SCOUT NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1931, Page 6

SCOUT NOTES

THK I’ATHOL SYSTEM. 'I lie Chid Scout stiys: “Many scooters tuitl others do not tit. first recoin iso toe extraordinary value which they can ltd out of the patrol system if they like to use it." the patrol system is putting hoys i:it:o permanent groups under the lead- rdiip oi one of their number—the patrol loader in the. ease of scoots, the sixer iit the cubs, ami the patrol leadei hi the crew. To got the host results yon must give the leader real, freehanded responsibility. If you only give partial responsibility you will only get partial results. The object, however, of the system is not so much to save trouble to the scooter as to give responsibility to the hoy since this is the very best moans of all of developing character. The group or tin' gang is the natural unit among hoys whether for play or for mischief, and the hoy with the most character among them, generally conies j to the tup its their leader. Apply this natural scheme to the running of your troop, crew, or pack, and it will bring the best results. The scout or should give the aim and the incentive, and the several units will vie with each other in attaining it. thus automatically raising their standard of keenness and efficienev till round.

The same principle can lie used with advantages in our schools and colleges, and in all organisations doing boys’ work in the Dominion and elsewhere. The practical effect can he seen in several instances in the movement, where, the seouter having departed, the troop runs itself perfectly well under patrol leaders inured to responsibility. That wonderful booklet of Poland Philipps’*, ■‘The Patrol System.” should be in the possession of every scooter, and can be obtained at a nominal cost.