Patrol positions - who is the yeller? May 16, 2006
Posted by Jim Galley [ASM] in : general , trackback
At a recent monday troop meeting, the scoutmaster asked me a question - what is the name of the patrol leader position who creates the troop yell?
At the time, I couldn’t answer - too many scouts were yelling to hear the answer 
Truthfully, I didn’t know. So I took a few minutes to look at the patrol leaders handbook, and learned a thing or two. What I found out was that there are quite a few other patrol leadership positions that scouts should learn about. Here’s a quick list to consider:
Assistant Patrol Leader: Everyone knows this one. He takes charge of the patrol whenever the patrol leader is not available. A strong ally of the patrol leader, he assists in planning and chairing patrol meetings, lends a hand in leading patrol activities and building patrol spirit. He also assists other patrol members with their advancement, and assists the scribe in keeping current the advancement records of patrol members.
Patrol Scribe: The scribe of a Patrol keeps the log - a record of what goes on at each patrol meeting. It keeps an accurate record of decisions made, assignments of responsibilities, and patrol plans for upcoming events. The scribe checks attendence, collects and records dues, and manages the budgets for outings (food does cost money, right?) He may also be called on to be the patrols Internet webmaster, encouraging patrol members to use the website to communicate with one another between meetings.
Patrol Quartermaster: The patrol quartermaster is responsible for the patrol equipment. He maintains inventory of all the gear, makes sure it is clean and ready for the patrol to use. If an item is broken, he repairs it if he can; if he can’t, he brings it to the attention of the patrol leader. He assigns the gear to patrol members for campouts and other patrol outings, and makes sure that everything is returned and properly stored afterwards.
Patrol Grubmaster: The grubmaster of a patrol takes the lead in planning menus for hikes and campouts. Of course, everyone in the patrol has a say in what he would like to eat. The grubmaster helps make those wishes into reality by writing out the menu, itemizing the ingredients, ensuring purchases are made, and supervising food repackaging before a trip. Scouts who are completing advancement requirements for cooking can work closely with the grubmaster.
Patrol Cheermaster: The cheermaster leads the patrol in yells, songs, and skits. His is a vital role when the patrol is taking part in campfire programs. Just as important can be his contributions to patrol spirit during long hikes, when the weather on a campout turns stormy (happen much?), or when the patrol is challenged with adversity. Everyone needs a pick me up - and the cheermaster is just the guy to do it!
Why split up the tasks? Because one of the most satisfying aspects of leading a patrol is sharing the leadership. The more scouts are involved, the more fun everyone has. Besides, one scout shouldn’t have to take on all the responsibilities and roles of the patrol - you’re supposed to have fun too, right?
So next time you hear a patrol member yelling something funny, maybe he should be the Cheermaster!
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