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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