Handbook for Scout Masters

SUGGESTIVE PROGRAMS FOR SCOUT MASTERS

Introduction to Programs.

The following programs have been prepared to meet the general and imperative demand by Scoutmasters for suggestions that will help them in planning for their Scout meetings. Scoutmasters should bear in mind that these programs are merely suggestive. In no case is it thought possible to carry out any one of these programs in the course of an evening. Our aim has been to suggest so much more than would be necessary during the meeting period that the Scoutmaster will have ample leeway to choose a suggestion here and there that will fit in with his type of meeting.

These programs have been planned to provide instruction and progressive advancement in Scout work for a troop of twenty-four boys, or three patrols; and present accurate and detailed material arranged in a progressive manner corresponding to the gradual awakening and manifested ability of boy-life.

PROGRAM I

First Meeting

A Pioneer Story — Personal Experiences — Purpose of Scouting — The Scout Oath and Scout Rank — Definite Organization — Use of the Handbook — Announcements — Adjournment.

This program presupposes that a meeting of boys has been called. A number of boys should have been previously instructed as to the object and activities of Boy Scouts.

1.Have an intensely interesting tale of the life and early settlement of your community narrated by a pioneer or one of his descendants. Limit this to fifteen minutes, or omit this rather than have a dry, prosaic recital of uninteresting details.

2.Have certain boys, good talkers, previously prepared to carry on the local interest by stating personal experience in camp and outdoor life.

3.Incorporate the spirit aroused by these stories into your organization by telling vividly the purpose and objects of the Scout Movement.

A SUMMER CAMP OF BOY SCOUTS

4.Explain the importance and significance of the Scout Oath as discussed on page 15 of the Boys’ Handbook. Embody what you have just said into a definite form by displaying the various badges of merit and rank, the troop colors and patrol insignia, and the national flag as emblematic of their pledge of loyalty to this oath and their country. Impress the idea of progressive merit as indicated by the various badges of rank.

5.Develop the idea of a definite organization. Do this in such a way as to arouse their approval and show that it is in response to their personal demand and interest. Show that you mean business. Give the boy application blanks. Explain their use and purpose so that the boy can answer the questions which may naturally arise or be put to him by his parents when their signatures are requested.

6.Pass around copies of the Boys’ Handbook for inspection and explain its use.

a.Refer to the various sections and topics contained therein.

b.Let the boys ask questions. Answer them from the Handbook.

c.Ask questions of the boys. Let them answer from the Handbook.

d.Point out the accurate practical information embodied in the different chapters.

e.Close with interest in the Handbook at fever heat.

7.Arrange a definite time and place for the next meeting.

8.Close your meeting with three cheers for the Scout Movement and any other good yell which may be improvised for the occasion.

PROGRAM II

The Creation of Enthusiasm — The Appeal to Interest

Applications — The Scout Yell — Temporary Secretary — Tenderfoot Scout Requirements — Scout Oath, Scout Sign and Salute — Knot-Tying and Lariat — Announcements — Scout Yells.

This meeting should be creative of much enthusiasm and contain as many events of appealing interest as possible.

1.Call the meeting to order and receive the application blanks given out at the first meeting. Be prepared to answer any questions the boys may ask as to these applications, and encourage them to ask for such information.

2.Lead the boys in the Scout Yell, and in any other good yells which you may deem best for the occasion. Discuss the yell and the reason for it. Point out its application as a pledge reminder of the Scout Motto and the Scout Oath, and its value as serving to create loyalty. The use of the yell has its chief value in bringing the boys together into a closer social compact; it appeals directly to the group instincts of the boy and is corrective of his self-consciousness. A few yells will serve to create the get-together spirit, and make each boy feel more closely related to the others. Discipline must always be maintained at the meetings, but discipline among your boys means their constant bottling up of some energy that requires an occasional vent or safety valve. The yells supply such a vent, give rise to an increasing interest, and form an attraction to wilder spirits who would never otherwise join a band of quieter boys. It would be a very good thing to have one of the boys lead the others in a few yells at this meeting. The yells and discussion should not continue longer than fifteen minutes.

YELLS

a.The Boy Scouts’ Rally:
Leader: Be Prepared!
Chorus: Zing-a-Zing!
Boom! Boom!
Zing! Zing!
Boom! Boom!

The boys should stamp or bang something at the last Boom! Boom!

b.America Yell: —

A-M-E-R-I-C-A!

Boy Scouts! Boy Scouts! U-S-A!

Use forceful voice on italicized letters and words,

c.Sky-rocket Yell:

Leader: Sky-rocket!

Chorus: Sssss-s-s-ssss!

BOOM! Ah!

Boy Scouts!

The Leader’s command should be sharp and shrill. The chorus follows in a long drawn-out sizzing sound. Boom and Ah should be given with a very loud and forceful voice.

d.Good Turn Yell:

Hi! Ki! Wah! Hoo!

Be prepared! Scouts do

Some good turn every day.

Hoo! Rah! Ray!

e.Scout Rank Yell:

Be prepared, Be prepared,

Shout it! Shout it! Shout!

Tenderfoot, second class,

First class Scout!

3.Proceed in an orderly and correct way to elect a temporary secretary. Explain to the boys how an election of such an officer is regularly accomplished — what his qualifications should be and then let them conduct the election. This secretary should serve until the troop organization is completed.

GIVING INSTRUCTION IN KNOT-TYING

4.Pass around copies of the Handbook once more and call attention to the requirements of the Tenderfoot class (page 29, B. H.). Emphasize the fact that these requirements must be complete before the Scout Oath can be taken. Point out that the twelve points of the Scout Law must be memorized. Also state where the books can be obtained, and for what price.

5.Turn to page 27 of the Handbook and read the Scout Oath aloud, and explain carefully each part of it. Show the method of taking the oath. Call attention to the Scout Sign and Scout Salute. (See also section on the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the Handbook.)

6.Turn to page 72 of the Handbook and point out the methods of knot-tying and the different knots represented. Explain briefly why the knowledge of knots is important, and the practical uses for the different knots. Have materials ready so that each boy may practice whipping the rope ends and the tying of several knots under your guidance. Go carefully through the preliminary steps and make sure that each lad understands them. Ask questions as to the three qualities of a good knot, and let the boys answer from the Handbook. Also have an upright in the hall, or something similar, and plenty of rope so that the boys can practice lassoing; show them the correct method of preparing the loop, and of holding and throwing the rope. Encourage them to learn as many of the knots as possible and to practice with the lasso at home, so that at the next indoor meeting, contests can be held to see who has become most proficient with the lasso and as knot-tyer.

7.Set a definite time for your next meeting.

8.Close the meeting with three cheers for the Boy Scouts and the Scout Yells.

PROGRAM III

Practical Scouting — First Principles

Opening — New Applicants — National Flag — Drill Practice — History and Composition of the Flag — Tenderfoot Examinations — Games — Daily Good Turn — Need to be Physically Prepared — Hike Arrangements — Yell Practice.

This program presupposes that nearly all of your boys have obtained copies of the “Handbook for Boys,” or have been encouraged to do so as soon as possible. By this time those who have books are beginning to use them intelligently, and all want to take up some sort of actual scout practice as soon as possible. So this meeting should be replete with interesting events, and the boys should be told that the next meeting will be outdoors in the country or woods for the practice of actual scouting.

1.Open your meeting with a few yells.

2.Receive new applications for membership, and welcome such applicants.

3.Display the National Flag and Scout emblems, and ask the boys to explain the Scout’s pledge to the Flag. Also explain the drill formation, and have a practice of the drill and Scout Salute to the officer (Scout Master) and the Flag.

4.Relate the history of the American Flag, and explain its composition. Ask the boys what other national flags they have ever seen, and what the colors and emblems represented, etc. Refer them to the first few pages of any Unabridged Dictionary for picture-plates of different national flags, or, if such a book is handy, let each boy have a look at the pictures. If the boys know the tune of the “Star-Spangled Banner” it might be well to sing one or two verses of that song. (For song see page 358 of Boys’ Handbook.)

