Patrol Activities Scoutcraft Badge

Badge Requirements

Be a Committed Patrol Member
Over a six-month period, demonstrate commitment to your Patrol and Troop by:
1. Attending at least 80% of Troop meetings.
2. Attending at least 80% of Troop events; camps, hikes, community service, etc.
3. Attending at least 80% of Patrol activities (Patrol meetings, hikes, or camps).
Tip: Keep an attendance log with your Patrol Leader and/or on Scouts.Digital to track your participation.
Understand the Patrol System
Show an understanding of what the Patrol System is and why it is the chosen training methodology of SCOUTS South Africa. Explain to your examiner:
- What the Patrol System is, how it works, and why it is the heart of Scouting.
- How Patrols help Scouts learn teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.
- Give an example of a successful Patrol activity and what made it work well.
Discover Your Patrol's Story
1. Research and share your Patrol's story:
  - When the Patrol was formed, how it got its name and badge.
  - What Star Parol Awards the Patrol has won.
  - Any Troop/District awards or competitions the Patrol has won.
  - How many First Class and Springbok Scouts the Patrol has produced.
  - Notable past Patrol members (e.g. current Adult Leaders, well-known community members, or well-known Scouts, such as PLTU Troop Leaders, who were once in the Patrol).
2. Demonstrate your Patrol's call, yell, or song. Perform it together with your Patrol for your Troop or at a campfire to show your Patrol spirit. If your Patrol doesn't have one - work together with your Patrol to create a new call, yell, or song that reflects your Patrol's name, spirit, or motto.
Take Part in Patrol Decision-Making
1. Actively participate in at least three Patrol-in-Council meetings.
2. Afterwards, discuss with your Examiner what was discussed, how decisions were made, and how you contributed to the meeting.
Do a Patrol Good Turn
1. Work together with your Patrol on one or more Patrol Service Projects totalling at least six hours of service.
2. Afterwards, reflect on how teamwork helped your Patrol achieve its goal and discuss your reflections with your examiner.
Experience Patrol Life in Action
Take part in at least FIVE (5) of the following Patrol meetings, activities, and adventures, including at least ONE (1) option from each type i, ii or iii.
1. Patrol Meetings
  - Take part in a Patrol-in-Council (PiC) to plan or review a Patrol event, discuss goals, or make decisions affecting your Patrol.
  - Attend an indoor Patrol meeting focused on skills training, badge work, or preparation for an upcoming event.
  - Attend an outdoor Patrol meeting that includes practical skills training or a Scout challenge such as pioneering, cooking, or nature study.
  - Take part in a Patrol Skills Demonstration where Patrol members teach each other a new Scouting skill or game.
2. Patrol Activities
  - Take part in a Patrol activity such as go-karting, bowling, rock climbing, hiking, or visiting a place of interest.
  - Take part in a joint Patrol activity with another Patrol — either within your own Troop, from another Troop, or from a Guide Company — outside of a Troop meeting.
  - Participate in a Patrol exchange — spend a day with another Patrol to share experiences and learn new and innovative ideas.
  - Participate in and successfully complete the annual SCOUTS South Africa National Challenge as a Patrol.
  - Earn one Scoutcraft or Scout Interest badge together as a Patrol.
  - Participate in a Patrol social or celebration — such as a Patrol braai, picnic, or movie night to strengthen Patrol spirit.
3. Patrol Adventures
  - Go on a Patrol camp for a minimum of two nights - planned and run by your Patrol.
  - Join a Patrol expedition — a weekend hike, cycle, or paddle journey.
  - Take part in a Patrol challenge event — such as an orienteering course, adventure race, or skills competition between Patrols.
  - With the Court of Honour’s approval, and with the assistance of your Patrol Leader, plan and complete another Patrol Adventure of a similar nature and level of achievement.
Take Responsibility in Your Patrol
Hold ONE of the following positions of responsibility — or another recognised Patrol role — for at least six months:
- Cheermaster / Jester
- Cook
- Den / Corner Warden
- First Aider
- Games or Equipment Coordinator
- Photographer
- Quartermaster
- Scribe
- Social Media Manager
- Song Leader
- Treasurer
Show evidence of how you carried out your role — e.g. menu plans, First Aid kit maintained, equipment inventory / repairs, Patrol logbook entries, PiC minutes etc.

Recommended Age Range: The Patrol Activities Scoutcraft Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 11 years and older. It encourages active participation in Patrol life and helps Scouts become contributing members of their Patrol. Through this badge, younger Scouts develop teamwork, commitment, and practical leadership skills that prepare them for future Patrol and Troop responsibilities.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal Examiner should be an experienced Adult Leader with Troop experience. This should ideally be the Troop Scouter but could include a Scout Group Leader or Assistant Troop Scouter.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Patrol Activities Scoutcraft Badge (PDF)

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

Patrol Leadership Scout Interest Badge

Last Update

December 2025

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