Helping Girls Learn to Use the Patrol System Effectively
Brainstorm methods, then let the troop decide how to break into patrols.
Plan a one-item agenda with patrol leaders, brainstorm ideas in patrols, hold an open Court of Honor meeting so the whole troop can see how it works, complete the cycle by seeing that decisions and assignments get back to their patrols.
Use kaper charts to delegate responsibility - encourage patrols to make their own.
Use patrols in outdoor activities - for example cook in patrols so more girls get "hands-on" experience.
Help patrol leaders with skills they need - for example, encouraging participation in discussions - try leading questions. Use the Junior Handbook for information on many leadership skills.
Teach a skill to patrol leaders - let them teach their patrols.
Refer to the troop calendar frequently so girls see their plans being put to work.
Remember to evaluate with girls after every activity.
Above all - let the girls manage their troop - they are more capable than we think!
Partnership in Planning… - Partnership in Growth
Partnership in growth is what Girl Scouting is all about. As we help girls grow and develop, we too grow and develop. Managing a Girl Scout Troop is a joint leader/girl enterprise.
When girls are young and/or new to Girl Scouting, most of the responsibility rests with the adult leader. As girls gain experience, know-how and mature judgment, they can take over an increasing share of troop management.
It is an essential function of a Girl Scout Leader/Advisor to help girls learn to plan their own activities and carry out their plans. In this way, girls learn self-direction and initiative and the skills of group decision-making and responsibility so essential in a democracy.
Troop Planning Progression
Each patrol or group of girls plans part of each troop meeting.
Girls choose a simple activity from presented alternatives.
Girls and leaders plan activity.
Girls and leaders carry out activities.
Girls make a list of other activities they wish to do, learn, enjoy during the year.
Girls evaluate and select which activities they will do during the year.
Girls plan and carry out each activity repeating steps 3 - 5.
Ground Rules for Creativity in Planning
Describe the purpose of the planning session.
Remove all physical barriers and avoid distractions that may hinder the session.
Create an environment where each person within the planning group can feel comfortable, valued, and respected.
Explain that each idea must be presented and received non-judgmentally.
One person speaks at a time; everyone else listens. Allow wait time so participants can think.
Keep all discussion to the purpose; silliness wastes time.
Do not allow "put-downs".
Don't say "NO" unless it is a health and/or safety concern.
Allow for advocacy of ideas before voting democratically.
Tie up loose ends and assign tasks.
How to Make an Agenda
What is an Agenda?
An agenda is an orderly list of things to be done in a meeting.
Who makes an Agenda?
The patrol leader makes the agenda for patrol meetings.
The troop leader/advisor and patrol leaders, together, make the agenda for the Court of Honor meetings.
Suggestions for Making an Agenda
Take notes at patrol meetings and Court of Honor meetings in your patrols' notebook. Don't trust to memory or use odd pieces of paper.
Develop a system for organizing your notes. For example, you might put a star next to items that need to be reported at the next Court of Honor meeting, and check items to be given to the troop leader at the close of the meeting.
State in the form of a question all items on which discussion is desired or opinion needed.
Decide the order in which the items are to be discussed, keeping all related subjects together. Leave space to write in answers and comments and you will have a complete record in one place.
Go over the list and set an approximate time limit for each item.
At meetings, share the content of the agenda with members, or if possible give each girl a copy.
Follow the agenda.
Towards the end of the meeting, ask the girls for ideas for the next meeting. Use your notebook to write down ideas - and your agenda for the next meeting is already started.
Problem Solving
What is a problem?
Usually, a problem is the difference between what is happening right now and what a person would like to have happen.
Most problems can be worked out if people are willing to follow a few problem-solving steps. The most important word here is willing. If you think there is a problem, do not wait while you get angry at what is happening. Anger does not solve anything. Positive action will.
State the Problem – You need to know what the problem really is.
Explore and understand the problem – What is going on when this problem takes place?
Decide what you would like to have happen instead of what is happening now.
What can you do about it?
Talk about the consequences of each solution. What will happen if you decide to do a certain thing?
Make a choice – What solution are you going to try first?
Take action on your choice. Make your choice and do it.
Evaluate – How did it go? Was the choice you made a good one? Do you need to make another choice?