5.Again call attention to the requirements for Tenderfoot, and set the 5th meeting as the definite time for the Tenderfoot examinations. Have each boy repeat as many points of the Scout Law as he has yet memorized, and emphasize the need to “Be Prepared.”

6.Give the boys something to do in the way of exercise, such as Hand Wrestling (page 303, B. H.), Shop Window Indoors (page 309, B. H), Scouts Nose Indoors (page 310, B. H.), or any other applicable game or exercise.

7.Speak of the “Daily Good Turn,” and emphasize the need of it. Arrange with the boys to be able to give a report of the good turns that they have accomplished during the ensuing days at the next meeting. Impress the value of service.

8.Call attention to Chapter 7 of the Boys’ Handbook and the proper carriage each Scout should seek to maintain. Speak of the benefit of bathing and proper eating and the right amount of sleep, and the need for being physically “prepared.” Demonstrate and practice for a period of ten or twelve minutes a series of the first four or five setting-up exercises. Encourage the boys to continue the same at a definite time every morning or night.

9.Arrange definitely for the next meeting, which should come on a Saturday or a half-holiday and be held in the country or woods. Outline the program for this first hike, arrange for the proper materials needed en route, and for lunch, and advise the boys as to what sort of clothes and shoes they should wear. Also have it understood that there is to be a preliminary test for Tenderfoot requirements at the noon rest, and that they should “Be Prepared” in all ways. Be sure to set a definite time and place for the start.

10.Close your meeting with a yell practice. Explain the common flag language by demonstration with a flag upside down, at half mast, at full mast, etc., giving their respective meanings. Emphasize the love for the flag, and urge the Scouts to always reverence and protect their national colors. Also refer to the pledge to the flag and explain its significance.

PROGRAM IV

First Principles of Field Scouting

Prompt Start — Scout’s Pace — Follow the Trail — Camp Arrangements — Story-Telling — Test — Turn — Nature-Study Observation — Clean Camp — Scout Game — Drill Practice — Announcements — Homeward Walk — Observation Lists.

This meeting should be on a Saturday or half-holiday, and should be definitely arranged for in advance. The boys now expect some actual practice in real Scouting, so get them at it as soon as possible. For this first meeting the hike should be taken into the woods if possible and should not cover a great distance.

1.The appointed time has arrived for the start; get out into the country or woods as soon as possible.

2.You have reached the open land or woods; pick out landmarks in the distance. Advance upon them at Scout’s Pace (see page 17). If in the woods make use of Indian signs and blazes (see page 209). Blazes are usually objectionable except in deep woods. Blazing trees injures their growth. Marking with white chalk or tacking paper to the tree may be substituted for blazing and does not hurt the tree.

3.Select a suitable landmark some distance ahead as a likely place for a day camp, and play “Follow the Trail” to that point.

4.Arrange the camping place for best comfort, and prepare the lunch.

a.The materials should be brought with you. See suggested menu and list of utensils on page 152, B. H. for day tramps or hikes.

b.If materials are handy, also build a small camp-fire. Call attention to Forest Fire Warning (page 159, B. H.).

c.Give each boy some definite thing to do in preparation of lunch or building of fire, and keep him busy for a while.

5.After the lunch has been eaten, tell a good story or read a couple of chapters from some good book of adventure. Encourage the boys to finish the story and have a report on it at a later time.

6.Have the Preliminary Tenderfoot Test.

7.Receive reports from each boy of his “Daily Good Turn.”

7.Ask each boy what he saw or noticed particularly on his walk from his home to the appointed meeting-place. Ask what animals or birds or insects were noticed during the walk into the country. Ask the boys about the different kinds of trees passed en route. Have someone accompany you into the woods at this meeting who will volunteer to give the boys the correct information concerning the outdoor life. There is someone in nearly every town who would be glad to do this, and who is an authority on animal and plant life in the locality.

8.Clean up camp and be careful to extinguish the fires.

9.Play the game of Scout Hunting for a little while. (See page 308, B. H.)

10.Practice the Drill, the Scout Sign and the Scout Salute. Practice the Scout Yells.

11.Set the time and place for the next meeting. Remind them that at this meeting the Tenderfoot Examinations are to be held.

12.Set out on the homeward walk, and, encourage the boys to observe the outdoor life about them and to ask for information of the person who is with you; he will be glad to give a series of short nature talks en route. Ask the boys to make out a list of the new things they have learned about plant and animal life, when they have arrived home.

PROGRAM V

Tenderfoot Scout Examinations

Opening Talk — Observation Lists — Drill Formation — Tenderfoot Examination — National Flag — Scout Oath — Oral Test — Knot-Tying — Address — Good Turn Reports — Lassoing and Knot-Tying Contest — Knot-Tying — Lassoing — Decision of Judges — Announcements — Adjournment.

This is an important meeting and should be well prepared. All arrangements should be completed, and all needed materials should be collected and put in their proper places. By previous announcement at earlier meetings you have informed the boys that the Tenderfoot examination will be held at this time. You have also arranged at a previous indoor meeting that this will be the date for the lasso and the knot-tying contest. You have instructed the boys to prepare for their “Daily Good Turn” reports. And you have requested them to turn in written lists of their outdoor observations of animal and plant life. Have all these events as planned.

This examination is to be conducted by an Examination Board known as the Court of Honor. The men who compose this Board are members of the Local Council, and are appointed as members of the Court of Honor by the Local Council. It will therefore be your duty to personally see that these men are present and that they are instructed as to the amount of work thus far accomplished, the extent of the examination, what sort of questions to ask, etc. In communities where the Local Council has not yet been formed, it will be necessary for you to invite two or three of the representative citizens of your locality or a visiting Scout Master to serve as an Examination Board for the occasion; and it will then be necessary for you to also instruct these gentlemen in the right way. It would be a good idea to ask one of the members of the Court of Honor to deliver a brief talk during the course of the evening; if this is done, see that he has the right sort of information at hand.

1.Open the meeting with a few well-chosen words of commendation in regard to the boys and their desire to become active Scouts, and for the work so far accomplished. But make your introductory talk pointed and brief.

2.Immediately after the talk, collect the observation lists for future use.

3.Call for drill formation, display the National Flag, and have the Troop give the Scout Salute and the Scout Sign. End with one or two good yells. The concerted action of the drill and the yells will serve in a great measure to dispel the natural shyness occasioned by the presence of the visiting Board, and will, in a way, lessen the tension of the coming test.

4.Hold the examination for Tenderfoot Scout.

a.Have a written test on the National Flag. Ask questions that will require definite answers. Have plenty of writing material handy (pencil and paper) and see that table room is supplied or else have writing-boards. The following questions are suggested: — Where was the first flag made? Who made it? Who planned. the design? What is the date of the first flag? Why are there thirteen stripes? What did the stars represent? What do the red and white stripes signify? What was the number of stars? Why? What are the customary forms of respect due to the flag? etc. It would be a good plan to have posted a week beforehand and in a place where all the boys might see it, a complete list of a hundred or more questions that might be asked on the different parts of the Tenderfoot test. This will give the boy some kind of idea what to expect in the examination, and will insure more thorough preparation.

b.Have each boy write down the Scout Oath from memory.

c.Conduct an oral test. Pick out boys at random to give answers to your questions. Following is a list of suggested questions: — How is the Scout Sign made? What does it mean? Why is the Flag saluted? How is the Scout Salute made? When is it used? What do the colors in the Flag signify? Give the abbreviated Scout Law. What does the Scout Badge represent? What does it signify? What part of it is worn by the Tenderfoot Scout? Repeat the Scout Oath from memory. Ask for volunteers, each to give one complete division of the Scout Law.

d.Have the Court of Honor conduct an oral examination, picking the boys at random. Let this be the real test of the boy’s knowledge.

e.Have each boy tie his required four knots according to the Tenderfoot requirements.

