PATROL SPIRIT

How does a football team score?
The kicker can kick a fieldgoal.
Or, a receiver can catch a touchdown pass.
Or, a runningback can run the ball across the goal line.

OK, that’s just 3 people. Why don’t we just get rid of the other 8 players and get things done?
Of course, it isn’t those 3 individuals that actually score – it is good blocking and teamwork that makes it possible to move the ball across the line. Sure, there are outstanding players, but no matter how good they are, they need their teammates.

Patrols are the same way. If you win one of our inter-patrol contests, or if you have the best campsite at a camporee, it’s not just because one scout is such a great Scout. It’s patrol teamwork.

The secret of a patrol is to have every member do their job, whatever it is. If one Scout slacks off, the patrol suffers. If every Scout does their part, the patrol is bound to be a winner. And, each of you know at all times if you are slacking or winning.

A winning attitude is what we call patrol spirit. Is your patrol a winner? I’m not asking whether you win every contest. I’m asking if your patrol is doing the best that it can? If so, then you should be proud regardless if another patrol seems to be better – they aren’t better, just more experienced. And, as you keep trying, you gain experience.