The Boy Scout Movement has become almost universal, and wherever organized its leaders are glad, as we are, to acknowledge the debt we all owe to Lieut.-Gen. Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, has done so much to make the movement of interest to boys of all nations.
It is on the occasion of celebrating the maturation of two such interests in earnest that we gather here today. The best way to carry this out, I am sure, can be by recounting the dearest principles of that very organization to which we all owe so much indelible gratitude, but that are now so often left unheard in our gatherings. For through Scoutcraft, we each enjoy the best part of our training and education for citizenship, a most excellent pilgrimage in the chief end of man, to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Before I begin I have a few words
First, I would like to thank everyone for coming, but most of all those who have supported me through my scouting Journey, including my scoutmasters and those who were present at my Eagle project. In accordance, I would like to give special thanks to my scoutmasters Luke Cole and Rob Markiewicz, and to my comrades Ben Hays, Elwood and Joey Lutrell, and Ryan Bowen. I would also like to thank the beneficiaries and sponsors, Lakewood Community Church, the Lakewood Garden Club, and Weesies Bros. Garden Center, along with participating members, Stevie Bowne, Mike Emerson, and Chris Hoffman.
Now, I understand you are all basically involved in scouting. (nod) So if you don't mind, I will take only (gestures) 30 seconds, or one minute, to give you a short reference to literature giving you a little intellectual background about scouting. (yes)
"I suppose every boy wants to help his country in some way or other. There is a way by which he can do so easily, and that is by becoming a Boy Scout." Those are the opening words of the World Brotherhood edition of SCOUTING FOR BOYS — the book written by Baden-Powell that started the Boy Scout movement on its peaceful and successful conquest of the boyhood of the world. They are equally appropriate as the opening words of this oratory.
Since the day the Scout movement was founded, the world has been through the two greatest wars in history-, nations have fought nations, old standards of human relationships have been destroyed. By what has happened. Scouting has become increasingly more important to the future of our nation. The Scout movement aims for a high standard of citizenship, character, and physical fitness for every American boy. It works toward this aim by making boys able to do things for themselves, by training them through Woodcraft, Scout spirit, and fraternal geminshaft among other high ideals expressed in the Scout Oath and Law to which every Scout pledges himself. What follows is an explanation of the concept in our founder's own words.
EXPLANATION OF SCOUTING
By the term “scouting” is meant the work and attributes of backwoodsmen, explorers, and frontiersmen. In giving the elements of these to boys we supply a system of games and practices which meet their desires and instincts, and is at the same time educative.
From the boys’ point of view Scouting puts them into fraternity gangs which is their natural organization, whether for games, mischief, or loafing; it gives them a smart dress and equipment; it appeals to their imagination and romance; and it engages them in an active, open-air life.
From the parents’ point of view, it gives physical health and development; it teaches energy, resourcefulness, and handicrafts; it puts into the lad discipline, pluck, and chivalry, amid patriotism; in a word, it develops “character”, which is more essential than anything else to a lad for taking his way of life.
The principle on which Scouting works is that the boy’s ideas are studied, and he is encouraged to educate himself instead of being instructed. The principle is in accord with that of the most up-to-date educationalists. The training is progressive and adapted to the changing psychology of the growing boy.
To the Youth:
You will find that the object of becoming an able and efficient Boy Scout is not merely to give you fun and adventure but that, like the backwoodsmen, explorers, and frontiersmen whom you are following, you will be fitting yourself to help your country and to be of service to other people who may be in need of help. That is what the best men are out to do.
A true Scout is looked up to by other boys and by grownups as a fellow who can be trusted, a fellow who will not fail to do his duty however risky and dangerous it may be, a fellow who is jolly and cheery no matter how great the difficulty before him.
Into the old Scouting Handbook is put all that is needed to make you a good Scout of that kind. So, go ahead, read the book, practice all that it teaches you, and I hope you will have half as good a time as I have had as a Scout.
- B. Powell
YOU as a Boy Scout
YOU — AMERICAN BOY: Have you ever dreamed of hiking the wilderness trails that were worn down under moccasins hundreds of years ago? Do you hear in your imagination the almost soundless dip-dip of Indian canoe paddles or the ring of the axe of an early pioneer hewing a home out of the American wilderness? Have you followed with your mind's eye the covered wagons on the trek across our continent? Have you thought of the men and women who built our country by their determination and devotion? You are the descendant of those people. You are the guardian of what they built. You are the American on whom the future of our wonderful country depends.
