Patrol Coup Sticks Activity

This Activity is meant for Scouts BSA.

18 inch leather shoelace for each patrol
colored beads
colored feathers
small silver and gold bells

This is an ongoing activity for a troop to use to build patrol spirit and help each scout participate and support the patrol. Patrols accumulate beads and attach them to their patrol flag staff.

In January of each year, which tends to be a slower time of year anyway, have a party to review patrol accomplishments, determine which patrol has the most awards, and start a new year of awarding.
Have a segregated box of colored beads with each bead having a different meaning. (pony beads from any walmart or similar store)

Give each patrol an 18 inch leather thong to tie onto their patrol Flag.
At every troop meeting, each patrol leader reports on the activities and accomplishments of their patrol since the last troop meeting. When a patrol leader reports, they pick beads from the box or the ASPL hands them over and the patrol can attach them to their leather thong.

Beads: (for individual and patrol activities)

white	Advancement - a bead for each rank advancement by a member
aqua	individual national or council award (50-miler, emergency prep, LNT, ... )
red	Service - member joins OA, 100% participation in troop service project, holds a patrol Service Project or Good Turn (pre-approved by PLC or SM)
green	Woodcraft - instructed a skill, led a game, or other woodcraft exceptional recognition
yellow	PLC meeting attendance - give beads at PLC meeting
brown	Patrol activity outside of troop - hike, campout, skills training
orange	Patrol has a youth guest visiting a meeting or campout
blue	Troop leadership - 1 for each position of leadership completed
black	long-term camping - 1 for each scout at Philmont, Seabase, summer camp, backpacking, ...
purple	Lead new game, song, skit
silver	100% Patrol attendance at a meeting
gold	100% Patrol attendance at a campout

Feathers: (plan and lead troop-wide activities)

White	national or council award (Honor Patrol, ... )
Red	organize service project
Brown	organize weekend campout
Black	organize long-term camp

Bells: (exceptional work)

SPL or ASPL position	attach to blue bead
Eagle rank	attach to white bead
3-month Spirit Award	use clear bead. See Patrol Spirit Competition activity.

By the time the patrol ages out, their flagpole should be covered with beads, feathers, and bells.