tòv/ S C O U T I N G for Catholics A SCOUT IS REVERENT THE CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING Seventeenth Floor P A R K A V E N U E B U I L D I N G 2 PARK AVENUE, 32nd TO 33rd STREETS NEW YORK CITY Catalog No. 3294 s C O U T I N for Catholics G CATHOLIC BOY LEADERS Class of 1925 Knights of Columbus Leadership School Catholic Summer School of America, Cliff Haven, N. Y. THE CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING Seventeenth Floor PARK A V E N U E B U I L D I N G 2 PARK AVENUE, 32nd TO 33 rd STREETS NEW YORK CITY DAL VATICANO, Ootober Vth 1919 mmm KBUA « U r a t T A The Holy Father has learned with much interest anil pleasure that steps have been taken to promote the formation of distinctlvly Cathollo" units among the Boy Soouts of the Unit ed States; that the movement has the approval and support of Els Eminence Cardinal Gibbons and also of jso many ¿rohblshops and Bishops and that Its chief aim 18 to build up the Boy Sooutfli spiritually gpd physically. Such a movement is deserving of the highest commendation. His Holiness therefore wishes it every"suooess and gladly bestawa the Apostolic Blessing on all those who further the Cathollo ex tension of the Scout movement under the auspioes of the eoola« slastlcal authorities. With best wishes, I remain Faithfully yours / pw&M Catholic Committee on Scouting H i s EMINENCE, PATRICK J . CARDINAL HAYES, Hon. Chairman MOST REV. EDWARD J . HANNA, D . D . MOST REV. JAMES A . KEANE, D . D . RT . REV. JOHN J . CANTWELL, D . D . R T . REV. FRANCIS C . KELLEY, D . D . R T . REV. JOSEPH H . CONROY, D . D . , Bishop of Ogdensburg, Chairman REV. MATTHEW J . W A L S H President, T^otre Dame University, Rational Counsellor VICTOR F . REDDER, Vice-chairman DANIEL A . TOBIN, Vice-Chairman BROTHER BARNABAS, F . S. C . , Rational Director 4 INTRODUCTION WHAT does our Holy Father the Pope think of Scouting for Catholics? We will let him tell us in his own words. To ten thousand Scouts gathered before him he spoke as follows: "In your spiritual family you are the young generation—the noble, flourishing, vigorous hope of your religion and your Church as of your family and country. . . . It is not only that you are young Catholics, you are young Catholic Scouts. And that word Scout means much. "To be a Scout, youth alone does not suffice. Youth may have all keenness and energy, but all the young are not Scouts. There are many who prefer an easier, quieter, less onerous way of life. A Scout needs to be ever ready for effort and courage* and at the same time for calmness and thought. Moreover^ thf mind of the Catholic Scout is ever permeated by Almighty God, His Divine law, His Divine Presence, which harmonize« the marvels of nature, showing their special beauties, their hidden meanings, their precious lessons. "The Catholic Scout is strong and brave, and knows the road to take; he knows the path that duty traces for him. 'Calmness and thought.' You are not out in search of empty adventure. With you it is the spirit which carries you through difficulty and trial. It is always good to train the spirit for this struggle. Life has such need of spiritual energy for good that it may remedy evil. . . . "The more strongly you now hold to your purpose and duties as Scouts, the more faithfully you will place, always, spirit over matter and matter under spirit, the more you will put the thought of God and the teachings of the Faith above all other thoughts and teachings." But these thoughts of Scouting were by no means new to the Holy Father. Already, several years back, he had spoken to a gathering of a thousand Scouts words, in a way, even mort significant. "You are Catholic Scouts-—that is to say, Scouts who bring to your Scouting the beautiful and sublime characteristics 01 the profession of the Catholic faith and the Catholic life. . . . A thing which in itself is very beautiful, but which, in itself, is of the earth, you turn into an affair of heaven. "But our thoughts do not end there.' There is something to add—a reminder that we wish to leave with you, and that is— be Scout Catholics! In other words—Carry out in your Cath- olic life the characteristics of your Scout Motto." Significant words, these, coming from otir Holy Father the Pope. As a counsel of perfection he says "Be Scout Catholics" (scouty Catholics would perhaps be the best equivalent of the Holy Father's phrase). A Spare Time Activity 6 SCOUTING FOR CATHOLICS HE Boy Scouts of America is a nation-wide Movement for the betterment of the American Boy. Educational in its spirit and purpose, this Movement aims to develop self-reliance, initiative, resourcefulness and the spirit of service in growing boys—a much-needed training. Membership in a Scout Troop and active participation in the attractive Scout Program bring to the boy opportunity for clear thinking, a broadening of his interests, the formation of good habits and the exercise of virtues essential to good character. The Scout Movement is founded on an appreciation and understanding of the sentiments and interests which belong to the boy. These interests are met and satisfied by a program of activities so varied and so broad that the true Scout is always moving forward, becoming keener in his capacity for observation and deduction and growing stronger as desirable habits are woven permanently into his character. The genius of Scouting lies in its appeal to the boy. Scout- ing makes a boy eager to learn. The Scout's recreation is the Scouts' education. Scouting has proved an excellent solution of the much-discussed boy problem. The activities which every normal boy craves are utilized in Scouting for the making of a sturdy and manly boyhood, the brightest promise of an honorable and loyal citizenship. Yet Scouting is not mere play. Scouting is serious work. Scouting awakens a sense of personal responsibility and stirs up in the heart and mind the spirit of earnest devotion to duty. "Be Prepared," is the Scout Motto. A Scout is prepared Boy Scouts of America Appeal of Scouting 7 "For a Good Turn daily and for every emergency." Parents, teachers, leaders of boys have begun to see the Movement in its clear light. They are recognizing in Scouting a distinct contribution to the happiness