YOU —BOY SCOUT: Today you are an American boy. Before long you will be an American man. It is important to America and to yourself that you become a citizen of fine character, physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Boy Scouting helps you become that kind of citizen. But also, Scouting gives you fellowship and fun. Yes, it's fun to be a Boy Scout! It's fun to go hiking and camping with your best friends ... to swim, to dive, to paddle a canoe, to wield an axe ... to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers who led the way through the wilderness ... to stare into the glowing embers of a campfire and dream of the wonders of the life that is in store for you...
YOU — IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS: When you are a Scout, forests and fields, rivers and lakes, are your playground. You are completely at home in God's great outdoors. You learn to notice every sound, to observe every track. Birds and animals become your friends. You master the skills of walking noiselessly through the woods, of stalking close to a grazing deer without being noticed, of bringing a bird to you by imitating its call. You learn to find your way cross country by map and compass, to make a meal when you are hungry, to take a safe swim when you are hot, to make yourself comfortable for the night in a tent or under the stars. You become a true outdoorsman.
YOU — PATROL MEMBER: As a Boy Scout you will belong in a patrol—which is the Scout name for a small gang of boys in the troop that you join. The patrol is the unit that makes Scouting go. In the Scout patrol, you will meet boys who may be your friends for the rest of your life. Under one of the Scouts, picked by the gang as patrol leader, you will help in the planning of patrol meetings, hikes, and camps, and will do your part in carrying out your decisions. You will have fun indoors in the patrol den and outdoors under the open sky . . . you will learn the skills of Scouting ... you will be on the team for Scoutcraft games and contests. You will find out what it means to be a real boy among other real boys—living your life according to the Scout code.
YOU — MEMBER OF A TROOP: Your patrol does not stand alone—it is part of a troop that consists of several patrols that work together, hike, and camp together. It's fun to take part in a good troop meeting under a capable Scoutmaster —but it is even more fun to go to summer camp with the whole troop, learn new Scoutcraft skills, and join in the excitement of the campfire at night.
YOU — PREPARED FOR SERVICE: Scouting is far more than hiking and camping fun. Scouting is learning to grow into responsible manhood, and learning to be of service to others. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law are your guides to citizenship. They tell you what is expected of a Scout and point out your duties. The Scout motto is "Be Prepared"—prepared to take care of yourself and to help people in need. The Scout slogan is "Do a Good Turn Daily." Together, the motto and slogan spell out your ability and your willingness to be of service. The records of the Scout movement are full of reports of Scouts who have done outstanding service, of Scouts who have saved the lives of others at the risk of their own. Some day you may join the roster of Scout heroes—if you are prepared.
YOUR UNIFORM: The Boy Scouts of America is the largest uniformed body of volunteers in the world. At this very moment, more than five million boys and leaders belong to the Boy Scout movement in the United States and wear the Scout uniform with pride. Your uniform is part of the thrill of being a Scout. The very moment you put it on you feel ready for hiking, camping, or other vigorous Scout activities. The Scout uniform stands for the brotherhood of Scouting, for the Scout ideals, and for outdoor life. The color blends with the hues of forest and field. The design is made for comfort, freedom of action, and for health. Every Scout wears the same uniform—it is a badge of fraternity, an emblem of service. To the public, the uniform proclaims aloud, "Here is a boy who is a Scout"—for people know that only a boy who is a full-fledged member of the Boy Scouts of America has the right to wear the Boy Scout uniform.
YOUR SCOUT BADGES: On your uniform, you wear the badges that show that you belong, that you are a member of a certain patrol in a certain troop in the Boy Scouts of America. But there are other badges that tell of the Scoutcraft you have mastered and the rank you have reached and badges that show the world what responsibilities have been entrusted to you by your patrol and your troop. The badges you earn are the best proof of your determination to make the greatest possible use of the opportunities that Scouting offers you.