5.Have the brief talk of the member of the Court of Honor at this time, if arranged for previously as suggested.

6.Call for the “Daily Good Turn” Reports. The boys will probably be timid or nervous in giving their reports; encourage them and aid them wherever such help is needed. Use tact and good judgment and try to avoid embarrassing the boy. If you think some are badly frightened or if the hour is late, suggest that some of the boys write out their reports, or hold them until the next meeting. Such reports should only be encouraged for the first few weeks until the boy gets the idea. After that reports should only be voluntarily given.

7.With the Court of Honor as judges, begin the lassoing and knot-tying contest. Instruct the judges as to the different events, and as to the different points to be considered in their decision. Give each boy an equal chance to try out, and encourage each to do his best. Small ribbon favors might be previously provided for and given to the winners of the three first places in each contest — blue for the winners, red for second place, and white for third place. If it is decided to have such favors, extra ones should be provided in case there should be ties for the different places.

a.In the knot-tying contest, the following points of judgment are suggested: — speed, precision, general knowledge of knots, best time for tying four selected knots, and best and neatest whipped rope-end.

b.In the lassoing contest, the following points of judgment are suggested: — ease of handling rope, precision of cast, and the best three trials out of five.

c.Have the judges give their decision as to the winners, and if favors are given, they should be given out by the judges as the decisions are announced.

8.Set the time for the next regular indoor meeting, and also set the date for the next outdoor meeting. Announce that at the next regular meeting those who have passed in the examinations will be sworn in as Tenderfoot Scouts.

9.Adjourn the meeting by singing “America ” (page 357, B. H.), and end with the Scout Yells.

¹ Note.— Begin preparation for the next indoor meeting early. Read paragraphs 2 and 3 of the introduction to Program VII

² Note.— It might be well to suggest to the boys at this time that each should get his Boy Scout uniform at his earliest convenience.

PROGRAM VI

Nature Observation — Practical Scouting

Nature Observation — Cloud Study — Games — Drill Practice — Fire-Fighting — Patrol-Naming Committee — Observation Reports — Scout Yarn — Land-Marks — Game — Compass Instruction — Assignments.

This meeting should be one for practical Scouting and should be held out in the open country or in the woods. Be prepared with a good Scout Yarn or a first-class book to read from. An excellent list of such books is given in the Boys’ Handbook, pages 387-391. Obtain or prepare a brief extract of the Game and Trespass Laws of your section of the country, and take it with you for use at the resting place.

1.Get into the country or woods as quickly as possible. On this walk call attention to every bird and undomesticated animal seen en route, and if the name of the bird or animal is unknown make note of it and have certain boys find out by next meeting.

2.If there are clouds in the sky, call attention to them while en route to the woods, tell what kind they are, and give a brief outline of the different kinds of clouds and what they signify.

3.Have the boys play “Follow the Leader” or “Far and Near” (page 315, B. H.) until a suitable spot has been reached which will serve as the camp. If the latter game is played, the following details are suggested as scoring points:

4.If the nature of the ground will permit, practice drill formation and Scout Salute. Also have a practice of the first seven or eight of the setting-up exercises.

5.Draw lots, if there are not enough hatchets for each boy, and practice building and lighting a fire, using only two matches. Let the boys do it without advice.

6.Appoint three boys to serve on a committee to select two or three suitable names for the patrols, reports to be called for at a later meeting.

7.Report decision of best written observation list as planned in Program IV.

8.Make use of your story or Scout Yarn. Don’t make it too long.

9.Show the boys how to make use of landmarks by noting any particular hill, big tree, forest, or permanent landmarks by which location and direction can be determined and remembered.

10.Play the game of “Stalking and Reporting.” (Page 307, B. H.).

11.Have with you a small compass. Show the sixteen principal points, and explain briefly the use of the compass in the field. Refer the boys to the diagram on page 52 of the Boys’ Handbook for future study and reference. Explain briefly the difference between the true north and the magnetic north.

12.Send the boys home, two or three in a group, each group to start at a different time and by a different route. Have it well understood that each group is to report at the next meeting what they observed and what they did while en route home.

PROGRAM VII

Tenderfoot Scout Investiture

Opening — Drill — Address — Tenderfoot Examination Reports — Reading of Scout Oath — Address — Investiture — Scout Master — Administering the Oath — Investiture — Questions and Answers — Tenderfoot Badges — Drill and Flag Salute — Announcements — Adjournment.

This is another important meeting and should be well prepared for in advance. You announced at the last indoor meeting that at this meeting those who had successfully passed the examinations would be sworn in as Tenderfoot Scouts. This “Swearing in” ceremony should be invested with privacy and as much dignity as the occasion will warrant. The Boy Scouts as an organization is not in any sense a secret order, but the importance of conferring the different Scout ranks upon the boys will loom large in their minds if the knowledge of investiture is not shared with everybody. Moreover, it would appeal to the boy’s inherited social tendencies to invest the ceremony with a formal dignity and use some simple form of initiation.

In preparing for this meeting, care should be taken to have all the arrangements carefully completed. The Tenderfoot badges must be ordered in plenty of time, and all materials needed be in readiness for the occasion. In ordering the badges the following rules are to be observed:

1.Badges should not be ordered until after boys have actually complied with the requirements prescribed by the National Council and are entitled to receive them.

2.All orders for badges should be sent in by the Scout Master with a certificate from the Local Council that these requirements have been complied with. Blanks for this purpose may be secured on application to the National Headquarters. Where no Local Council has been formed, application for badges should be sent direct to Headquarters, signed by the registered Scout Master of the troop, giving his official number.

3.Scout Commissioners’, Scout Masters’ and Assistant Scout Masters’ badges can be issued only to those who are registered as such at National Headquarters.

The Tenderfoot badges are seven-eighths of an inch wide and are made either for the buttonhole or with a safety-pin clasp; when ordering state which is preferred. As it will be necessary in a very short time to elect the Patrol Leaders, these badges should also be ordered at this time; the price is five cents, the same as for the other Tenderfoot badges. (See page 13, B. H.)

It might be a good thing to invite the parents of the boys to this meeting, and if this is done, seating arrangements must be made for those who care to come. There should also be present the Court of Honor or at least one member of that body to announce the report of the Tenderfoot examinations, and lend importance to the occasion. If it is decided to have the parents present at this meeting, it would be a very good idea to have some man who is well known and looked up to by the boys to make a five-minute talk on the Scout Movement; if this is arranged for, you should see that he is well posted. The Information Bulletin issued by National Headquarters will serve the purpose. Have present some gentleman well known to the community, a lawyer or judge if possible, who will make a five-minute speech on “Law and Its Place and Value in Good Citizenship.”

1.Open the meeting with the Scout Yells.

2.Call for drill formation, and salute the Flag, etc.

3.Have the address on the Scout Movement by the invited speaker, if such an event has been arranged for.

4.Have the report of the Tenderfoot examinations made. The speaker should be prepared with a list of the percentages, and should make a suitable comment.

5.You, as Scout Master, should read the Scout Oath and explain briefly what each phrase means. This repeated explanation of the Scout Oath serves two purposes: It instructs the visitors or the parents who are present as to the meaning and value of the Oath, and it is valuable because by its formal presentation at such a time, when the boy is impressed by the dignity of the occasion, the Oath as a whole and its meaning will appeal to him in a stronger light and attain an increased importance and significance.

6.Announce the address on “The Idea of Law and Its Place and Value in Good Citizenship,” and introduce the speaker. The speaker should be previously instructed to read the Scout Law, at the end of his speech, and with a brief comment show how it teaches the boy to become a good citizen.

7.The investiture of the Scout to the rank of Tenderfoot should now begin. The regular ceremonial follows:

a.The Scouts are called to stand at attention, and the Scout Master asks the following:

(1)“Scouts, you have given careful attention to the reading of the Scout Oath and Scout Law; you have also passed the required tests and have become eligible to the full rank of Tenderfoot Scout. Is there anything about the Oath or Law that you do not understand?”
Scouts, in unison, answer: “No, sir.”