and welfare of the boy of today and to the community and civic prosperity of tomorrow. Varied Activities The Scout is always busy learning to do things for himself. On the day of application for admission to the Troop, he is made to realize that he is personally responsible for his own progress. When he has learned the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, he is taught knot tying—a useful accomplishment, oftentimes indispensable in an emergency. The lessons in signaling call for quick mind and a clear eye. First aid, skill in bandaging, and artificial respiration, make him self-reliant in a crisis. The Scout's constant field of operation is the great out-of-doors. Camping, hiking, tracking, pacing, building a fire in the open, bring him into close contact with the wonders of nature and develop in him power to care for himself when denied the comforts and supports of modern city life. Scouting directs the boy's enthusiasm into channels of healthful enjoyment. The hikes with his fellows always have a definite objective. He goes out under competent and inter- ested leadership to study some great industrial plant, to visit a spot hallowed with historic association, or to investigate some engaging problem in the life of the woods. The Scout loves Nature and studies her beauties at close range. The birds, the flowers, the trees, and how to save them—these activities establish permanent interests outside of self. Scout- ing has couiitless keys with which to seek entrance to the boy's mind and entering to engage that mind in wholesome thcjught. Purpose of Activities Scout activities constitute in their admirable variety a splendid program of endeavor for every normal boy. Whether 9 he be rich or poor, in school or facing his first struggle with the industrial or commercial world, Scout activities offer him definite aims and positive purposes which hold his interests fast. These activities are almost beyond counting. Yet there is no confusion in their arrangement and presentation. Each has a purpose, clear and definite, with its peculiar appeal to the young mind. The program of Scout training meets a need vital to all organizations for boys. Scouting succeeds where mai>y other worthy efforts fail, for Scouting keeps Scouts busy. The Scout never loses spirit for want of something interesting to do. Troops do not disband because membership is irksome. Under intelligent interpretation and application the activities of the Scout Program do not fail to develop and to maintain the interests of aspiring young Scouts. The city boy stands in special need of the strong appeal of the Scout Program. His life in our cities relieves him of many home obligations and responsibilities which are accepted every day by the boy on the farm. Conveniences of modern living develop a frame of mind that makes for selfish habits in the young. The city boy has few urgent calls for home service. On the contrary, he is quite accustomed to be served. A Boy Scout, however, must do a Good Turn daily. The Scout Law reminds him of his responsibility. Membership in his Troop is a call to loyalty to its standards. His eyes are opened to the countless things he ought to do in the spirit of service for those at home. The little household tasks take on a new im- portance. They are part of Scouting and they have a meaning. A Scout Uniform has changed the attitude of many a boy towards the little home duties which in themselves are seldom enjoyed. Scouting places the boy in the right relationship to the community in which he lives. Community service is an inv portant Scout activity. The Scout is trained to a sense of civic responsibility. When the call comes he is prepared. If the mayor calls the Scout to welcome visitors to the city the Scout is ready. The spirit of the Program awakens in the boy a 10 sense of civic pride and a keen ambition to make a worthy contribution to the progress of the community. Scouting trains for cooperative effort in all the Good Turns which make for a better home and community life. With this platform and with this purpose, the Scout receives solid and effective prepa- ration for an intelligent, sympathetic and loyal citizenship. Religious Policy The religious policy of the Scout Movement is clearly de- fined in Article III of the Constitution of the Boy Scouts of America. "The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no boy can grow into the best citizenship without recognizing his obligation to God. . . . The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe, and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings, are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome things in the education of the growing boy No matter what the boy may be—Catholic, Protestant, or Jew—this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before him. The Boy Scouts of America there- fore recognizes the religious element in the training of a boy, but it is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which the Boy Scout is connected shall give definite attention to his religious life." Advantages of Co-operation With the Established Organization of Boy Scouts of America From the very beginning Troops made up entirely of Catholic Boys formed a part of the Scout Brotherhood; Catholics held positions in the Movement; the Catholic Church was represented on the National Council, and the Chief Scout Executive con- sulted Cardinals and clergy as well as the authorities of all 11 faiths when the very essentials of Scout life—the Oath and Law •—were under discussion, and received from them valuable ad- vice and encouragement. Moreover, there are material advantages in co-operating with the established Boy Scout movement which it would be folly to disregard. The administrative organization spreads over the entire country, and hard-working officials are equally at the service of Catholic institutions. Training centers, tests, official badges, equipment, periodicals, hand-books, national rallies, experienced leaders—in all these Catholics can share, and yet find themselves entirely free • to organize Troops as Catholic units. To try to run a separate Catholic movement would only duplicate work, and would probably result in failure —for funds and