YOU — IN A WORLD BROTHERHOOD: When Lord Baden-Powell—famous English general and a hero to his countrymen—developed the Scouting scheme and founded the Boy Scout movement, he had no idea that it would prove popular enough to spread around the world. But that is what happened. The day you become a Scout, you join a world brotherhood with close to 54 million members in more than 210 countries around the globe. All these Scouts have pledged themselves to the Scout Oath and Law. All of them consider You their brother.
YOU ON THE SCOUTING TRAIL: The door to Scouting fun is wide open to you. You will be welcomed in a Boy Scout patrol and troop, and boys already Scouts will help you have a wonderful time in Scouting. The Scouting Handbook will be your guide. The pages printed in red and black tell you how to become a Tenderfoot Scout. The pages in brown and black lead you on to Second Class. The pages in green and black guide you to First Class. The pages in gray and black take you through Star and Life to Eagle Scout rank. Ready to set out on the Scouting trail? Then LET'S GO!
The adventure of scouting is meant to be a journey and YOU as yourself, a Boy Scout, are the principal.
YOU as Boy Scout
Starting Trail to TENDERFOOT
- Tests of Rank
- Scout Teamwork
- Scoutcraft
- Scout Spirit
Hiking Trail to SECOND CLASS
Camping Trail to FIRST CLASS
Advancement Trail to EAGLE
Merit Badges
Star Scout Requirements
Life Scout Requirements
Eagle Scout Requirements
Other Scout Awards
Scouting Trail to CITIZENSHIP
Duty to God
Duty to Country
Obeying the Scout Law
Helping Other People
Physically Strong
Mentally Awake
Morally Straight
Once a Scout, Always a Scout
Starting Trail to TENDERFOOT: Meeting the Tenderfoot Tests. Simply coming to a troop meeting and getting in with your future pals won't make you a Boy Scout overnight. There are skills you must learn and rules you must follow to be a full-fledged Scout. These skills and rules are spelled out in the Tenderfoot tests on the next couple of pages.
As you read the Tenderfoot tests you will see that they divide naturally into three main sections—each of them important to a real Scout
The SCOUT TEAMWORK tests will teach you what you need to know about your patrol and troop and about the life that's ahead of you in Scouting.
The SCOUTCRAFT tests give you your first taste of the many skills you will learn as a Scout.
The SCOUT SPIRIT tests tell you the rules of the Scouting" game."
Study the Tenderfoot tests carefully, then settle down to meet them. You will get plenty of help from the fellows in the patrol you expect to join, especially from your future patrol leader. Your dad can help you, too—he was probably a Scout himself when he was a boy. If you are a Cub Scout, you will learn the tests while you work for your Webelos badge in your Webelos den.
When your patrol leader is confident that you know your stuff, he'll get you a Scout application blank. Have your parents fill in this blank and sign it. Then sign it yourself and take it to your Scoutmaster with your national membership fee of 50 cents :). Your Scoutmaster will go over the Tenderfoot tests with you to make sure that you know them and understand them. When he is satisfied, he will send your application and your membership fee to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America through your local council office.
Your Investiture. Now comes the big moment when you are received into Boy Scouting in a simple investiture ceremony. Some evening at a troop meeting or some night at a campfire, you stand before your Scoutmaster, the Scouts of the troop, and your parents. You raise your right hand in the Scout sign and solemnly dedicate yourself to the Scout Oath ''On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." From then on you are a member of the World Brotherhood of Scouting and are on your way with your patrol and troop toward a life of outdoor fun and adventure, of service to others, of training yourself to become the kind of MAN you want to be.
We may also speak about the Hiking Trail to SECOND CLASS, the Camping Trail to FIRST CLASS, and the Advancement Trail to EAGLE, all of which have their own unique and valuable lessons for us.
Hiking trail to SECOND CLASS: WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO; There are things you have to do to advance as a Boy Scout: A hundred years ago, when the far West was being settled, young men with pluck and courage arrived from the East eager to make a new kind of life for themselves. The old-timers, already hardened to the roughness of pioneer life, called them "tenderfoots"—their feet were still smarting from the long trek, their bodies still soft. The newcomers didn't care much for the name "tenderfoot."To get rid of it they quickly set out to prove that they had what it takes, by turning themselves into first-class lumbermen miners or cattlemen.
