It’s about time!
Working the Patrol Method a Scout leader’s guide to youth leadership training is the best work on the patrol method since ‘Green Bar’ Bill Hillcourt’s Handbook for Patrol Leaders last published in 1965 or Baden Powell’s Aids to Scoutmastership originally published in 1920.
Authors Rob Faris,Ted Knight and Harry Wimbrough have created an indispensable tool for understanding, implementing and maintaining Scouting’s centrally important concept, the patrol, in the 21st century.
The guide is arranged into ten sections;
Section 1 “Understanding and Telling ‘The Why’ ” logic of leadership, leadership training.
American boys are more willing to be led when they understand the reason why they are being asked or told to do something.
Section 2 “’The Why’ of Scout Leadership Training” historical perspective of Scouting and leadership training methods.
Sections 3 and 4 “The Patrol Method” advice and guidance in training Scouts to lead themsleves.
Section 5 “Striving for Excellence: Doing Your Best” motivating Scouts to do their best.
Section 6 “Caring Leadership” ethical decision-making, servant leadership.
Section 7 “Planning: How to Facilitate It Without Taking Over” Mentoring Scouts in attaining this essential life skill without overshadowing their efforts.
Section 8 “Shared Leadership” delegating, situational leadership and shared leadership.
Section 9 “Techniques that Support the Patrol Method” special topics useful to training leaders.
Section 10 “Create Your Personal Legacy of Leadership” A long-term perspective of the adult role in Scouting.
Central principles are illustrated by yarns (stories) that narrate the common challenges of leadership and explained using Baden-Powell’s founding vision, Green-Bar Bill Hillcourt’s writings and relevant thoughts from prominent leaders. Any scout leader is sure to gain immediate, practical knowledge for improving their application of the patrol method.
Applying the patrol method is a perennial challenge for all of us, indeed it is the subject of much of the Scoutmaster blog and podcast. I cannot recommend Working the Patrol Method strongly enough – an essential tool for every Scoutmaster and adult leader.
Email the authors at scoutleadership@gmail.com for information on discounts for five or more copies.
You can listen to an interview with Rob Faris and Harry Wimbrough in Scoutmaster Podcast 40.
Available on Amazon
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I most definitely need to get a few copies of this book for me and my fellow ASMs.
I was hoping for a kindle version of this to keep on my hip to enjoy at the drop of a free moment in time. Perhaps even as a “quick reference” guide.
No such luck.
Alas I will purchase a paper copy to enjoy while at Camp Old Indian in a week or so.
I am working on a Kindle edition with the authors.
I just purchased and read this book this week. It is awesome! The authors reinforce so much of what I already knew, but they also give so much information and insight that I didn’t know. I feel enlightened and energized! I’m already suggesting my ASMs to read it.
A great read! What am I saying, A MUST READ! My book is marked up with great information on the majority of the pages. I suggest every Scouter to read this book with a highlighter and book marks at hand. Interesting that the chapters end with Woodbage beads. Was this a ticket project? The “Yarns” helped bring some of the topics into reality.
I recently became the Scoutmaster of a Unit that in the guiding documents states: “Boy led troop…sort of…”. I came into this position feeling I had a great grasp of what a Scout Led unit looked like. After I read this book…my eyes are open. I am applying what was learned: unit energy has increased; outing attendance has increased, Scout spirit has improved, outing attendance has increased. My new motto: “Train them, Trust them, Let them lead”.
Glad to hear that Jim!
Most units with ‘guiding documents’ other than the Scout handbook have some issues!
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