workers would be lacking. Therefore, any effort to establish Catholic Troops within the Boy Scout Move- ment is directed simply to the end that by mutual help and encouragement more efficient Scouts and Scout Leaders may be trained, the Catholic public induced to support them, and the number of Catholic Scouts increased. Catholic Committee on Scouting In all matters wherein Catholic interests are involved the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, empowered by a special act of Congress to control Scout activities nationally, operates in close accord with the Catholic Committee on Scout- ing, and does so in a manner entirely sympathetic to the desires of the Committee and the various religious groups. The Catholic Committee on Scouting exists for the follow- ing purposes: to promote the formation of Boy Scout Troops among Catholic boys; to assist local Scout Councils in securing the cooperation of the Catholic authorities in their several communities; to bring to the attention of pastors, and others having the direction of groups of Catholic boys, the benefits of the Scout Program; to stimulate among young men of the church the desire for leadership as Scoutmasters; in locali- ties where there are no Troops under Catholic leadership, to assist Scoutmasters to understand and to execute the wishes 13 of the Catholic authorities concerning the religious duties of Catholic boys in other Troops. In the execution of this Program the Committee will, from time to time, issue such literature as may be necessary, and will publish in the official Scout publications material that is helpful to Troops of Catholic boys. Scouting under Catholic leadership is now well past the experimental stage. Where the Movement has been en- couraged great progress has been made. To date, January, 1927, there are nearly 30,000 Catholic boys enrolled in Troops attached to Catholic churches and Catholic institutions. There are over 1,200 Troops of Catholic boys under Catholic leader- ship in the United States which indicates the interest which has been shown by Catholics in this great Movement. Catholic Scoutmasters, all Scoutmasters who have Catholic boys as members of their Troops, and persons planning the organization of Local Councils, are invited to consult with the Committee, in order that every facility for participation in Scouting may be opened to Catholic boys. All who are interested in promoting the progress of Catholic Boy Scouts in Catholic parishes are urged to communicate with the Catholic Committee on Scouting, 17 th Floor, Park Avenue Building, 2 Park Avenue, 32 nd to 33 rd Streets, New York City. 14 F U N D A M E N T A L S O F S C O U T I N G The Scout Oath On my honor, I will do my Best: 1. To do my duty to God and my Country, and to obey the Scout Law. 2. To help other people at all times. 3. To \eep myself Physically Strong, Mentally Awa\e, and Morally Straight. The Scout Compass At the center of the compass, as At the North Pole of the Scout the pivotal point, we have the Compass we have "Duty to God"; Scout pledge "To do his BEST." at the point of the rising sun The "Scout's honor" is "Duty to Country"; at the needle which T n the South P o l e always points to ' U "Duty to Oth- hii m duty." J M B . 1 X . "V setting sun > Mmmw i- "Duty to Self." T O 15 The Scout Law "A Scout is Trustworthy." A Scout's honor is to be trusted. If he were to violate his honor by telling a lip, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor, he may be directed to hand over his Scout Badge. "A Scout is Loyal." He is loyal to all to whom lqyalty is due; his Scout Leader, his home, parents, and country. "A Scout is Helpful." He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons, and share home duties. He must do at least one Good Turn to somebody every day. "A Scout is Friendly." He is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout. "A Scout is Courteous." He is polite to all, especially women, children, old people, the weak and the helpless. He must not ta\e pay for being helpful or courteous. "A Scout is Kind." He is a friend to animals. He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will strive to save and protect all harmless life. "A Scout is Obedient." He obeys his parents, Scoutmaster, Patrol Leader, and all other duly constituted authorities. "A Scout is Cheerful." He smiles whenever he can. His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery. He never shirks nor grumbles at hardships. "A Scout is Thrifty." He does not wantonly destroy property. He works faithfully, wastes nothing, and makes the best use of his opportunities. He saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects. He may work for pay but must not receive tips for courtesies or Good Turns. "A Scout is Brave." He has the courage to face danger in spite of fear and to stand up for the right against the coaxings of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down him. "A Scout is Clean." He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd. "A Scout is ReverentHe is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties, and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. 17 The Scout Himself The Scout must be twelve years of age or over. Scouts are organised by Patrols in Troops. A Patrol consists of eight boys, or less, one of whom becomes Patrol Leader, and another Assistant Patrol Leader. A Troop consists of from one to four Patrols and is under the charge of a Scoutmaster. The aspirant in Scouting first becomes a Tenderfoot, then a Second Class Scout, then a First Class Scout. When a First Class Scout, the whole sphere of the Scout Program is open to him. All Scouts must know and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. Uniforms, while desirable, are not essential. The chief aim of the Movement is to build up boys spiritually, men- tally and physically. The uniform is a help in reaching the aim. IS P R I M A R Y F A C T O R S I N S C O U T I N G Origin of Scout Oath and Law WHEN the Scout Oath and Law and the Scout Program were being formulated as the goal and method of Boy Scout character development, the committee assembled material from the Scout Movement in England and from leaders of boy movements in America. The Committee