Organization & Description

St. Marks Episcopal Church Charter

A patrol is a group of 6-10 Scouts led by a Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Scribe. The Patrol Leader is elected for a period of twelve months,
generally at Summer Camp. Patrols Leaders are generally elected during the first or second meeting ader Summer Camp (August or September). New patrols are formed by
the Scoutmaster with incoming Webelos Scouts and any boys new to scouting.

The Troop has many patrols. The use of patrols partitions the Troop into smaller, more
personal and manageable parts. It further allows fi:iends to camp and do activities together, as well as groups the boys according to age and rank. A boy usually remains in
the same patrol throughout his scouting years. The Patrol Leader is responsible for his patrol's attendance, compliance with uniform requirements, and duty roster.
Patrols pick their own patrol name, emblem, yell, and flag.

In addition to the Troop meetings, a new patrol typically meets once a week on its own. These meetings help promote bonding and camaraderie among the new Scouts. A new patrol is assigned a Troop Guide (an older Scout) and least one Assistant Scoutmaster to serve as Patrol Advisor.

Youth Leadership

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) conducts the Troop meetings. Troop 211 follows the BSA "boy led" concepts. The SPL is not "picked" by the Scoutmaster or the Troop
committee. The Scouts in the Troop vote on the elected position. Adults monitor the elections, but do not vote. The SPL appoints his assistants and directs their activities
in running the Troop.

The boys within each patrol elect their Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader appoints his assistants and together they conduct the patrol meetings under the supervision of the
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. The Patrol Leader leads his patrol in planning for campouts, helping with advancement, and ensures good communication with
other members of the patrol and Troop. The Scoutmaster appoints Troop Guides and Instructors.

Note: The Scoutmaster & Senior Patrol Leader (after consultation with Scoutmaster) have the authority to remove any Scout elected or appointed to office at anytime for failure to perform his duties or meet expected responsibilities.