HOME—BSA Handbooks & Handbook Covers—Patrol Leader Handbook
A Brief Background of the Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA)
(and other BSA Junior Leader Handbooks)
3rd Edition—The Official Patrol Leader Handbook (1980-1990)
The BSA seems to be alternating between a dedicated patrol leader book and a generalized junior leader book.
3rd Edition Summary and Printing History
- title from title page—The Official Patrol Leader Handbook
- overall author uncertain, but credit for "contributions" is given to William Hillcourt & Keith Monroe
- cover art is 1979 Joseph Csatari painting "Eagle Service Project", of a patrol leader leading two other Scouts, a Cub Scout, and a dog toward his Eagle service project
- 1980-1990 (10 years)
- ?? copies printed
- size 133x203x12 mm (5-1/4x8")
- 9 printings (I haven't kept up with different printings; any information you have is welcome):
—1st printing (Sep 1980, 100 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—2nd printing (?? 1981, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—3rd printing (May 1982, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—4th printing (Jun 1983, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—5th printing (Jan 1984, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—6th printing (?? 1985?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—7th printing (?? 1986?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—8th printing (?? 1987?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—9th printing (?? 1988?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
Actual 3rd Edition Table of Contents
- Part 1 BEING A PATROL LEADER
- 1. Welcome to Scouting's Toughest Job
- 2. Patrol Spirit
- 3. The Patrol and the Troop
- 4. Successful Patrol Meetings
- 5. Happy Hiking
- 6. Camping Is Where the Fun Is
- 7. Advancement
- 8. Exit Smiling
- Part 2 TOOLS FOR YOUR JOB
- Games and Activities
- Patrol Menus
- Campfires
- Projects
- Index
Junior Leader Handbook (1990-2002)
Back to a generalized junior leader book. This contains many photographs instead of cartoon line drawings.
Junior Leader Handbook Summary and Printing History
- title from title page—Junior Leader Handbook
- author is Thomas M. Dwyer, former senior editor of Boy's Life magazine
- cover art is a photograph of a patrol leader and a younger Scout, with photos of the junior leader badges of office
- 1990-2002 (12 years)
- ?? copies printed
- size 133x203x12 mm (5-1/4x8")
- ?? printings (I haven't kept up with different printings; any information you have is welcome):
—1st printing (1990 and following, ?? copies)—160 numbered pages
Actual Junior Leader Handbook Table of Contents
- Chapter 1. It's Official—You're a Leader!
- Chapter 2. Standing Tall, Up Front
- Chapter 3. The Patrol Leader's Job
- Chapter 4. The Troop Guide Helps Make First Impressions
- Chapter 5. Behind the Scenes
- Chapter 6. The Den Chief Pledge
- Chapter 7. Venture and Varsity: The Fun Is Just Beginning
- Chapter 8. Traditional Varsity Scouting
- Chapter 9. The Patrol Leaders' Council Makes It Happen
- Chapter 10. Planning Is the Key
- Chapter 11. Leadership Begins with a Question
- Index
Last Revision to This Page: 8 January 2021
Text copyright © 2006 by Jeff Snowden
Web format © 2006-21 by Troop 97 BSA
Handbook pictures copyright © by Boy Scouts of America