submitted their findings to several hundred presidents of colleges, state univer- sities, denominational schools, theological seminaries, and nation- ally known divines, editors, and boy-workers. Some presidents called in members of their staff as collaborators. This highly selected body of educators gave back to the Committee their best thought on what should be the obligation and program for the American Boy Scout. In less than five hundred words they gave an obligation that is broad, deep, high, and spiritual. The beginning and end of the Scout Obligation is "Duty to God," which also comprehends his duty to his country, his neighbor, and himself; to keep his heart clean, his body strong, and his mind alert. Leadership Essential With a movement so well planned, embodying the noblest sentiments and principles, we may reasonably hope to develop boys who have the required strength of character for future leaders; but first they must have the leadership of men who embody in their own lives the moral and social principles that are taught to the boys. A man aspiring to be a leader of Boy Scouts must have paid the price of self-discipline in his own life to a point where no mother will have any feelings of mis- giving when her boy follows the example of his Scout leader. Any man who falls short of this is not worthy to lead boys in any capacity. 19 Where can Such leaders be found? Where would one expect to find them if not in the Church—the institution which is ordained by God, and is accepted among men as the conservator of the highest moral and spiritual values in our civilization? If a half million of the best men in America can be found who will give leadership not only to the boys in the churches, but to the majority of the boys of America who are unreached by any program of religious education whatsoever; if a half million good men will consecrate their lives to the one million boys who become twelve each year, and will give them a right conception of citizenship and a true appreciation of the moral and spiritual values in life, we shall release in America millions of boys who have been Scouts, brought up in close relation to the Church, who will be ¿live to the best there is in the life of this nation. Conservation of Moral Values In our conservation of material things, and of the forces of nature, we must not overlook the conservation of moral and spiritual values which lie back of all the other values in life. Character is the foundation of society. There can be no stability of government, society, or business on any other basis than our faith in the honor and integrity of our fellow-men. Stocks and bonds, gold and silver, certificates, life, home, virtue —all things are made secure to us only insofar as we can safely trust the people with whom we live and work. Therefore, the development of a boy's character and preservation of his moral and spiritual values through such a program as Scouting offers, is one of the most practical, essential, and constructive vocations or avocations a man may follow. Church As Troop Home There are several very definite reasons why the Church is the best home for a Scout Troop: First—The Church can mobilize man-power of high moral character and spiritual vision. Second—The Church has the confidence of the community 21 as an institution of clean moral influence and an atmosphere in which boys should grow up. Third—A review of a number of old established Scout Troops shows that Troops connected with churches have a longer life, and a more constant leadership than any other type of Troop. Fourth—The Church will carry on with an individual from the cradle to the grave. Scouting serves a few years in the period of early and middle adolescence—a very vital period with a boy; but what of his activities after he is through with Scouting? Fifth—The Church must complete the program of religious education for its own Boy Scouts. The Boy Scout Movement cannot do this. U N D E R L Y I N G POLICIES I N S C O U T I N G THE basic and underlying policies of the Scout Movement adopted by the National Council of thé Boy Scouts of America are as follows : < 1. Volunteer Leadership The Scout Program reaches the boys through volunteer adult leadership insuring economy of operation, and the leadership of men of a higher caliber than could possibly be procured with resources available for salaries; also brings more men into contact with boys and increases the benefits of boy-association with big men in the community. Finally, the Scout Program places responsibility for the boys of the community on the fathers of the community, where it be- longs. One hundred eighty thousand men as volunteers are giving leadership through Scouting to eight hundred thousand boys each year. 2. No Scout Club Houses Scout Troops meet in a parish hall, school, community cen- ter, or other existing building designated by the parent 23 institution—thereby strengthening the boys' loyalty to the church or school through which they get Scouting; mini- mizing the cost of maintenance, and avoiding duplication of an institutional service already established. 3. Local Control Control rests with the parent institution. The pastor of the church appoints the Troop Committee, who in turn secure a Scoutmaster, and supervise his activities in the administration of the Troop program. 4. Correlation of Programs A close relationship between the Scout Program and the program of the church, school or parent institution is in- sured through local control. Those in charge of Troop pro- grams see to it that the calendar of the Troop activities does not conflict with the calendar of the church, school or parent institution. 5. Non-Sectarian Scouting is non-sectarian—serves boys of all creeds, races, and nationalities, and leaves to each church the responsi- bility for the religious training of its own boys. The Scout Program is extended through all religious and educational institutions to boys of every religion, to boys everywhere. 6. Trained Leaders Volunteer workers are trained for leadership—that the Boy Scout Program may be used more effectively and exten- sively. Centers for training leaders are maintained in 634 Local Councils, which operate under a charter from the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, making avail- able to any worthy institution a program for boy activi- ties of proven worth. 