the patrol leaders.
• Hear reports from patrols given by patrol leaders (and from committee chairmen, when needed).
• Make arrangements for patrol leaders to learn new things to teach their patrol members.
• Sometimes arrange for girls from different patrols to work together on special projects.

The COH can meet before, after, or during any regular troop meeting. These short meetings, ten minutes to half an hour in length, are for quick reports of patrol reactions, reminders of responsibilities for next week, or adjustment of plans.

At special meetings, usually every two or three months, the COH fills in the details of plans for the months ahead, and considers ideas and suggestions from patrols brought to the meetings by patrol leaders.

The COH thinks over the various ideas. Are they good? Will they work? How can we make them work? This is the way ideas are turned into actions for the troop. Even the best ideas need planning and work to make them come true.

The COH usually holds longer meetings at the beginning and end of the troop year. The first meeting is to get things started by deciding how many big events can be fitted into the year’s calendar. (The big events might include camping, trips, Court of Awards, council events, parties, service unit activities, community service projects, etc.) The last meeting is to evaluate how the troop has done.

An open COH meeting may be held so that everyone will know how the system works. All troop members attend as “silent watchers.”

TROOP SECRETARY: She is the official correspondent and secretary of the entire troop. Here are some suggested duties for the Troop Secretary:

• Takes minutes and notes at Court of Honor and business meetings.
• Answers troop mail.
• Writes invitations and thank-you notes for gifts and services to the troops.
• Keeps troop history up-to-date, such as writing an account of a camping trip.
• If she is kept very busy, she might need an assistant. They need to have neat, clear handwriting, so that their notes are easy for others to read.

TROOP TREASURER: The Troop Treasurer is also elected by the entire troop. She may have these duties:

• Keeps an account book, entering all money that is collected by the troop and all that is spent.
• Receives dues from the patrol treasurers, records their payment in the account book, and deposits them in the troop’s bank or gives them to the troop leader for deposit.
• Provides facts and figures to the COH when the troop’s yearly budget is mad and to any group spending troop money (food buyers for camping trip, decorations committee for troop party, etc.)
• Makes financial report to the troop once a month.
• Is prepared to make a report of troop finances at any time when asked.

Lord Baden-Powell started the patrol system with the COH. Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, and Boy Scouts use it all over the world. A Girl Scout troop belongs to all its members. The troop decides what it will do, and every girl helps to carry out the troop’s decisions. Each girl must do her part to make the patrol system a success!

Installation of Patrol Leaders

Set Up:	Horseshoe formation
Leader announces purpose of ceremony
Leader:	“Please present all patrol leaders to be installed.” (May be presented by former patrol leader.) (With patrol leader on her left, patrol member presents patrol leader, stepping back out of horseshoe, walks outside of horseshoe and stands at open end of horseshoe, introduces patrol leader and takes one step back.)
When all are in place:
Presenters:	“May I present       name       , the newly elected patrol leader of                            patrol.” (steps back one step)
Leader:	“Are you ready to take the patrol leader’s Oath?”
Patrol Leaders:	“We are.”
Leader:	“Repeat after me: As a patrol leader I will try to lead the patrol to the best of my ability; to keep order in my group at all times; that in the Court of Honor, I will speak for my patrol and not just for myself; that I will do my best to live up to the trust of my patrol.
Leader:	“Members of patrols, repeat after me: As a member of Troop #     , I will do my best to be loyal and helpful to my patrol leader.”
As presenters pin on cords, leader says:	“The cord of the patrol leader has two golden circles. The smaller circle represents the patrol you lead and serve. The larger circle in the cord is a symbol of the entire troop you serve in the Court of Honor.”
Leader gives Girl Scout Handshake to each patrol leader.
Presenters and patrol leaders return to horseshoe – form a friendship circle and sing taps.

PATROL LEADER

Patrol Leader  

“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.” —Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s founder

The Patrol

The patrol is a group of Scouts who belong to a troop and who are probably similar in age, development, and interests. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in a small group outside the larger troop context, working together as a team and sharing the responsibility of making their patrol a success. A patrol takes pride in its identity, and the members strive to make their patrol the best it can be. Patrols will sometimes join with other patrols to learn skills and complete advancement requirements. At other times they will compete against those same patrols in Scout skills and athletic competitions.

