Each patrol consists of 6 to 10 boys, who elect a Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader appoints his patrol’s Assistant Patrol Leader.
New Scouts are assigned to a New Scout Patrol. The Scoutmaster appoints the initial Patrol Leader and Assistant for each New Scout Patrol
Scouts may not transfer from one patrol to another without permission from both Patrol Leaders and the Scoutmaster. Periodically the Scoutmaster may reassign Scouts to new patrols, to give additional leadership responsibilities, to place Scouts with others of similar rank and experience, to rebalance Patrol sizes, or to avoid personality conflicts.
Final discretion on the make up of patrols rests with the Scoutmaster.
The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Committee Chairman appoint the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The Senior Patrol Leader reports to the Scoutmaster. The duties of the Senior Patrol Leader include:
Running all Troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.
Running the Patrol Leaders Council meeting.
Assigning duties and responsibilities to junior leaders.
Assisting the Scoutmaster with junior leader training.
Setting a good example.
Enthusiastically wearing the Scout uniform correctly.
Living by the Scout Oath and Law.
Showing Scout Spirit.
The Troop leaders also appoint one or more Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL) who assist the Senior Patrol Leader and serve in his place when he is not present. The Senior Patrol Leader may delegate certain responsibilities to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders.
The Senior Patrol Leader is appointed for a one-year term, starting in March. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader may serve up to two years at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.
Patrol Leader elections are held in March and October. A patrol may also hold an election whenever a majority of the members feels that one is needed or when there is a significant change to the Patrol membership. A Patrol Leader may serve only two consecutive terms. However, after one full term out of office, he may then be elected Patrol Leader again.
Regular meetings are encouraged so that patrol activities and Troop meetings can be planned. Also, patrol meetings can be a time for passing rank requirements or making plans for a patrol campout. Troop 714 reserves time for Patrol Meetings during each Troop meeting.
Troop 714 strongly encourages patrol hikes and camps. Occasionally, the Troop does not schedule a camping trip or an outing during a month. Patrols can take that opportunity to go hiking or camping on their own. If a patrol plans their own activity, they must complete an official Tour Permit and two adults must stay with the patrol at all times. Troop camping equipment may be checked out for patrol campouts.
The Patrol Leader Council plans the activities of the Troop, its meetings, campouts, special projects, and assigns responsibility of carrying out the plans to patrol and Troop leaders. It is also the clearinghouse for special problems that arise.
The Council meets at least once a month, on the meeting night following a campout, when a regular Troop meeting is not scheduled. This Council is composed of the following members:
Senior Patrol Leader (who serves as chairman)
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s)
Patrol Leader from each patrol
Troop Scribe, and
Scoutmaster or his designee.
The boy leaders have a voting privilege and the Scoutmaster serves as advisor. The Scribe publishes the minutes from each PLC meeting, but does not have voting privileges. If a Patrol Leader is unable to participate, it is his responsibility to ensure that his assistant or another patrol member attends to represent his patrol.
Adult leaders may attend the Patrol Leader Council meeting as guests, but they should remember that this is a boy-lead activity. They should participate only if requested by one of the Scouts, and allow the Senior Patrol Leader to manage the meeting.