24 E D U C A T I O N A L F E A T U R E S I N S C O U T I N G Boy-Interest Program MANY people who think Scouting a good thing have appraised it as child's play—giving the boy a good time. Such ideas are far from a true understanding of Scouting. . The Scout Program has been deliberately planned to appeal to boy interests—a program of action in doing things he likes to do. If he thinks of Scouting as games, and fun, and recrea- tion—and is interested—well and good; that interest is the working capital that is developed to make a man out of him. The Scout Program is a boy-centered program. It has had excellent success through seventeen years of experience with more than three million boys. It is still in process. As experi- ence leads the way, new features will be added. Scouting is a program of "learning by doing." W e have learned that the boy of Scout age is more interested in "Doing good" than in "Being good." "The Scout Program is essentially moral training for efficient citizenship. It gives definite embodiment to the ideals of the school, and supplements the efforts of home and church. It works adroitly, by a thousand specific habits, to anchor a boy to modes of right living as securely as if held by chains of steel; but best of all, it exhibits positive genius in devising situa- tions that test a boy's self-reliance and give full leadership. These two aspects of the Scout Program are so evenly balanced and so nicely adjusted as to make them well-nigh pedagogically perfect. The entire organization is a machine capable of work- ing wonders, not only in moral regeneration of the American boy, but also in fitting him to assume the duties of an American citizen."—Dean James E. Russell of Teachers College, Colum- bia University. 25 Church leaders desirous of giving boys in the church school and boys who should be in the church school, a recreational program for all days of the week, find the Scout Program admirably suited to the purpose. Someone remarked, "Scouting has eliminated the gang"—but in truth Scouting has capitalized the gang. The Scout Program makes the boy's gang'instinct a social force in carrying out con' structive and helpful projects. A gang that had organized a "closed shop club," which admitted a boy only when he could produce five dollars worth of goods that he had stolen from the local shops, was converted into a Scout Troop that helped the police to clean up the neighborhood. The "gang neglected" be- came the "gang directed." Thus Scouting gives the boy things to do, in the doing of which he develops his personal efficiency for community service. World-Wide Brotherhood Scouting is a world-wide brotherhood among boys of all nations. Scouting is an international, spiritual democracy based on comradeship and friendship and mutual respect among boys everywhere. Scouting knows no lines of cleavage. It teaches a high and noble love for Father-land but it also teaches a high regard for fellow-Scouts in brother-lands around the world. Scouting has been organized in more than fifty nations in eighteen years. There can be no international co-operation on any basis other than friendship and mutual respect. World friendship is a better guarantee for peace than strong armies and great navies. The Boy W h o Became an Engineer From the "Columbia," May (1917) Off and on, for the past ten years, I have come into intimate contact with Boy Scouts. My mountain camp is half a mile from a Boy Scout Camp, and I meet these khaki-clad youngsters almost every day. Sometimes two or three of them drop into my camp and we chat for half an hour. That was how I came 26 to know the boy who, in June, will graduate from a college of engineering. He joined the Scouts when he was thirteen, and in turn became a Tenderfoot, a Second Class and then a First Class Scout. After having won his First Class Badge, he was eligible to try for Merit Badges. He took a lot of them—bird study, camping, first aid, pioneering, cooking, stars, among others. Pioneering intrigued him. He helped to lay out a camp. He helped to build a dam. He went into the woods with an ax and built lean-tos. They wanted to erect a water tank in that camp, and he worked, with others, on the plans for the foundations of the structure that would hold the tank. "This thing of taking a raw piece of mountain land," he told me, "and bringing to it the things of civilization and comfort, touched my imagination. By the time I was in my second year at high school I had made up my mind that I would be an engineer. When I graduate in June I'll have a profession. The chances are that, had I not joined the Scouts, I would never have thought of engineering. It was going out after my Pioneering Merit Badge that gave me a crystallized ambition. Activities That Appeal to Boys! 27 From First Aid to Doctor Every Boy Scout has to study first aid. This does not mean that he sets out to be an amateur doctor. It does mean, though, that he learns what to do, in an emergency, until a doctor comes. He knows how to apply a tourniquet and stop bleeding from an artery. He knows how to handle a person who has been dragged unconscious from the water; how to apply splints; how to bandage and make slings. Most Scouts learn what is expected of them—that, and no more. Having completed their first aid course, they go on to something else. But one of these Scouts found himself vitally interested in first aid, and carried his studies far beyond the Scout requirements. His companions began to call him "Doc." His knowledge of minor injuries and their treatment became so extensive that he was placed in charge of the first aid tent in another summer camp. And, when he finally went off to a State university, his plan was to enter a medical college after completing his university education. The so-called play of Scouting had shown another boy the way! Building Bodies Two of the Merit Badges are given for personal health and for physical development. Another Scout made of these a hobby. In his Troop he took charge of all games, and of all setting-up exercises. One day a friend said to him: "Bill, you ought to go in for