It's the same in Scouting. In the beginning, you're just a Tenderfoot Boy Scout. No Scout—and certainly not you—wants to stay "tenderfoot" for long. You want to prove yourself first class in every way—in the way you fit in with the gang, in the skills you learn, in the spirit you pick up. A jump directly from "tenderfoot" to "first class" would be quite a jump! That's why Scouting provides you with an in-between stage. From Tenderfoot, you advance to Second Class and only then reach for the higher goal of First Class.
What You Have to Do: There are three things you have to do to advance as a Boy Scout: For each rank, there are three major requirements you have to meet—SCOUT TEAMWORK, SCOUTCRAFT, and SCOUT SPIRIT. Within these requirements there are tests to pass—some having to do with taking part in Scout activities, some with skills, some with the deeper meaning of Scouting. Let's have a closer look at them
SCOUT TEAMWORK—It is by regular and wholehearted attendance at patrol and troop activities that you prove yourself a dependable member of the team, willing to work with it and for it. Some boys may become good team members in a short time, while others may need several months. Which kind are you?
SCOUTCRAFT—The Second Class Scoutcraft skills are hiking skills. You'll acquire them easily on hikes with your patrol and your troop. You'll learn to prepare yourself for hiking, to find your way through fields and woods, to track and stalk an animal, to cook a meal in the open, to handle an emergency, to have fun in the out-of-doors.
SCOUT SPIRIT—As you live the life of a Scout in patrol and troop you'll soon pick up the spirit of Scouting. The Scout Law will become your code of conduct. The Scout motto will be your spur to learning. The Scout slogan will remind you of your daily Good Turn. You will learn to show your spirit by actions in the way you live at home, in your school, in your church, your community.
Camping Trail to FIRST CLASS
how to become a FIRST CLASS SCOUT: The purpose of the whole Scouting program is to assist you in becoming a good citizen and to help you grow into strong manhood. Every step along the advancement trail will lead you in this direction. The early steps put you on the road—but it is only as you take step after step that you can expect to reach the Scouting goal. That's why you should strive to become a First Class Scout at the earliest possible moment.
Baden-Powell himself—the founder of Scouting—had this to say about the importance of becoming First Class: "A boy does not really get the full value of Scout training until he is a First Class Scout." And he gave the reason: "The tests for First Class Scouts were laid down with the idea that a boy who proved himself equipped to that extent might reasonably be considered grounded in the qualities which go to make a good, manly citizen."
What You Have to Do. By now you are familiar with the pattern of all Scout advancement. You know that for each there are three important requirements you need to meet—in SCOUT TEAMWORK, SCOUTCRAFT, and SCOUTSPIRIT. Within each of these requirements, there are special tests to pass—some dealing with what you do in patrol and troop, some with the skills you learn, and still others with the ideals of Scouting.
SCOUT TEAMWORK—The closer you come to one hundred percent attendance at patrol and troop activities, the closer you get to showing FIRST CLASS teamwork. But attendance is not enough—what counts most is what you do when you are there. There are younger boys, and newer patrol members who look up to you now because they consider you one of the old-timers. Do you set an example for them? Do you accept patrol and troop responsibilities willingly and carry them out?
SCOUTCRAFT—The First Class Scoutcraft skills aim to make you a good camper. There is nothing like camp to help you grow "physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." The vigorous activities of camp strengthen your body. Your life in the open teaches you to be self-reliant, resourceful able to take care of yourself under all conditions.
SCOUT SPIRIT—The longer you stay in Scouting and the farther you advance, the more the ideals of Scouting influence your life. The Scout Law takes on a deeper meaning. The promise you gave in the Scout Oath becomes more and more important to you—you are not satisfied unless you truly do your very best, at home and in school, in your church or synagogue and community.
Advancement Trail to EAGLE
how to become an EAGLE SCOUT: Your Scout life in the outdoors has helped make your body strong and healthy. Your mind has become trained to make a deduction from what you see and hear. You have grown self-reliant and resourceful. And while taking part in the activities of your patrol and troop you have reached your first Scouting goal: You are a First Class Scout.
Your First Class badge shows that you have successfully followed the broad trail of Scouting. But the road goes much farther and, as a real Scout, you want to follow the trail to the end. There are more badges to be earned, more ranks to be reached—until finally, if you have the energy and ability, you succeed in reaching the top in Scout advancement and become an Eagle Scout.
