Brief Background of the Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA)

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Fort Collins,
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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

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")
about 10 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
—10th printing (?? 1989?, ?? 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

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

4th Edition—The Patrol Leader Handbook (2002-present)

1st Edition—The Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (2002-present)

The BSA now has both a patrol-leader-specific handbook, and for the first time, one for the SPL. Both are filled with full-color photos and artwork, and are coil-bound to lay flat.
4th Edition, Patrol Leader Handbook Senior Patrol Leader Handbook

Patrol Leader Handbook & SPL Handbook Summary and Printing History

title from title page—The Patrol Leader Handbook (The Senior Patrol Leader Handbook)
author of both is Robert Birkby, who also wrote the current Scout Handbook
cover art is a photograph of a patrol leader and a patrol flag (SPL cover is a photo of an SPL carrying a folded US flag)
2002-present (4+ years)
?? copies printed
size 133x203x8 mm (5-1/4x8")
?? printings (I haven't kept up with different printings; any information you have is welcome):
—1st printing (2002 and following, ?? copies)—both have 128 numbered pages

Actual Patrol Leader Handbook Table of Contents

Opportunity and Challenge—Welcome to the Position of Patrol Leader
Building Patrol Spirit
Your Patrol and Your Troop
Leading Patrol Meetings
Leading Patrol Activities
Being a Good Leader
Other Patrol Leadership Positions

Actual Senior Patrol Leader Handbook Table of Contents

Welcome!
Senior Patrol Leader Qualifications
Building Troop Spirit
The Troop Program
Running a Good Troop Meeting
Leading the Troop Beyond the Meeting Room
How to Be a Good Senior Patrol Leader
The Troop Leadership Team

ALL PATROL LEADER (& JUNIOR LEADER) HANDBOOK COVERS

A Brief Background of the Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA) (and other BSA Junior Leader Handbooks)

3rd Edition—The Official Patrol Leader Handbook (1980-1990)

Junior Leader Handbook (1990-2002)

4th Edition—The Patrol Leader Handbook (2002-present)

1st Edition—The Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (2002-present)

A Brief Background of the Patrol Leader Handbook (BSA)
(and other BSA Junior Leader Handbooks)