We currently have 4 patrols, Hydra (boy), Killer Rabbits (boy), Pandas (boy), and Trailblazers (girl). The Nova patrol is for our new scouts transitioning from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA.
Just like our Troop, our patrols are Scout led. Patrols elect their Patrol Leader at our Troop elections every December and June. Assistant Patrol Leaders are selected by the Patrol Leader, not elected.
In 2016, our troop transitioned from an age-based patrol structure to a mixed-aged patrol structure. This change gave the troop the opportunity to foster an environment where younger scouts could learn from older scouts under the structure of the patrol method.
As new scouts join our troop, we encourage any large groups to break up into smaller groups of 2 or 3 scouts to help us maintain healthy numbers and diverse age group in each of our patrols. We do encourage siblings to participate in different patrols. Our Scoutmaster works with all families to make sure the patrol assignments work well for each Scout and our Troop.
On paper, we are two linked troops, Troop 498 (Boys) and Troop 8498 (Girls). This troop structure allows us to provide equal leadership opportunities for the girls and boys. That being said, we operate as one troop; Family Troop 498 – we have one Committee, one Patrol Leader’s Council, and we do our activities together.
As a Family Troop we provide families with one place to volunteer and one set of activities to do with their family. We also believe that it is important for youth, male and female, to learn, work, and have fun together. We promote that all Scouts are our brothers and sisters. Relationships during scouting activities are always as brother and sister.
Scouting is not an all or nothing activity. Many scouts in our troop also do sports, music, or other activities. Every scout is on their own path and at a different spot on the trail. If you need to miss a few meetings for another activity, that is ok! Our Troop will still be here when your other activities are done and your Scout can pick up where they left off.
As a Family Troop we provide families with one place to volunteer and one set of activities to do with their family. We also believe that it is important for youth, male and female, to learn, work, and have fun together. We promote that all Scouts are our brothers and sisters. Relationships during scouting activities are always as brother and sister.
Being Scout led only works when we have experienced Scouts attend meetings and help teach skills. Scouts that have completed the merit badge are encouraged to come work with scouts working toward the merit badge or work with scouts that would like to focus on rank requirements that evening.
While the skills taught are applicable to the weekend activity, they are also skills scouts need to practice for rank advancement and will be helpful when attending future activities.