Did you notice that little word "if"? In that word lies the secret of your Scout advancement. In Scout advancement, each boy proceeds at his own speed. Your rate of advancement depends entirely on you. In Scout advancement you are not trying to get ahead of anyone else—you try to better your own previous record. You move as far and as fast as your ambition carries you.
Your first steps in Scout advancement brought you through the basic Scout ranks of Second Class and First Class. Your next step is to set out to earn merit badges in special fields that interest you as well as the specific merit badges required for the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle Scout. The earlier in your Scouting career, you earn these required badges, the more certain you are of reaching Eagle.
And all along the way, you have to demonstrate your Scout teamwork, Scout spirit, and leadership ability.
Scouting Trail to CITIZENSHIP
FROM BOY TO MAN: What kind of man do you want to be? There is a simple way to find the answer—by first answering another question: "What kind of man do I most admire?"
Sit down quietly and alone with a pencil and a piece of paper. Then ask yourself: "Which men from America's past and present do I look up to?" Put their names down. "Why do I admire them? What do I like about them?" Write down the whys and the whats.
High on your list may be your father. And perhaps the names of relatives, your Scoutmaster, your religious leader, your best friends.
Your list may include Americans like Washington because of his loyalty to his country Lincoln for his simplicity and steadfastness Theodore Roosevelt for his enthusiasm and fighting spirit . . . Edison for his energy- and perseverance. . . heroes from our wars for their daring and self-sacrifice . . . athletes for their endurance and sportsmanship . . . men of science and arts for their accomplishment in adding to human knowledge and understanding.
You have made your list. There before you in black and white are the qualities you admire most in others, the things that make you like them. Study those things closely. See how they add up until they cover each part of the Scout Oath.
They are bound to come out that way, because in the Scout Oath, you have the qualities that make men fine and great.
"On my honor... ." The signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Heroes have died rather than betray their honor. As a Scout, you count your honor as one of your most valuable possessions.
"... I WILL DO MY BEST . . ." No person who has accomplished anything worthwhile did this by doing his second best—or his third or fourth best. He gave the very best that was in him—his best thoughts, his best work.
". . . TO DO MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY COUNTRY . . ." The kind of man you will be depends on your ability to know your duty and to do your utmost to live up to your obligations.
". . . AND TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW . . ." That law fits you as a boy. It will fit you just as well when you become a man—for a real man is everything the Scout Law stands for.
". . . TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES . . ." It isn't enough to have the willingness to help other people—you need to have the ability as well. You develop this ability as you advance in Scout rank and learn how to act in an emergency.
TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG, MENTALLY AWAKE, AND MORALLY STRAIGHT." You Owe it to yourself, to your country, and your God to develop your body, to train your mind, to strive to be a boy and man of high character. In all these things Scouting helps you. By taking part enthusiastically in all activities of patrol and troop, by learning the skills that Scouting has to offer, and by living up to the ideals of Scouting, you will become the man you want to be.
"IN GOD WE TRUST." Because as individuals and as a nation, we depend on God
ONCE A SCOUT, ALWAYS A SCOUT; OUR DUTIES AS CITIZENS:
Citizenship Duties of Scouts as Citizens - Citizens of the World
Every scout ought to prepare himself to be a good citizen of his country and of the World.
For this you must begin, as boys, to look on all boys as your friends. Remember, whether rich or poor, from town or from country, you have to stand shoulder to shoulder for your country. If you are divided among yourselves you are doing harm to your country. You must sink your differences.
If you despise other boys because they belong to a poorer home than yourself you are a snob. If you hate other boys because they happen to be born richer than you, you are a fool.
We must, each one of us, take our place as we find it in this world and make the best of it, and pull together with the others around us.
We are very much like bricks in a wall, we each have our place, though it may seem a small one in so big a wall. But if one brick crumbles or slips out of place, it begins to throw an undue strain on others, cracks appear, and the wall totters.
Don’t be too anxious to push yourself on. You will get disappointments without end if you start that way.
Work for the good of your country, or of the business in which you are employed, and you will find that as you do this you will be getting all the promotion and all the success that you want.
