Why does B.S.A. and Okama teach the Patrol Method?

The uniqueness of Scouting is the patrol method. Patrols are the building blocks of any strong, well-run Boy Scout troop. They are also the basis of Okama.

Boys naturally want to be with their friends. The use of the natural gang of six or eight boys who elect their own leader and plan and carry out many of their own activities is a democracy in microcosm. It is group small enough that each member is needed, has a job to do, and can be reasonably managed by a Patrol Leader, but large enough that real work, growth and fun can be accomplished. It is not just a nice group but an on-going laboratory for youth development and leadership. With patrols, each Scout gets to have his voice heard, make real choices, and develop as a leader.

A Troop is composed of Patrols, not divided into Patrols.  Patrols assure that a Troop will be run largely by the youth, not adults. The adults are there to mentor, support and monitor, not run the patrol. Adults should only have input when there is an immediate need concerning Scouting guidelines or safety procedures. The adult should give the Patrol Leader resourses with which to solve problems when asked. Otherwise, the adult is a comforting but silent presence in the room.

The goal of Okama is to help all participants gain the knowledge they need to act in this capacity -- the silent but comforting adult. As with the Scout patrols, each member is needed in your Okama patrol. There is more than enough work to go around. Each member has a job to do. As a patrol, participants will sit, eat, camp, work and have fun together. Participants will have the opportunity to network with many others in Scouting and may form lasting friendships. Like the Scout patrols, participants form a on-going experiment in leadership development. This will enable each participant to be a better leader and help the Scouts of their home troop.

Adult leaders must understand what the Scouts do in order to guide them during patrol meetings. This is what Okama teaches: how a patrol should run and the skills needed to advance through Scouting. Okama graduates are well versed in rules and regulations of Scouting and they are familiar with Scouting skills. Through the patrol method, the participant gains understanding of Scouting from the Scout's view and develops his own leadership style.

Each patrol will need a name, call, cheer or yell, song, table totem, signature and flag. Patrol Names will start out as a noun (Wolf, Raven, Hawk, Panther, or Buffalo) and should have one or more adjectives added. These patrol nouns are used each year, but your Patrol is special and it deserves special descriptive words in its name. The SPL must approve of the final name used for each patrol. You will need to elect a Patrol Leader and have him assign the other offices of a patrol. You will have some time during Session 1 to discuss the patrol name, call, cheer or yell, table totem, signature and flag. The objects you make need not be elaborate. The flag can be very simple but must contain the full name of the patrol, the word "Okama", the course number and the names of the patrol members.

Patrols are the building blocks of Boy Scouting. By spending time as a patrol member, participants will better understand what is expected of Scouts and will be better equipped to assist all Scouts in growing, developing and leading.