(2)“Is there any reason why you should not take the promise of the Scout Oath? ”
The Scouts answer: “There is not, sir.”

b.The Scout Master then continues as follows:
“In the olden days a knight gave help and protection to other men and women whenever he had the opportunity to do so. A solemn promise upon his honor was always exacted before a man could become a knight. You are the knights of these modern times in America. The promise those men made was called an oath. It was not, however, the same kind of an oath that we make in our courts of law. It was a solemn promise that they would always be pure and honorable, loyal and true, and would help all those who needed assistance. This is the meaning of our Scout Oath, and as you are sworn in as Tenderfoot Scouts, you are to keep this in mind.”

c.The Scout Master then proceeds to administer the Scout Oath as follows:
(Note.— The Scout Master should always administer the Oath and conduct the investiture ceremonial in order to strengthen his influence on the boys.)

(1)The Scout Master arranges the boys in a large half circle, so that they stand side by side and all face his position, which should be at least seven or eight feet from the boy immediately in front of him.

(2)He will then say: “Place your heels together and give the Scout Salute.” When this is done by the boys, he continues: “The Scout Salute, with the three fingers upright and together, reminds the Scout of the three promises of the Scout Oath. You will now repeat the Oath after me, in this manner. I (giving full name), promise on my honor that I will do my best,” etc. The Scout Master will then give the Scout Oath with sufficient pauses so that the applicants will have no difficulty in repeating the successive phrases after him. At the time of taking the Oath the applicant will stand holding up his right hand, giving the Scout Sign.

(3)When the Scout Oath has been taken, the Scout Master will say: “Scouts, I now give you the grasp of the Tenderfoot and welcome you into our ranks as members of the Boy Scouts of America. May your progress be ever onward and upward.” As he says this, the Scout Master passes around to each boy in succession, giving him the handshake.

d.The investiture to Tenderfoot rank now takes place.

The Scout Master will now ask and receive answer to the following questions:

Scout Master—“What Scout rank do you seek? ”

Scouts (in unison)—“The rank of Tenderfoot.”

Scout Master—“Have you completed your tests before the Court of Honor?”

Scouts—“Yes, sir.” When the examination reports are announced earlier in the evening, each successful applicant should be furnished with a certificate of passing. And they finish the answer to the preceding question by adding: “Here is my certificate of passing.’’

Scout Master receives the certificates and says:
“You have clearly earned your honor, but before granting it I must ask you a few questions.”

e.The Scout Master will now ask and receive answer to the following questions from each boy separately in turn:

Scout Master—“Did you fairly win this distinction on your honor?”

Scout —“I did, sir.”

Scout Master —“Have you faithfully kept, to the best of your ability, all the obligations of the Scout Oath and of the Scout Law?”

Scout—“I have.”

Scout Master —“Have you kept in mind the “Daily Good Turn” and have you regularly done your duty in this respect?”

Scout —“Yes, sir.”

Scout Master —“Of what does the tying of knots remind you? ”

Scout —“To do a good turn to someone daily.”

Scout Master —“Of what does the Scout Sign remind you?”

Scout —“Of the three promises of the Scout Oath.”

Scout Master —“How can you honor your country?”

Scout —“By preparing myself to become a good citizen.”

Scout Master —“What is the Scout Motto?”

Scout —“Be Prepared.”

f.The Scout Master will now decorate the Scout with the Tenderfoot badge, saying: “Scout (giving name, as John L. Wilson), I take pleasure in decorating you with this badge of the Tenderfoot Scout rank and hope that it may be the beginning for you of greater honors. Be a good Scout always and never fail to do your duty.”

8.After the investiture ceremony is finished, call for drill formation and salute the Flag.

9.Have the boys take their seats, and announce the time and place of the next meeting.

10.Close the meeting with a verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” (Everybody Standing)

Note.— It would probably be best to previously instruct one or two of the boys in the investiture ceremony so that they can lead the others in the answers. It also might be a good thing to practice over the whole ceremony with them.

PROGRAM VIII

Practical Scouting — Instruction

Drill — Observation Reports — Good Turn Reports — Games — Second Class Scout Requirements — Signaling Instruction — Assignments — Adjournment.

This should be a practical scouting meeting indoors, and should be largely instructive.

1.Open the meeting with drill formation and a flag salute.

2.Receive reports of Scout Observation, as arranged for in Section 10, Program VI. Have as many of the groups report as possible, but do not spend too much time with it. Twenty minutes at the most should suffice, even if some of the groups are not heard from. These Scout Observation Reports were arranged for at the close of your last outdoor meeting, so previous to this meeting you should try to see as many of the groups as possible and advise them as to their preparation of such reports, etc.

3.Pick out several boys at random to give a report of their “Daily Good Turn.” Comment and encourage them in this suitably but briefly.

4.Now before the more serious instruction of the evening, it would be best to have a game of some kind. Cock Fighting (page 308, B. H.), and Hand Wrestling (page 303, B. H.), or Badger Pulling (page 303, B. H.), are suggested, and two of these games might well be played at the same time by different boys.

5.Call the boys to order once more, and read over the Second-Class Requirements (page 17, B. H.). Announce the practice of the outdoor meeting, with the date thereof, refer to the 2nd, 3rd and 10th requirements, and point out in the Handbook where they are especially treated. (Respectively: Chapter VII, page 255; Chapter IV, pages 202—208; and Chapter I, page 52.) Also call especial attention and comment briefly upon the 9th requirement, and give arguments in favor thereof.

6.Demonstrate the manner in which communication is carried on in the Semaphore, Morse or Myer Codes by means of the wig-wag or flag. This should be brief and only explanatory of the principles involved. Ten or twelve minutes should be enough time for this demonstration.

7.Advise the boys to look over carefully the sections referred to, and especially those requirements to be put into practice at the next outdoor scouting meeting. Request that the boys learn by that time the principal points of the compass.

8.Make announcements for the next meetings, indoors and outdoors, and adjourn with a few Scout Yells.

PROGRAM IX

Practical Scouting Practice of Second-Class Requirements

Observation Contest — Requirement 4 — Trailing Practice — Games — Compass Instruction — Compass Games — Fire-Building — Lunch Preparation — Cleaning Camp — Story-Telling — Signal Practice — Scout Game — Map-Making — Announcements — Adjournment.

This is your outdoor instruction meeting arranged for at the last indoor meeting — a practical Scouting practice of the Second-Class Scout Requirements. Among the things needed to take with you in preparation for this practice are wig-wag flags, pencils and score-cards for games, a knife or hatchet for each Scout, plenty of matches, and a good compass large enough to show and give the lettering of the different points (and, if possible, degree marks as per diagram, page 52, B.H.), Plans should be made for an all-day hike, and a previously prepared lunch taken with you, as before. The distance traversed for these few hikes. should not be farther from town than an easy walk, but the practical Scouting and the noon camp should by all means be among the wilds of natural woodland or public park lands. In these Scouting expeditions always strive to get near to nature.

1.Make a start at exactly the prearranged time, and as you pass from the city or town into the country try out the second part of Requirement 4. That is the satisfactory description of the contents of one store window out of four observed for one minute each,— strictly as observation test. Before you start with such a trial explain carefully the rules that should be observed, and by use of a pencil and score-card let the observation trials have somewhat the nature of a game. Of course the number of windows can be varied in the tests as to the needs and memory ability, starting with one out of two or three and increasing with experience and practice to one out of six or seven. This observation and memory work is of extreme value to the boy in creating in him through practice a keenness of perception and a quickened mental activity. So from time to time as opportunity occurs in starting out on or coming in from a hike this exercise should be put into practice. Your good judgment is all that is necessary to determine how much time should be given to these tests; usually the distance from your objective point and the needs of the occasion will help you in your decision.