Try and prepare yourself for this by seriously taking up the subjects they teach you at school, not because it amuses you, but because it is your duty to your country to improve yourself. Take up your mathematics, your history, and your language learning in that spirit, and you’ll get on.
Don’t think of yourself, but think of your country and the good that your work is going to do to other people. Such service is a kind of service that grows out of the heart, and is the fruit of the kindly spirit which prompts the "good turn daily." It is not alone in big things, but in the little things as well, that the really great work is done.
Many people get led away by some new politician with some new extreme idea. Never believe in one man’s idea till it has been well considered from all points of view. Extreme ideas are seldom much good; if you look them up in history you will see almost always that they have been tried before somewhere and have failed. Your forefathers worked hard, fought hard, and died hard, to make your country for you. Don’t let them look down from heaven and see you loafing about with your hands in your pockets, doing nothing to keep it up. Play up! Each man in his place, and play the game!
As a Scout, you join a great host of boys of many nationalities and you will have friends in every continent.
This Brotherhood of Scouting is in many respects similar to a Crusade. Scouts from all parts of the world are ambassadors of goodwill, making friends, and breaking down barriers of color, of creed, and of class. That surely is a great Crusade. I advise you to do your best in that work, for soon you will be a man, and if quarrels should arise between any nations it is upon you that the burden of responsibility will fall.
Finally, I hope I have been able in this talk to show you something of the appeal that lies in Scouting for all of us.
I want you to feel that you are really Scouts out in the wilds, able to work things out for yourselves, and not just Scouts in a Troop carefully looked after by Patrol Leaders and Scouters.
I know that you want to be up and doing things for yourselves; that these old explorers and frontiersmen appeal to the spirit of adventure in you; that, despite all the modern inventions, you want to get out on your own, fending for yourselves, enjoying the freedom of the open air.
I have just tried to suggest to you some ways of doing this and of helping you to become real men.
Scouting is a fine game, if we put our backs into it and tackle it well, with real enthusiasm. As with other games, too, we will find that we gain strength of body, mind, and spirit from the playing of it. But remember! It is a game for the open air, so whenever the opportunity occurs get out into the open and Good Luck and Good Camping go with you!
My dear Sir:
I quite agree with Judge Lindsey that the Boy Scout Movement is of peculiar importance to the whole country. It has already done much good, and it will do far more, for it is in its essence a practical scheme through which to impart a proper standard of ethical conduct, proper standards of fair play and consideration for others, and courage and decency, to boys who have never been reached and never will be reached by the ordinary type of preaching, lay or clerical. I have been particularly interested in that extract of a letter from a scoutmaster in the Philippines, which runs as follows:
"It might interest you to know that at a recent fire in Manila which devastated acres of ground and rendered 3,000 people homeless, that two patrols of the Manila scouts reached the fire almost with the fire companies, reported to the proper authorities, and worked for hours under very trying conditions Scouts helping frightened natives into places of safety, removing valuables and other articles from houses that apparently wherein the path of the flames, and performing cheerfully and efficiently all the tasks given to them by the firemen and scoutmaster. They were complimented in the public press, and in a kind editorial about their work.
"During the recent Carnival, the services of the boys were requested by the Carnival officers, and for a period of ten days they were on duty performing all manner of service in the carnival grounds, directing strangers to hotels, and acting as guides and helpers in a hundred ways."
What these Boy Scouts of the Philippines have just done, I think our Boy Scouts in every town and country district should train themselves to be able to do. The movement is one for efficiency and patriotism. It does not try to make soldiers of Boy Scouts, but to make boys who will turn out as mento be fine citizens, and who will, if their country needs them, make better soldiers for having been scouts. No one can be a good American unless he is a good citizen, and every boy ought to train himself so that as a man he will be able to do his full duty to the community. I want to see the Boy Scouts not merely utter fine sentiments, but act on them; not merely saying, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," but act in a way that will give them a country to be proud of. No man is a good citizen unless he so acts as to show that he actually uses the Ten Commandments, and translates the Golden Rule into his life conduct — and I don't mean by this in exceptional cases under spectacular circumstances, but I mean applying the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule in the ordinary affairs of every-day life. I hope the Boy Scouts will practice truth and square dealing, and courage and honesty, so that when as young men they begin to take a part not only in earning their own livelihood, but in governing the community, they may be able to show in practical fashion their insistence upon the great truth that the eighth and ninth commandments are directly related to every-day life, not only between men as such in their private relations, but between men and the government of which they are part. Indeed the boys even while only boys can have a very real effect upon the conduct of the grown-up members of the community, for decency and square dealing are just as contagious as vice and corruption.