physical training as a profes- sion." "I've had my mind made up to do that," Bill said, "for quite a while." After leaving high school he took a two-year physical train- ing course. Today he is a physical director in the schools of one of the large eastern cities. Another boy had found his goal. The Forest for Life Stories like this can be told without number. There was a boy in Brooklyn who, having risen to First-Class Rank, went out 28 after Merit Badges. Now, the boy who wins a Merit Badge is not stamped as an authority on that subject—the badge merely means that he has covered a great many of the necessary rudiments. This lad would pass his examination for a Merit Badge and then go on to the next one. But eventually, while he was in camp for the summer, he set out to get the Forestry Badge. He studied trees, and shrubs, and plant life in general. That winter he kept taking books on forestry from the public library. He had found a subject that thrilled him. From high school he went to the Cornell School of Forestry. When he graduated from the school, there was a job waiting for him with the New York State Forestry Commission. This is one of the biggest things that Scouting does, this let' ting boys play with this art and this craft until, some place along the Merit Badge way, they find the subject that leads them on until they make of it their life work. Reading Program Another phase of the Scout Program applies to the boys' recreational reading. The Boy Scouts of America publish "Boys' Life," a monthly periodical for all boys, which will com- pare favorably with any magazine ever published for boys, not only from the standpoint of boys' interest, but also because it is the one periodical "maintained at highest standard purity as a service to boyhood and not as an enterprise for commercial profit." The National Library Department has secured the co- operation of the librarians of the nation in setting up stand- ard shelves, of approved books, especially selected for the recreational reading of boys. The Librarian has also secured the co-operation of mail-order houses and publishers in remov- ing from their catalogues, the announcement of books of an uncertain character. The significance of this Reading Program may be more fully appreciated, when the fact is taken into consideration, that the average boy devotes more spare time to recreational reading than to any other single recreation. 29 Character Development The most important aim of all in the Scout Program is the development of character—the biggest objective in any program of education—developing in the growing child or student quali- ties of character which make for moral and spiritual worth. Such development is not a matter of text content or programs so much as it is a matter of contact with life. The greatest benefit of Scouting is derived from the intimate association of boys with men of the right sort, who will set up in the picture gallery of the boy's mind, an ideal of the man he is going to be. If the man he knows and admires is a real red-blooded man, who stands four-square to every responsibility in life, and gives due emphasis to right moral and social relations by an example that is above reproach, the boy following in his footsteps will have positive results in the outcome of his own life. Training in Citizenship Still another great objective of the Boy Scout Program is training for citizenship. All of the benefits of the program lead to this end. Training for citizenship in a democracy deals with his conception of life's fundamentals and his attitude toward his social responsibilities and obligations. There is also the physical side. Scouting teaches personal health and hygiene and public health and sanitation. It takes the boys into the out-of-doors where there is sunshine and fresh air, woodland and stream, and gives to the boy the outdoor life in which our pioneer race developed its strength. America needs this physical development in its boys. Thirty per cent of our youth were rejected in a selective draft, as physically unfit. A Scout is trained to be prepared to render service in any emergency; to bind up a broken arm, to stop a bleeding wound, to save a life from drowning, to help the Red Cross in time of disaster, fire and flood; to serve in the home, church and com- munity. The Scout Habit—"Do a Good Turn every day." 30 ORGANIZING SCOUT TROOPS r Act to Incorporate the Boy Scouts of America was approved by the Congress of the United States, June 1?, 1916. In accordance with the provision of that Act a "National Council" has been constituted consisting of represen- tatives of Local Councils and other men especially adapted to boy welfare work. This National Council has the power to grant and does grant charters to groups of citizens in various communities who have given evidence of their interest in boys and their desire to promote Scouting. When such a group represents a community that can and does provide adequate budgets for the maintenance of local headquarters, the conduct of a Boy Scout Camp and the em- ployment of a Scout Executive who shall devote his entire time to the promotion and supervision of the Program of the Boy Scouts of America, the group will be chartered as a Local Council. It is urged upon all Catholic institutions or Catholic Parishes when organizing Scout Troops that the following steps be taken subject to such changes as may in rare instances be necessary to make it conform with local Scout requirements. First: The pastor's interest and approval must first be ob- tained. Then confer with the local Scout Executive, who will be ready to cooperate and aid in every possible way. If there is no Local Council, get in touch with the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Second: The pastor, with such aid as he may elect to use, should designate a Troop Committee of three to five men—a priest and two to four adult laymen—who are to have direct charge of Scouting in the institution or parish. The pastor, or some priest he may designate, should serve as Troop adviser. Preliminary Steps 32 One of the laymen should be made chairman of the Troop Committee, and should also represent the Troop and the Church at the local Scout Council meetings. Third: