Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Varsity Huddle - Squad Method

Varsity Huddle – May 5th, 2011
“The Squad Method”
(Also known as the Patrol Method)

Why do we use the Squad Method?

Squads are the building blocks of a Varsity Scout Team. A Squad is a small group of boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, squad members share the responsibility for the squad's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of leadership. All squad members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the squad and of each of its members.

Squads are used to build teams.  Squads are used to teach leadership.  Squads are used to plan successes and should plan as a group.  They must learn to delegate but maintain responsibility.  They must follow through.  They must learn to coach and mentor.  They must learn from their mistakes.  They must be good followers.  They must learn to evaluate themselves as well as do self-assessments.  Squads must build trust through good communication and setting priorities.  They must praise one another.  They must celebrate victories together and help each other in failures.

In order for squads and Teams to be successful, you must know them well to know what will work effectively to teach them to lead.  But don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Not all boys will click with all leaders so having more than one leader will be helpful. 

In the end, Scouting is supposed to be fun!  So make sure not only your Team and Squad are having fun but you as a leader are also having fun by serving the boys.

“The object of the squad method (patrol method) is not so much saving the Team Coach (Scoutmaster) trouble as to give responsibility to the boys.” – Robert Baden-Powell

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