The Patrol Challenge (PC) has 3 parts: A Photo Safari, a Scavenger Hunt, and Unique Activities! Everything is done for points. You choose which parts you want to do – all, some, or a combination! Most Patrols (a Patrol is a group of 3-8 scouts participating in the challenge) do a selection of what they like from all 3 parts.
Firstly, the Patrol Challenge is a Scout Activity, not a race. At first, all this may seem daunting, but don’t worry! Bottom line is, it doesn’t matter how you score, as long as your Scouts (and you) have fun, learn, and take advantage of the hundreds of memorable opportunities the PC offers!
PHOTO SAFARI
Scouts are given clues to figure out locations using the internet or any other source of research. Once they figure out the location, they take a photo of themselves there as proof.
ACTIVITIES
Activities are fun and unusual things to do. For example, making a duct-tape dress or building a boat out of cardboard and bottles for an adult leader to row across a pool. At the PC, we also like to give back to the community, and we emphasis this by also giving activities such as collecting and donating food, and other random acts of kindness.
SCAVANGER HUNT
Scouts figure out clues that led to specific items they need to collect.
June – October
Registration and Early Bonus Clues
After registering, you get access to the early bonus clues! These start in July and are released on the 1st of every month up to the date of Patrol Challenge weekend. They consist of Photo Safari, Activities, and Scavenger Hunt clues. These are completely optional, and you can do them at your leisure to fit in your schedule. They are like mini Patrol Challenges and will give your Patrol a chance to have fun and start earning points before the big weekend!
Thursday, 4:00pm
Access to Final Clues
On the Thursday of Patrol Challenge weekend, you will receive a password allowing access to several pages of final clues on this website. At this point, Scouts can RESEARCH ONLY! Internet searches are the best way to solve most clues, but I never say no to a good Encyclopedia! Older Scouts should be doing this research independently. Younger Scouts can, and should, be assisted by adult leaders. Scouts decide which Photo Safari locations, Activities, and/or Scavenger Hunt items interest them. The more you let Scouts research and plan, the more they will learn!
Friday – Sunday
Patrol Challenge Weekend
Let the games begin! On the Friday of PC Weekend at 4:00pm, you can start going to Photo Safari locations, completing Activities, and collecting Scavenger Hunt items. Scouts and adult leaders registered in your Patrol can come in and out of the Patrol at any time during the weekend with no penalty.
Sunday
Sunday Check-In
On Sunday of PC weekend, you will turn in all your Photo Safari Photos, Scavenger Hunt items, and paperwork to a central check-in location that will be announced. This is a fun time where Scouts can swap stories, show off what they accomplished, and see what others have done!
November
Award Ceremony
A final celebration of all your accomplishments will occur in November, during which awards and patches will be handed out, stories will be shared, and a full breakdown of how each Patrol scored will be provided.
Additional Notes:
—- PATROL NAME & FLAG —-
The Scouts pick their Patrol name, and it can be as silly or serious as they would like. Then, the scouts make a handheld flag or banner that is decorated however they like, representing their patrol.
—- THE HARDEST PART OF THE PC (FOR ADULTS) —-
The hardest part of the Patrol Challenge is to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS! The older the Scout, the less you should be involved in everything, from the research to decision making. This event teaches your Scouts to make decisions and practice leadership. Doesn’t matter if they are right or wrong, they will learn!
— PLANNING FOR PC WEEKEND —-
- It is impossible to do everything – don’t try! Don’t dwell on what you can’t figure out. Move on, there are lots of clues to solve!
- The Photo Safari locations cover a VERY large area. If you do them , decide how far you want to travel, and map it out in advance to efficiently cover as much ground as possible.
- Splitting your Patrol is an option, in which a Patrol of 4 or more splits into 2 groups to go in separate directions. However, this is not suggested for Younger Scouts and First-Timers. Make sure to follow all GSUSA or Scouting America adult ratio and travel rules at all times.
- All Photo Safari locations are free, but some may have opening/closing times. Plan ahead!
- If they want, Scouts can camp out Friday and/or Sunday at a leader’s house. This earns them points and helps keep them excited! Again, make sure to follow all GSUSA or Scouting America adult ratio and travel rules at all times.
We look forward to having you join the fun!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Patrol Challenge DMV 