Every healthy boy ought to feel and will feel that in order to amount to anything, it is necessary to have a constructive, Patriotism and Citizenship and not merely a destructive, nature; and if he can keep this feeling as he grows up he has taken his first step toward good citizenship. The man who tears down and criticizes and scolds may be a good citizen, but only in a negative sense; and if he never does anything else he is apt not to be a good citizen at all. The man who counts, and the boy who counts, are the man and boy who steadily endeavor to build up, to improve, to better living conditions everywhere and all about them.
But the boy can do an immense amount right in the present, entirely aside from training himself to be a good citizen in the future; and he can only do this if he associates himself with other boys. Let the Boy Scouts see to it that the best use is made of the parks and playgrounds in their villages and hometowns. A gang of toughs may make a playground impossible; and if the boy Scouts in the neighborhood of that particular playground are fit for their work, they will show that they won't permit any such gang of toughs to have its way. Moreover, let the Boy Scouts take the lead in seeing that the parks and playgrounds are turned to a really good account. I hope, by the way, that one of the prime teachings among the Boy Scouts will be the teaching against vandalism. Let it be a point of honor to protect birds, trees, and flowers, and so to make our country more beautiful and not more ugly, because we have lived in it.
The same qualities that mean success or failure to the nation as a whole, mean success or failure in men and boys individually. The Boy Scouts must war against the same foes and vices that most hurt the nation; and they must try to develop the same values that the nation most needs. To be helpless, self-indulgent, or wasteful, will turn the boy into a mighty poor kind of a man, just as the indulgence in such vices by the men of a nation means the ruin of the nation.
Let the boy stand stoutly against his enemies both from without and from within, let him show courage in confronting fearlessly one set of enemies, and in controlling and mastering the others. Any boy is worth nothing if he has not got courage, courage to stand up against the forces of evil, and courage to stand up in the right path. Let him be unselfish and gentle, as well as strong and brave. It should be a matter of pride to him that he is not afraid of anyone, and that he scorns not to be gentle and considerate to everyone, and especially to those who are weaker than he is. If he doesn't treat his mother and sisters well, then he is a poor creature no matter what else he does; just as a man who 3S6 Bov Scouts doesn't treat his wife well is a poor kind of citizen no matter what his other qualities may be. And, by the way, don't ever forget to let the boy know that courtesy, politeness, and good manners must not be neglected. They are not little things, because they are used at every turn in daily life. Let the boy remember also that in addition to courage, unselfishness, and fair dealing, he must have efficiency, he must have knowledge, he must cultivate a sound body and a good mind, and train himself so that he can act with quick decisions in any crisis that may arise.
Mind, eye, muscle, all must be trained so that the boy can master himself, and thereby learn to master his fate. I heartily wish all good luck to the movement.
Very sincerely yours,
Theodore Roosevelt.
Citations:
I highly recommend copies of these three scout books and many more, which you can find available on Amazon or available for download at -archive.org. All are superior materials to whatever is available today, quite exciting, and in every quality far exceed the sort of literature most of us are familiar with.
Instruction: try to get PDF or EPUB only, read with naturalreaders.com or your preferred app
Scouting for Boys, Dover Publications, 2014
The word of scouting 'god,'
The official Boy Scout handbook, New York : [s.n.], 1910 Boy Scouts of America [America, Boy Scouts of]
classic Americana, apostolic-era scouting; this will put hair on your chest
Handbook for boys, New York: Boy Scouts of America, 1957
From the Golden Age of scouting, sixth edition, the most invigorating of all
Official Boy Scout Handbook, Irving, Texas: Boy Scouts of America, 9th ed., Irving, Tex., 1979
The last good edition
The Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster booklets and Boys Life magazines are also very good and available online, especially those from before the '80s. After the Ninth edition, all scouting materials went the way of Common Core education. The modern handbook is worse than those textbooks.
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