This Troop Committee, assisted by the Scout Execu- tive or Commissioner, whose experience in this regard is invalu- able, will then select a Scoutmaster, the most important part of the structure. He must be a man, over 21 years of age, of sterling character, who is keenly interested in boys' life and boys' activities. Fourth: The Scoutmaster should at once avail himself of every opportunity to secure information and instruction regard- ing the conduct of a Troop. The Scoutmaster's Handbook and the Handbook for Boys should be immediately procured and studied. Local Councils maintain schools for training Scoutmasters, and the Boy Life Bureau of the Knights of Columbus conducts 10 day summer courses at various places for training in the technique of Boys' Work including Scouting. Fifth: When Troop Committee and Scoutmaster are ap- pointed, the enrollment of the boys begins. The boys are called together and Scouting is explained to them by a representative from the local Scout Council or from the Troop Committee, and those boys desiring to become Scouts, provided they have reached their twelfth birthday, will register their names on the applica- tion for Troop charter. Experience proves the wisdom of starting with eight or ten boys, and then gradually adding to the number as leaders are trained, building Troop by Troop till the full boy strength of the church is organized. Each Troop must have its own Scout- master. When there are four or more Troops in a single church, the Council should also designate on nomination of the Troop Com- mittee a Deputy or Assistant Deputy Commissioner, having direction of assembled or inter-Troop activities. There is to be but one Troop Committee in any church or institution. Its membership may be increased indefinitely, how- 33 ever, as Troops are enrolled. Sub-committees of the Troop Committee may be named for the separate Troops. Sixth: The Troop Committee, the Scoutmaster and his Assis- tants, and Deputy and Assistant Deputy Commissioners, must all be commissioned by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Leadership The administration of Troops of Boy Scouts is primarily a layman's task. It is as beneficial to men to be interested in the formation of character among the boys as it is beneficial to the boys to have such interest shown. Boys crave the leadership of adults. This is a chance to awaken our men to the great need of their services to humanity and to get them to carry a part of the burden that must eventually crush our priests if they are to be compelled to carry it all forever. While the final supervision and responsibility for all Scout activities in his parish and among his boys does and must rest always with the pastor, yet it is the purpose in Scouting that the layman shall do the actual work therein. Often men eminently fitted for the splendid work which Scouting accomplishes are deterred because they lack detailed knowledge. But this should not be a deterrent, for often those who have proven themselves the very best leaders entered upon this work without the slightest knowledge of Scouting, wood- craft or any of the other Scout activities which the boys are to be taught. It is the function of the local Scout Council to train volunteers to use the Boy Scout Program effectively in the development of boys. The necessary qualifications for beginners are these and these only. The Troop Committeeman or Scoutmaster should be such a man as a real father would wish as an associate for his boy. He must be interested in their welfare and advance- ment. He should be earnest, trustworthy, dependable and intel- ligent. Technical information can be then in due time acquired. 34 Institutional Responsibility Boy Scout leaders in the local communities should recognize the primal relation of the parent institution to its own Boy Scouts. The Boy Scout Councils do not administer a Boy Scout Troop anywhere. The parent institutions administer their own Troops. The Boy Scout Movement, through the National and Local Councils, provides a program, trains Scoutmasters, gives leadership to local institutions, and helps them to maintain standards and to carry out the policies of the National Council which were established for the mutual protection and advantage of all institutions using the Scout Program. If the pastor will take the Troop into the parish and give to it the same thought and supervision that he gives to other parish organizations, enlisting the boys in the various parish activities and in services to the church, he will find the Scout Troop a valuable service asset, and the Troop will have a fair chance to live and thrive. This will also give a result far more valuable to the parish in the deeper loyalty and permanent relation of the boys to the church which administers the Scout Troop. The Church Troop will have greater success in giving results satisfactory to the sponsoring church if the members of the Troop Committee actually function. Each Troop Committee should have three to five members; there may be more. Each member of the Troop Committee should have a definite under- standing of the duties he is to perform. It is advisable to tie each member of the Troop Committee up to a major feature in the Scout Program. The chairman may see that the Troop has opportunity to render "Good Turn" service to the church and community. The chaplain (pastor of the church) sees to it that the Scouts attend to their religious duties. Other members of the Committee may help the Scoutmaster with the outdoor pro- gram, the thrift program, Scout advancement, etc. The wise Scoutmaster will let each member of his Troop Committee know what he is supposed to do and when he is expected to do it. A functioning Troop Committee will save a Troop and tide it over a period between an outgoing and an incoming Scout- master. 