Winter/Spring 2011 Patrol Leaders Council

Warrant Officers

How does the PLC Work?

Purpose: To instill in the boys the importance of Junior Leaders in the Troop.

INTRODUCTION:

“The patrol is the heart of the Patrol method, but the brain that guides it is the Patrol Leaders Council.” When you become a leader in a patrol you also become a leader in the troop. In the patrol leaders council you will get a chance to express the hopes and desires of your patrol. Here, also, you will receive the guidance and help you need to conduct your patrol affairs and train your patrol members.

In the patrol leaders council you will pick up inspiration for making your patrol the best possible.

EXPLANATION:

1. WHO?
   1. All patrol leaders are members of the council.
   2. THe Senior patrol leader acts as the chairman of the patrol leaders council.
   3. The Scoutmaster serves as advisor to the council.
   4. The only members of the council with a vote are the patrol leaders. The Senior patrol leader can vote in case of a tie.
   5. In the absence of the patrol leader his assistant can attend and vote.
   6. Quartermaster, Scribe, Junior Assistant Scoutmasters, and other may attend but have no vote.
2. WHAT?
   1. The patrol leaders council plans the activities of the troop and assigns the responsibility for carrying out the plans for such things as:
      • Meetings Hikes Camps
      • Service projects
   2. Reports are made on progress of activities underway.
   3. The council also acts as a clearing house for special problems that might arise:
      • No advancement
      • Can’t control group
      • No patrol meetings
   4. The schedule for the year is planned.
3. WHEN?
   1. The patrol leaders council should meet once a month and at other times when necessary.
   2. In many troops they meet briefly after each troop meeting.
4. HOW?
   1. Call to order – Senior Patrol Leader
   2. Reading of minutes – Scribe
   3. Patrol Leaders reports – Patrol Leaders
   4. Unfinished business
   5. Next months program
      • Troop meetings
      • Hikes
      • Campouts
      • Advancement
      • Service projects
      • Recruiting new members
   6. Leaders minute
   7. Closing
5. DEMONSTRATION
   1. Show a patrol leaders council in action with the Senior patrol Leader as chairman getting everyone to express their opinion concerning the topic of discussion. Remember majority rules.
   2. Show that the Scoutmaster has the final say and may veto if his sound judgment and good leadership makes it necessary.