PATROL LEADER TRAINING

At 2^nd Boksburg, we have an unfortunate outflow of many older boys. To try and maintain the high standards we expect from all our leaders, Macaw implemented a Patrol Leaders Training Evening (Tuesdays). This is an extra evening of scouts for all white stripers (TL's, PL's and APL's) and has continued to encourage leadership in the troop. There are many advantages of this program; firstly it allows the PL's to develop the ability to train their own patrols, rather than the Scouters training them. Another great advantage is that it allows the slightly older scouts to let off some steam, and enjoy some of the more physical games without having to worry about hurting boys smaller than themselves.

This program does have a couple of drawbacks as well. It can only work if the boys, and the Scouters are dedicated enough to put aside another night a week for scouts. This is not always possible, but to alleviate some of the stigma from this program the boys aren't in uniform, and there is a much greater atmosphere of freedom and communication. The Tuesday nights also facilitate Courts of Honour greatly, because the Court of Honour is already assembled.