2.When the open country or woodland has been reached, practice the first part of Requirement 4. The ability to trail half a mile in twenty-five minutes should be easily accomplished by any boy not a cripple, as the average rate of walking for a man is fifteen minutes per mile. “Scout’s Pace,” or Requirement 5, already practiced at a previous meeting, might also be used again at this time for a short distance, so that all of the boys may understand thoroughly what it is and learn to do it properly.

3.If a previous location for the noon camp has already been agreed upon, two boys might be selected to serve as “hares ” and sent out ahead with their pockets full of confetti paper or shelled corn, and everybody thus join in a game of “Follow the Trail.” (See page 310, B. H.)

4.Arrived at a suitable location for the camp, it would be best to have one or two instructive games before the preparations for lunch. As the consideration of the compass is most important, and as the 10th Requirement makes necessary a knowledge of its sixteen principal points, you should proceed to give a practical field demonstration of its use. The following games are suggested as a help in the instruction, to create interest in the practical use of the compass and to engender in the boy a desire for a more thorough knowledge of determining proper directions.

a. “Boxing the Compass”

Take a suitable point as a center and from it take bearings for the principal sixteen points of the compass about eleven paces each from the center point. Since the radius of your circle will then be thirty-three feet, your points will be approximately about twelve feet apart. Instruct the boys how to take bearings and establish the points. By demonstration establish the main points North and South yourself. Have the boys, by group, locate the other points around the circle according to instruction and advice, and then check up to see that the distances are nearly approximate. Mark each point thus established with a stake or something similar and attach thereto a properly labeled card. These cards should be prepared in advance — heavily inked letters, readable at some distance, on square pieces of cardboard from five to seven inches on side, and each should by its lettering represent one of the compass points, as N., NNE., NE, ENE., E, etc.

When the points have all been properly marked, have the boys select four of their number to choose up sides, and when this in turn has been done, each side will in its proper turn start at the North point and “Box the Compass” in the proper way with the use of these sixteen points three successive times around the circle. This is done in the following way:

Suppose one side to be lined up at the North point, then the leader will take his position at this point and call out loudly, North, then the second boy will run on to the next point along the outer border of the circle, and call out in the same way North Northeast, and the next boy will do the same with the next point and call out Northeast. There will be a certain time limit established in getting around the circle — a matter for you to determine each time the game is played, because of the changing conditions. If there should be six boys on each side, each boy would therefore occupy eight points during the three times around, and so should obtain a very good idea of the correct sequence of points. Every mistake made in calling out will count as a forfeit and every minute over the required time will count as three forfeits. When each side has had three trials around the compass with marked points, all the card-markers are taken away except the one at the North point, and each side has three more times around in the same manner as before. That side having the least number of forfeits at the close of the game will be declared winners. The rules to observe follow:

(1)Each side will start at the North point.

(2)The run from point will be on the outer edge of the circle and never across the circle.

(3)Each point shall be called out loudly and distinctly.

(4)The Scout Master or referee shall stand at the center point, and be careful to score each slight mistake with full count.

When the boys have become fairly proficient in the knowledge and relative position of these points, the game can be made more complex by the use of all the points of the compass — thirty-two in number. They will then be approximately six feet apart. And the game will, of course, be played in the same manner as in the simpler form.

b. Compass Points

This game should be played only after the boys have become more or less familiar with the relative positions of all of the principal points of the compass.

The time limit for reaching points should be determined in each case according to the conditions and distance, etc. The sides will alternate in trials with different location points assigned to each boy each time (cards dealt out, if cards are used); there should be two trials, each with unmarked points. The side making the least number of forfeitures during the set number of trials will be declared winners. This game can also be varied by making use of all thirty-two points of the compass, when the boys are ready for it. The game will be played the same in each case. The rules to observe follow in outline:

(1)During assignments the boys will stand with their backs to the points; any boy caught looking to see where he is to go, before the signal is given, will forfeit three points.

(2)Each mistake made will count for two forfeits.

(3)Each contestant will forfeit one point if he does not get to his place within the limit time.

(4)Each boy caught directing another of his own side to the proper position will forfeit three points.

5.Demonstrate the correct use of knife or hatchet, and the correct way to build and light a fire, giving definite explanations as to the best manner of preparing material, laying wood in place, holding match, etc. Failure to meet the Second-Class test is often due to the fact that not enough wood is prepared at the start. Success in the fire-lighting contest is often due to proper regard of this important point. It will be best to read over the article on page 158, B. H., on the building of a campfire, as that article contains several helpful suggestions.

6.Have the boys practice building and lighting a fire, using only two matches. Let the boys do it without advice — singly or in groups of two.

7.Prepare for lunch and camp-fire as in the previous outdoor meeting, and be sure to give each boy some definite thing to do in the preparation.

8.At the end of the lunch, clean up the camp, put out the fires in the proper way, etc. And then, if the boys would like it and the time will warrant, tell or read a good camp story.

9.Divide the boys into groups of four each, send them out at proper distances from one another and from your station at the center, and begin the practice of the practical application of the Morse or some other signal code. Each group station should be within sight of your station, where there will also be located one of the groups, and communications by questions and answers carried on from this central location. Each group should have a copy of the Boys’ Handbook and a wig-wag flag, and each boy in each group should alternate in the sending and receiving of messages. The Morse Code and instruction in its use should previously be looked over and explained before the groups are sent out, but the best method of getting instruction will, of course, be in actual practice. For the Code and instructions, see page 202 and top of page 204, B. H. It might also be well practice at this time the whistle signs and commands as given on page 208, B. H.

10.If the boys tire of this practice, and there is still time before leaving for home, a game of “Hat-Ball” would be popular and be appreciated. (See page 303, B. H.)

11.Ask each boy to prepare a plat of his locality, with his home as a center, to be turned in at the next indoor meeting. If in the city, to locate on such plat all fire-alarm boxes, hydrants, fire-stations, police-stations, telegraph offices, etc., with the correct direction from the central point or home to be indicated in each case. If in a town or village, to locate fire-hydrants, telegraph and telephone offices, town hall, churches, and other places of public importance, in the same way.

12.Announce time and plans for next indoor and outdoor meetings, and set out for home. It might be well to have a game of “Far and Near” or some similar game of observation on the way home. (See page 315, B. H.)

PROGRAM X

Health and Care of the Body

Collection of Maps — Address — First Aid Instruction — First Aid Demonstration — Memory Test—Physical Examination — Adjournment.

You should prepare for this meeting by having present a physician, surgeon, or competent nurse who will consent to deliver a short address on the Care of the Body, and give instruction in Elementary First Aid. Several rolls of bandages, splints, adhesive tapes, court-plaster, arm slings, etc., will likewise be necessary, and should be in readiness. If a physician has consented to be with you on this occasion, he perhaps would also be quite willing to conduct a physical examination of all the boys in the Troop; if he is interested in boys, he might consent to act as the regular examiner for the patrols or Troop. A boy should know the condition of his heart and lungs before entering any athletic contest. If he has any defects in his breathing apparatus — nose, throat, or lungs — these should be attended to or they will seriously interfere with his endurance tests and his entire physical development.

It would be a very good idea to have a physical examination of each Scout as soon after he has become a Tenderfoot Scout as possible, and to conduct a similar examination of the same Scout once every six months thereafter and as long as he remains a Boy Scout.

This meeting might be held on any week night, in order to best conform to the physician’s time or convenience, but, if on a night other than Friday or Saturday, care should be taken that the boys do not neglect their preparation for the next day at school. The School Boy Scout should remember the Scout Motto — to “Be Prepared” — and should also remember the first point of the Scout Law — to be honest and trustworthy. Therefore a real Scout cannot be negligent in the preparation of his school lessons, and should be on his honor in such a case to “Be Prepared.”

1.Collect the direction plats which were to be handed in at this meeting. Announce that you will look them over and advise as to corrections at the next meeting.

2.Have the address on “Health and Care of the Body.”