35 The sponsoring institution is the source of power in the Scout organization The Boy Scout organization is thoroughly demo- cratic. Each chartered institution is entitled to elect one of its members to the Local Council; each Local Council sends a delegate or delegates to the National Council. The National Council elects the members of the Executive Board which is the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America. The Executive Board employs the Chief Scout Executive and his staff. The Local Councils employ the local Executives. The churches are the majority among the parent institutions, and are therefore adequately represented in the Local Councils and on the Na- tional Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Scout Movement is a democracy, deriving its full power from the will of the parent institutions which sponsor the Scout Troops. Cost of Scouting Pastors and parents frequently ask about the cost of Scout ing. There is a fee of 50 cents per boy which must be paid at time of registering. As each Troop must re-register annually, this becomes a fixed annual charge. Most Troops also assess weekly dues at a rate fixed by vote of the Troop, to provide needed Troop equipment and such other purchases as are neces- sary, from time to time. A uniform, while not essential, is desirable. Once a boy takes the Scout pledge and is enrolled, he is a Scout in good standing even though he may have no uniform. The uniform, however, distinguishes him, marks him as a Scout and serves as a reminder to him of the obligations he has assumed under the Scout Law. The uniform is also a great leveling medium. The uniform is designed for service and would generally be deemed an economy as it is less expensive and more durable than the suits usually purchased for young boys. We desire, however, to place special emphasis upon the re- quirement of the ninth point of the Scout Law, Thrift. The ideal in Scouting calls for the boy to evidence his energy and thrift by earning personally the money to defray all costs 36 including enrollment fees, uniform, camp charges, desired equip- ment, etc. Many Troops have Troop treasuries from which general charges are paid. Entertainments aid in building up the common store. Contributions are sometimes offered by interested adults. In such cases, however, it is inadvisable that the gifts should exceed the total actually raised through the direct efforts of the boys. Scouting Is Outing 37 HELPFUL AIDS Local Council Service ~ SCOUTING GREW and Troops multiplied, the neces- sity for local service stations became apparent. Local Councils are composed of representative men in the com- munity. A Scout Executive is employed to direct the service. In the larger cities he has a staff of assistants. The Local Council, through the Scout Executive, conducts training courses for Scoutmasters and Patrol Leaders, maintains a summer camp for all Scouts in the Council, establishes a Court of Honor to review the candidates for Scout advancement and to make awards, and promotes Scout Troop Organization and a program of community service. The Scout Executive helps the Troops to maintain standards and informs the parent institutions of national Scout policies which have been established for the mutual protection of all who use the Scout Program. The Scout Executive is the doctor for all sick and failing Troops. He will help the Troop Committee and the parent institution and Scoutmaster to strengthen the Troop and to save it from going under. The Executive promotes inter-Troop, sectional and Council- wide rallies and stimulates interest among the people of the community through educational publicity and demonstration of Scout "Good Turn" service. The parent institutions should draw freely on the local Scout headquarters as a service station. Scout Executives are glad to give counsel and leadership in working out the best possible program for each Scout Troop under their general jurisdiction. List of Scoutmasters To help cultivate a closer co-operative relation between Scoutmasters of Troops in churches, and the local church Scout 38 leaders, the Division of Church Relations at the National Scout Headquarters maintains a card index of every Scoutmaster and Troop affiliated with Catholic Churches. Additional cards are added each month, keeping the list up to date. This list is made available to the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Speakers To increase the service of the Scout Program among the boys of the churches, speakers will be sent by the Local Councils or the National Council Headquarters on request, and without charge, to church bodies, to address church conventions, con- ferences and the like. Scout Stories There is a great opportunity, through the church periodicals, to reach the church constituency with human interest stories and educational articles on Boy Scout work among the churches. Special articles will be prepared on request for the exclusive use of any church publication having a large circulation. Such articles will be prepared without cost to the publishers, and photographs or cuts will be provided to add human interest to the stories. Address: Division of Church Relations, Boy Scouts of America, New York City. Available Literature Standard publications may be had from the Local Council headquarters, or through the Department of Scout Supplies, Boy Scouts of America, Park Avenue Building, 2 Park Avenue, 32nd to 33rd Streets, New York City, on the following subjects: 3389* How to, Organize a Troop $ .05 3001 What Scouts Do 06 F690 Application for Troop Charter and Scoutmaster's F694 Commission No Charge 3350 Handbook for Scoutmasters....' 1.00 3100 Handbook for Boys 50 * Catalogue Number. 39 3504 The How Book of Scouting #1-00 3270 General Information Bulletin, each 25 3150 The Scoutmaster, each 0 5 100 copies or more, each 0 4 3281 The Scoutmaster and His Troop, each 15 50 copies or more, each 14 3252 The Troop Committee, each 04 50 copies or more, each 03 3025 What Boy Scouts Do (pictures), each 10 50 copies or more, each 09 3027 Boy Scout Scheme in a Nutshell 01 3721 Boy Scout Movement and the Public Schools, by James E. West, each 05 50 copies or more, each 04 3021 Scout Helps for First-Class Scout, each 15 3022 Scout Helps for Second-Class Scouts 15 3371 Scout Help for Tenderfoot Scouts, each 15 3364 Your Boy and Scouting (a pamphlet for parents), each 15 50 copies or more, each 14 3797 Why I Believe in Scouting, by Rt. Rev. Francis C. Kelley, D.D., Bishop of Oklahoma 05 Merit Badge Pamphlets (seventy-six in circula- tion, others in remaining subjects being printed), each 20 Scout Equipment Catalogue on Request.