The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as patrol leader. The troop determines the requirements for patrol leaders, such as rank and age. To give more youths the opportunity to lead, most troops elect patrol leaders twice a year. Some may have elections more often.

Patrol size depends upon a troop’s enrollment and the needs of its members, though an ideal patrol size is eight Scouts. Patrols with fewer than eight Scouts should try to recruit new members to get their patrol size up to the ideal number.

Patrol Meetings

Patrol meetings may be held at any time and place. Many troops set aside a portion of each troop meeting for its patrols to gather. Others encourage patrols to meet on a different evening at the home of a patrol member. The frequency of patrol meetings is determined by upcoming events and activities that require planning and discussion.

Patrol meetings should be well-planned and businesslike. Typically, the patrol leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe collects dues, and the assistant patrol leader reports on advancement. The patrol leader should report any information from the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made to each patrol member.
Patrol Activities

Most patrol activities take place within the framework of the troop. However, patrols may also conduct day hikes and service projects independent of the troop, as long as they follow two rules:

         The Scoutmaster approves the activity.

         The patrol activity does not interfere with any troop function.
Patrol Spirit

Patrol spirit is the glue that holds the patrol together and keeps it going. Building patrol spirit takes time, because it is shaped by a patrol’s experiences—good and bad. Often misadventures such as enduring a thunderstorm or getting lost in the woods will contribute much in pulling a patrol together. Many other elements also will help build patrol spirit. Creating a patrol identity and traditions will help build each patrol member’s sense of belonging.

Every patrol needs a good name. Usually, the patrol chooses its name from nature, a plant or animal, or something that makes the patrol unique. A patrol might choose an object for its outstanding quality. For example, sharks are strong swimmers and buffaloes love to roam. The patrol may want to add an adjective to spice up the patrol name, such as the Soaring Hawks or the Rambunctious Raccoons.

A patrol flag is the patrol’s trademark, and it should be a good one. Have a competition to see who comes up with the best design and who is the best artist. Make the flag out of a heavy canvas and use permanent markers to decorate it. In addition to the patrol name, the patrol flag should have the troop number on it as well as the names of all the patrol members. Mount the flag on a pole, which also can be decorated. Remember, the patrol flag should go wherever the patrol goes.

Every patrol has a patrol yell, which should be short and snappy. Choose words that fit the patrol’s goals. Use the yell to announce to other patrols that your patrol is ready to eat or has won a patrol competition. Some patrols also have a patrol song.

Other patrol traditions include printing the patrol logo on the chuck box and other patrol property. Many troops designate patrol corners somewhere in the troop meeting room; patrols may decorate their corner in their own special way. Some patrols like to specialize in doing something extremely well, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.

The Patrol Leaders’ Council

As a patrol leader, you are a member of the patrol leaders’ council, and you serve as the voice of your patrol members. You should present the ideas and concerns of your patrol and in turn share the decisions of the patrol leaders’ council with your patrol members.

The patrol leaders’ council is made up of the senior patrol leader, who presides over the meetings; the assistant senior patrol leader, all patrol leaders, and the troop guide. The patrol leaders’ council plans the yearly troop program at the annual troop program planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month.

Your Duties as Patrol Leader

When you accepted the position of patrol leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a patrol leader, you are expected to do the following:

         Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.

         Keep patrol members informed.

         Assign each patrol member a specific duty.

         Represent your patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.

         Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.

         Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.

         Know the abilities of each patrol member.

         Set a good example.

         Wear the Scout uniform correctly.

         Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

         Show and develop patrol spirit.
Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader

	Keep Your Word. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
	Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don’t allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.
	Be a Good Communicator. You don’t need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective “Let’s go.” A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what’s going on.
	Be Flexible. Everything doesn’t always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to “plan B” when “plan A” doesn’t work.
	Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
	Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
	Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone’s spirits up.
	Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
	Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a “Nice job” is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
	Ask for Help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don’t know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.

Training for Patrol Leaders

Scouting takes pride in giving youth members unique leadership opportunities and training. Patrol leaders may have the opportunity to participate in all or some of the following leadership training.

Introduction to Leadership

This is the first step of leadership training. It is usually conducted by the Scoutmaster within a few days after a troop election. It may last no more than an hour, but it should cover the responsibilities of a patrol leader and the needs for upcoming events within the troop.