3.Have a talk of several minutes’ duration on First Aid, and demonstrate by use of bandage, splint, slings, adhesive tape, etc. Call the attention of the scouts to the section in the Boys’ Handbook on “First Aid for Injuries,” pages 273-279. Have the boys practice the methods of applying aid for breaks or fractures of the leg, thigh, and arm under your surveillance and guidance.

4.Demonstrate the proper methods of carrying the injured, and have the boys practice those methods.

5.Call for volunteers to repeat the Scout Oath, the twelve points of the Scout Law, what the Scout Sign means and how it is made, to give the sixteen principal points of the compass, etc.

6.Conduct the physical examination, if it is possible to have it at this time. In this examination the physician should test the heart and lung action. He will most likely advise you as how best to get rid of the deficiencies that may come to your notice in this way.

7.Make announcements of the plans in view for the next two meetings, and adjourn with the Scout Yells.

Note.— One announcement that should be made at this time is that the Scouts should prepare for the nomination and election of their Patrol Leaders at a near date, and should have someone in mind who would make good leaders, by that time. And you should announce, further, that those who will be elected at that time will then be eligible to take the special tests given to Patrol Leaders of Tenderfoot Scout Rank, said tests to be secret, to be taken for the purpose of proving special ability and efficiency as a Tenderfoot Scout, and to be given by the Scout Master. And you should announce that the final organization of the Troop will be completed at that coming meeting. By this time you, yourself, will have noted who in your Troop are the natural leaders among the boys: these fellows will make the best Patrol Leaders, if they can pass the efficiency tests, and are worthy and can be encouraged to strive toward better standards of excellence. Always let the boys choose their own Patrol Leaders by popular vote, subject only to certain attainments of proficiency as Scouts and to your best judgment; never allow likes or dislikes or favoritism to influence you in the approval of their choice. Have it understood, however, that no Tenderfoot Scout can become a Patrol Leader unless he can attain a grade of 90 per cent. in the Tenderfoot Examination Test, and that no Scout can pass the test with a grade of 85 per cent. If the elected leader is not proficient in the special test, the Assistant Patrol Leader elect will become Patrol Leader in his place if able to pass the test successfully. And, further, that if neither elected leader can pass the requirements, another election must take place for two more Scouts to make a trial, etc. It is the natural leaders that will be the best leaders, and that you will want most, if they can be encouraged to make themselves the most proficient, and become best “prepared.” In each group of a dozen or more boys there are always a few who come to the front as leaders, and the others will sooner or later fall into the habit of following the dictates or advice or example of these few. These are the chaps you will need to look out for, because, if they can be influenced and guided by your good advice and personal contact with them to develop their natural ability to lead others along the right lines, you will need to look no farther for Patrol Leaders, for you have in them for such leadership in the making the best material in the country.

PROGRAM XI

A Day in the Field — Practical Scouting

“Scouting ”—“Hat-Ball ”— Tree-Study Contest — Signaling — Compass Games —“Stalking and Reporting “— Lunch and Camp-Fire — Fire-Building Contest — Camp Yarn — Map Reports and Assignments — Homeward Bound — Star Study.

This meeting should be on a Saturday or half-holiday, and starting shortly after the noon hour should continue along into the evening and end with the homeward walk. If the trees are in leaf, have each boy take with him on the hike any sort of a magazine or booklet so that it may be used for the collection and storing of leaves for your tree-study contest. A prepared lunch should be taken along — such as meat and egg sandwiches, cheese, cookies, etc., and each Scout should likewise have with him his staff, a plate and a cup, matches, a candle, and a knife or hatchet, and suitable straps to attach the little pack thus collected to the back; before starting out you should see that the packs are properly adjusted, and demonstrate the correct manner of carrying any sort of a pack on the back. It would be best for each boy to have a haversack by this time (see page 363, B. H.), for there will soon be need of one for the over-night hikes, and it proves very handy as an easy and adjustable pack. Another handy thing, of course, to have along on the hike is the individual mess-kit (see page 364, B. H.) For information in regard, to the necessary staff, see page 365, B. H. Several small coffee-pots should be taken with you, as well as enough ground coffee or cocoa to supply the Troop (also a can of condensed cream and a small quantity of sugar in cans). Among other things, you should also be supplied with wig-wag flags and several small compasses, if the latter can be obtained for the occasion; likewise, you should have previously looked over and made what corrections you thought best on the maps or direction-plats which were handed in at the last meeting, and these should be taken along for discussion during the afternoon. For this afternoon hike some place should be chosen that is already fairly well known to all members of the Troop, and before starting out you should make a rough sketch or map of the chosen locality, showing directions from known landmarks, trend of streams, roads, fence-lines, etc. This little map will prove of great value for use in scouting games, and serve as an excellent demonstration of the working value of such a sketch in practical scouting.

1.By the aid of your previously prepared map, study the locality into which you are going, so that before the actual start is made each Scout in the Troop will have some knowledge of the lay of the land, possible directions to be taken, etc. When this has been done pick out some well-known place on the map that will serve as a rendezvous, and play the the game of “Scouting” (page 298, B. H.) by sending the Scouts out in groups of two or three and at different intervals in different directions, each group to arrive at the rendezvous within a certain limit of time, to report all animals or birds noticed on line of route taken, to report fully in the best manner what they saw and did, etc. You will need to judge in each case, according to existent conditions, the method of point-scoring to be used, for what things to allow points, etc, and it will of course be imperative for you to get to the rendezvous as soon as possible after the groups are all sent out, so it will be best to give roundabout routes to the boys and keep the shortest and most direct route for yourself.

2.As it will probably take some little time for all of the groups to arrive and report, as soon as two or three groups arrive and finish reporting it will be best to start a game of “Hat-Ball” to keep those occupied who have finished. However, before the boys start playing the game they should be instructed to dispose of their packs and staff, and lay the same aside in a neat and orderly manner. The game should be continued, taking in the later comers as they arrive, until all the groups have reached the rendezvous and properly reported.

3.Propose a tree-study contest and outline its principles and procedure. Such a game or contest ought to prove interesting to the boys and certainly would be highly instructive in observation and nature-study. Announce that the contest will be continued for the next four or five ensuing meetings, and set a definite date at which the results of the contest will be decided. The suggestions as to plan and principles of the contest follow: Have the boys collect leaves from as many different trees and bushes as they can find. The leaves, while in the field, can be kept between pages of a magazine taken along for that purpose, but are to be posted each on a separate page of a note-book when the Scout again reaches home. Beneath each leaf in your note-book are to be recorded the date of collection, the name of the tree — genus and species — the period of leafing (when leaves of that kind of tree first appear and when they disappear) and all other information, about the leaf and the tree from which it comes, that the boy can obtain. The best note-book for general use would probably be one about eight inches by twelve; in this the leaf should be laid flat and firmly pasted in about the center of a page. On the opposite page to each leaf should appear its record, all the information in regard to the genus or species that the boy can obtain. The Scout who collects and records the largest number of different kinds of leaves, who gathers the best information for the record, and who makes up the neatest looking book will be declared the winner of the contest. Encourage the boys to come to you between meetings, if they need further information in regard to planning the book and affixing the leaves. In such cases merely paste in one or two leaves and point out the place for the record; let them do the rest, as it is their own work and experience in this that will help them most.

4.Have a practice of the signal code by means of the wig-wag, as suggested in Program IX.

5. Play one of the Compass Games with all thirty-two points of the compass in use. Let the boys lay out the ground circle and locate the points themselves, with the aid of the small compasses. Do not give them advice unless it is absolutely necessary. In order to ascertain what information the boys have gained as to direction, it would be a good thing to pick several out at random, and placing a small compass in their hands, ask them to explain its use.

6.If there is still time before dark, it would be excellent scouting practice to have such a game as “Stalking and Reporting.” (Page 307, B. H.)

7.As evening shadows begin to fall begin preparation for the lunch and camp-fire. As there will be need of several smaller fires for boiling coffee, as well as the larger camp-fire, there will be plenty to do in looking for wood and preparing it for use. Give each Scout some, definite thing to do that will keep him busy. Have a fire-building contest by groups of three boys each, best fire and speed to be counted. The winning group should be given the privilege of building the larger camp-fire; while the best of the others can be used for boiling the coffee, etc. As there will probably be need of six such small fires for this purpose, it would be best to assign four Scouts each to a fire. Give each group a coffee-pot and the proper amount of coffee, and explain to them how to “make” it; let them do the actual preparation in each case.

8.After the lunch has been eaten, tell one or two good camp stories. Call for volunteers to relate camp experiences or stories. Call for a number of “Daily Good Turn ” reports.

9.By the light of the fire, spend a few minutes in a consideration of the direction-maps previously referred to, point out corrections made, and criticize and praise where such criticism or praise is due. Assign different centers in the locality to each Scout, and ask for a similar plat to be drawn and filled in as before.

10.Set out on the homeward walk, and as you go it might be well to relate a scout yarn or have such a game as “Follow the Leader,” etc. If the stars are coming out and can be seen, tell the boys about the planets and real stars and their differences, and point out a, many constellations as you can find. Briefly outline the Nebular Hypothesis, and see how many of the planets you can locate.

PROGRAM XII

Signal Practice

Signal Practice Stations — Station Duties — Semaphore — Signals — Signal Code Practice — Assembly — Adjournment.

This should be another half-day in the field, if at all possible. If, however, “weather conditions will not permit, -upper windows of several houses about town will do almost as well, provided the houses are so located that signaling can be easily carried on between them. As this is to be mainly a signal practice, a sufficiency of wig-wag flags and other signal apparatus should be on hand. If the practice is to be in the open, there will be no need of taking lunch or spending more than a couple or three hours in practice.

1.If in the woods, get out into the country as quickly as possible, and divide the Troop into several groups as on previous signal practice, and station these groups some distance apart, so that at the most one group can be within sight and communication of only one other group; if in town divide the Troop into groups of four or five, and station them at upper windows of houses, previously arranged for, so that communication can easily be carried on between the houses by signaling.

SIGNAL CODE PRACTICE

2.Each boy in each group should have some definite thing to do, and should rotate in their duties in a certain fixed and prearranged order. One should handle the wig-wag flags, another should act as the bearer of messages or assignments from group to group, another should serve as the receiver of messages, with Boys’ Handbook, note-book and pencil, and another should serve as a reserve, helping to receive messages or to carry out instructions. The Scout Master should have his headquarters at the central station, but should, at least, visit each station in turn, to inspect and to give instructions.

3.If in the open there should be from 30 to 50 minutes given to signal practice of the Semaphore code, with the use of short commands given out by the Scout Master, and sent on from station to station.

4.As many of the signals as can be conveniently used should be put into practice in arranging stations, giving commands, etc., as given on pp. 208–209 under Whistle and Hand signals.

5.The remainder of the time should be taken up with Signal Code practice with the wig-wag flags. To aid in this practice, and to keep each boy busily employed, orders should be turned in at one station by the Scout Master to send a certain message by roundabout route to another station, out of sight of the sending station, and have the messenger of the receiving station bring in the message in written form to the sending station or headquarters. Also certain duties should be assigned as to reporting descriptions of the surroundings of each station, locating by compass the different points of interest with each station as a center, making a rough sketch of immediate surroundings and location of stations, etc. There should be innumerable methods and means of keeping the interest of the boys aroused, by suggestions that are bound to arise, according to the locality, the time, and the place.

6.The boys should all be called together in one place before leaving for home, and instructed as to the plans for the next outdoor and indoor meetings, and for the collection of station sketches, and for the giving out of new assignments, etc.

7.Adjourn the meeting with the Scout Yells. Send the Scouts out two by two, at different intervals, to their homes, each group to report at the next meeting what was noticed en route, all animals, birds, men and women, principal public buildings, and things of especial note.

PROGRAM XIII

Troop and Patrol Organization

Talk on Organization —Organization — Troop and Patrol — Patrol Names and Calls — Appointment of Constitutional Committee — Election of Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders — Address on Efficiency —Tug-of-War Contest — Refreshments — Troop Formation and Salutes —Adjournment.

This is another important meeting and should be well arranged for and carefully planned in advance. The following general suggestions may help out considerably, but you as Scout Master should be on the lookout for something interesting to add to the list of events of the evening, something of appealing interest to the boys, and something that will, of its own nature, lead to a greater efficiency of organization. It is suggested that the evening program be divided into parts, the first part to consist of entertainment and exercises. A speaker should be secured beforehand who will consent to give a short address on “Efficiency in Organization.” It will make a very pleasant evening, and be doubly enjoyable to the boys, as an aftermath of the business program, to arrange for the serving of light refreshments during the latter part of the evening.

By this, time you will have observed which ones of your boys are the leaders among the others, and are best fitted by ability and efficiency to become Patrol Leaders. You have made previous announcements to the boys to think over the situation and have in mind the best suitable candidate among them on patrol names, and they should be ready to give their final report at this meeting. Where it is thought best to have a constitution and by-laws for the troop organization you, as Scout Master, should be ready with the draft of a suggested simple form. The use of such constitution and by-laws will serve to promote the ideas and duties of citizenship and should prove of valuable service. Arrange for the speaker to come later in the evening, arranging therefor a definite time. And have the business meeting called (at the prearranged time) as early as possible.

Read italicized note of section 7.

1.Call the meeting to order, and in a few brief words state the need for a very definite organization, the election of Patrol Leaders and Assistants, patrol names and calls, constitution and by-laws, a regular order of business, etc.

2.It is presupposed in this program that there is now the full number of Scouts in your troop, and therefore there will be three patrols, composed of eight Scouts each. As each patrol in the troop has its own name and call, together with its own officers, you will now call attention to the difference between troop organization and patrol organization, showing how the same rules and regulations that govern the larger body necessarily apply to the different patrols, wherein the duties of the Patrol Leaders coincide and how the strength of the entire troop organization is built up and made compact by the well-organized and efficiently conducted patrols.

3.Call for a report of the Committee on Names, and when this has been given allow five or six minutes for the free discussion of the names by the different patrols, and then call for the adoption of a name for each patrol in order by majority vote.

4.If it is decided to consider the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, let it be understood that such conditions shall apply to the entire troop organization, and that the rules and regulations so adopted shall apply equally to members of both troop and the different patrols. It is suggestively urged that some simple form of constitution be considered, and if this is done, the Scout Master will appoint two or three members of each patrol to confer with him as to the suggested draft already prepared, and to any new measures that may be considered. Arrange for the report of this meeting at the next indoor meeting, and the adoption of the constitution and by-laws at that time.

5.Conduct the nomination and election of Patrol Leaders and Assistants.

a.Explain just what is meant by using parliamentary language, and call for nominations. Each patrol to turn in its own nominations.

b.Give plenty of chance for free discussion. Explain how a Patrol Leader or Assistant must be an example to his own patrol and to the other patrols in the troop as well.

c.Conduct the election by ballot, with one teller for each patrol. As Scout Master, you will be judge of elections and will instruct the Scouts as to proper method of voting by ballot system. You will also appoint one of the Scouts of the troop as clerk of the elections and instruct him in his duties. In cases where there is only one patrol, two tellers will still be necessary.

d.When the votes have been counted the Scout Master will say: “As Judge of Elections I call upon Scout —, who is Clerk of Elections, to give the report of the Tellers.”

And the Clerk of Elections replies: “For Patrol Leader of (Buffalo) Patrol the tally stands:

Scout ———— ————votes

Scout ———— ————votes Scout —— is therefore declared by will of the members of —————— Patrol their Patrol Leader.

For Assistant Patrol Leader of — Patrol the tally is:

Scout———— ————votes

Scout———— ————votes Scout —— is therefore declared by will of the members of the — Patrol their Assistant Patrol Leader.