Troop Junior Leader Training

This is a daylong training conference conducted by the Scoutmaster and senior patrol leader. Its purpose is to reinforce the patrol method and to allow members of the patrol leaders’ council to set goals for themselves, their patrols, and their troop.

PATROL NAME, PATROL YELL, PATROL CALL AND PATROL EMBLEMS

THE NAME OF THE PATROL

Let’s say that a new Patrol has just been formed under a new Patrol Leader. What generally happens next? At the very first meeting the fellows get out the Handbook For Boys to look over the list of Patrol names for the purpose of picking one for themselves. And what do they pick. Usually one that “seems” all right and “sounds” OK. “Flying Eagles! That’s us!” And that’s that!

*   *   *   *   *

Patrol Emblems

Now that you have a name for the Patrol, you’ll want to tell the world who you are.

You do this by picking an emblem or “totem” design for your gang, then using it on the Patrol flag. ..on the medallions the boys wear on their Scout shirts. ..to decorate the Patrol den. ..to mark all Patrol equipment and as a special Patrol signature.

The Patrol Flag

You can’t very well imagine a real Scout Patrol without a flag of its own-one that follows the gang wherever it goes.

*   *   *  *   *

If you’re a new Patrol, get busy and get yourself a flag …. Making the Patrol flag should be a Patrol job, not a one-man affair…. When you have the flag ready, remember that it does not become a real Patrol flag unless it follows the Patrol wherever it goes.  The dates and place names on the staff are put there not only to show where the Patrol has been, but also so that the flag can say, “I was there too, by golly!”  Before you know it, the boys will instinctively feel that something is wrong when their emblem isn’t with them

*    *    *   *   *

PATROL CALL

Every Scout Patrol has its own distinctive Patrol call. If your Patrol has picked the name of an animal or bird, your call, naturally, is the call or cry of that animal or bird.

If you have picked some other kind of a name, you’ll need to choose an animal or bird call to go with it. Indians usually had such tribal calls, and many explorers use them.

The Patrol call is given by the Patrol Leader to get the gang together. Besides, it is used by a member of the Patrol to let the others know where he is without telling the rest of the world.

If you’re a member of the Owl Patrol, for example, you’ll make the hoot of the owl in such a lifelike manner that the ordinary person will think it comes from a real owl-while your boys, on the other hand, will recognize the hoot as the Patrol call and will know where to look for you.

Get someone who is good at imitating animal and bird calls to teach the call to your whole Patrol- whether the grunt of a bear, the clap of a beaver’s tail, the bellow of a bison, the scream of eagle or hawk, the bark of a fox, the caw of a raven, or whatever it is.

As soon as a new boy joins the Patrol, get him to learn the call as quickly as possible.

It is a rule in Scouting that a Scout makes his own call only and never uses the call of another Patrol for any purpose whatever.

PATROL YELL

Did you ever attend a college football game? If you did, you’ll remember the way the college boys cheered their teams with thundering yells. Did you see what effect that cheering had on the players? It made them want to do their best for their Alma Mater.

The same kind of cheering works in a Patrol. A good yell puts pep into the gang and builds team spirit. So make up your own and practice it until the fellows put everything they’ve got into it.

PATROL CORNER AND PIC (PATROL IN COUNCIL) & COH (COURT OF HONOUR)

Patrol  corner

The patrol corner is where we put interesting and instructive documents that will interest Scouts and adult leaders alike.

Patrol-in-council

When a Patrol gets together to discuss and take decisions (what they want to do, how much to be paid as subs should be, where they would like to camp, etc) it is called a Patrol-in-Council.

There shall be a Patrol-in-Council for every Patrol. The Patrol-in-Council shall consist of all members of the Patrol. Patrol Leader shall be the Chairman. The Patrol-in-Council shall deal with all affairs of the Patrol.

Court-of-Honor

There shall be a Court-of-Honor for every Troop. The Court-of-Honor shall consist of Troop Leader, Asst. Troop Leader and Patrol Leader; Seconds may be admitted as members of the Court-of-Honor except when matters of discipline are dealt with. Troop Leader, Asst. Troop Leader or one of the Patrol Leaders elected shall function as the Chairman and one of the members elected shall function as Secretary. The Court-of-Honor shall plan the activities and deal with internal matters of the Troop and also matters of finance and discipline. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster shall act as advisers.