For Patrol Leader of —— Patrol the tally is:

Scout———— ————votes

Scout———— ————votes Scout — is therefore duly elected Patrol Leader of — Patrol.” And the same procedure applies for the other officers of the other patrols.

e. When the report of the tellers has been completed, the Scout Master will then say: “Scouts of Troop ——, of the —— and —— and —— Patrols, these are your elected leaders, who are now ready to undergo the efficiency tests. If they successfully pass these tests and so show their ability to become leaders of patrols, they will be installed at the next regular indoor meeting, and become your first leaders and representative Scouts. Scouts, as men congratulate their officers upon their election, you now have the opportunity to congratulate the officers of your choice.”

6.Recall the meeting to order and proceed with the second part of your program. With a few appropriate remarks introduce the speaker on “Efficiency in Organization.”

7.It would be best now to enliven things with some sort of physical exercise such as a Tug-of-War contest. Select two of these recently elected Patrol Leaders to choose sides, and see that the size and strength of the troop are as evenly divided as possible. There should be a good, strong, heavy rope provided in advance for this contest — preferably a soft cotton rope of some thickness.

8.If refreshments have been previously prepared, have them served at this time. Ice cream and cake should be very suitable for this occasion.

9.Call for Troop Formation, with the newly elected Patrol Leaders in position, and have the Scout and Flag salutes given. Make announcements for the next indoor and outdoor meetings. State at this time that the next indoor meeting will be very important because of the Patrol Leader Efficiency Tests, the Patrol Leader Installation, and the adoption of the constitution..

10.Adjourn with a practice of the Patrol Calls and the Scout Yells.

PROGRAM. XIV

Patrol Scouting

Observation Reports —“Stalking and Reporting ”— Fire Building — Compass Games — Scout Games — Scouting — Patrol Practice — Announcements — Adjournment.

This should be another afternoon for practical scouting out in the open country. Inasmuch as the Patrol Formation has been more perfected by the recent election, this will be a good chance for the new officers to become used to their positions and duties. At the last indoor meeting the boys were sent home in groups of two, and were told to report at the next practical Scout meeting: one of each group should now be prepared to give that report. Before starting see that each Scout is properly provided with a knife or hatchet.

1.Get out into the open country as quickly as possible, and as you go receive reports of observation, as assigned at the last outdoor meeting.

2.When a suitable spot has been reached, play some game of practical scouting, such as “Stalking and Reporting.” (Page 307, B. H.)

3.Have a fire-building contest. (Page 315, B. H.)

4.Play “Box the Compass” with thirty-two points.

5.Play “Stalking” and “Scout Hunting.” (Pages 307 and 308, B. H.)

6.Pick out certain landmarks about a half mile or a mile apart, and send a patrol to each, with instructions to make a sketch of their position and correct directions of all principal objects from their station. Each patrol should have, of course, one or two small field-compasses to work with. Having completed their sketches, each patrol is to work toward a certain definite point about equally distant from all. Here you will station yourself, and the patrols will try to reach you unseen. The first Scout of any patrol with a copy of the sketch of his assigned position, who reaches a spot within ten feet of you unseen, will be declared winner of the stalking contest, and his patrol be declared the winning patrol.

7.Make announcements for the next indoor meetings.

8.With Patrol Leaders as leaders play “Follow the Leader” (page 315, B. H.) on the way home.

PROGRAM XV

The Constitutional Convention

Order of Business —Report of Constitutional Committee — General Discussion — Adoption of Constitution and By-Laws — Scout Games —First Aid Instruction — Installation of Patrol Leaders — Announcements — Adjournment.

This meeting, has been largely arranged for by the suggestions of previous programs but there are a few things that will need special attention and preparation before the meeting. As suggested in Program XIII, you have appointed a Constitutional Committee to prepare a draft of a constitution and by-laws to be submitted at this meeting; by this time you will have conferred with and carefully advised the committee at some special meeting with them, and you will also have ascertained what further business, might be necessary or wanted other than that already suggested in your own submitted constitutional form. For those to whom it might be helpful, a model constitutional form for Boy Scouts is given in Chapter VI.

Besides the discussion of the constitutional measures and their subsequent adoption, there is also to be the installation ceremonies of those Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders who have been successful in passing the efficiency tests. The boys should understand that the positions are both elective and competitive; this knowledge of the aspirants for the different offices that there are to be competitive tests ahead of them will serve to eliminate the fellows who are natural shirkers, to deter those from seeking or accepting the positions who are not efficient to serve as Patrol Leaders, and who, having attained their positions by popularity, might later not live up to the responsibilities of their positions. You should have no trouble of this sort, however, if your judgment in the picking out of the right boys has been correct:

These efficiency tests should be held in secret, with only those present who are actually concerned in the outcome — the six elected leaders (or less) and the Scout Master or Assistant Scout Master. For this purpose a special meeting should be called either at the Scout Headquarters or at your home or office a day or so previous to the night of this general meeting (Program XV). It should be previously understood that the special tests are to consist of a special Tenderfoot Scout Requirement examination together with a general test in the efficiency of the most practiced Second-Class. Scout Requirements, to show that the candidate for office is up to date in all his knowledge.. Further, that Patrol Leaders must pass the Tenderfoot Scout Requirement test with a grade of go per cent. to be eligible for office, and the Assistant Patrol Leaders must have a grade of 85 per cent.; in the general test for Second-Class Scout Requirements the former should pass with a grade of 60 per cent. and the latter with a grade of 50 per cent. If the elected Patrol Leaders, fail to pass, the elected Assistant Patrol Leaders, if making the correct grade, will then become the. Patrol Leaders. And new elections must be held at a near date to fill all offices not filled by the outcome of the first trial.

1.Call the meeting to order with a few brief remarks as to the order of business, the importance of the adoption of such a constitution, and the methods to be employed in its adoption.

2.Call for the report of the Constitutional Committee, and the reading of the proposed constitution and by-laws.

3.Call for a free discussion of what has been suggested by the committee, urging everyone in the troop to express his views of the measures.

4.Proceed with the adoption of the constitution and bylaws by majority vote. Be careful in this; and be sure that the will of the majority will not hurt a single Scout, at least in money matters.

5.Devote fifteen or twenty minutes to playing any game the Scouts may choose, such game to be suitable for indoors, and suggestive of Scout Practice.

6.Explain briefly what is meant by fainting and by shock, and demonstrate the treatment therefor. (See pages 261 and 270, Boys Handbook.) Explain what is meant by sunstroke and exhaustion, freezing and frost-bite, poisoning, and fits, and outline general treatment of each. Call attention to the discussion of the same in the Boys’ Handbook, pages 271 and 272.

7.Conduct the installation ceremonies of the Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders who have successfully passed the efficiency tests.

The Scout Master will say:

“The Scouts who have been duly elected leaders of their patrols by popular vote, and who have proved their efficiency as Tenderfoot Scouts and their ability to serve as leaders by special test, will please present themselves before me.

“Scouts of Troop (9) of the State of (Virginia), you have balloted for and elected these Scouts to be your officers for a period of —— months. You have used the method that men use to elect their officers and are thus in keeping with the laws of your country. They have been duly elected, and have successfully passed the special tests proving their ability and proficiency. Does anyone know any reason why these Scouts should not be acknowledged as your officers?”

If there is any objection, it should be settled rightly and at once.

“Then in accordance with the power the Boy Scouts of America have conferred upon me, I will now proceed to formally present these Scouts with their respective offices.

“Scout Leaders, you have been faithfully elected by your fellows, and qualified by your own efforts and ability — you, Scout (Brown), as Patrol Leader of the (Buffalo) Patrol; you, Scout (White), as Assistant Patrol Leader of the (Buffalo) Patrol; you, Scout (Menser) as Patrol Leader of the (Bear) Patrol; you, Scout (Lee) as Assistant Patrol Leader of the (Bear) Patrol; you, Scout (Eubanks), as Patrol Leader of the (Owl) Patrol; and you, Scout (Wilson), as Assistant Patrol Leader of the (Owl) Patrol. This means that your fellow Scouts give you the responsibility of looking after the interests of your patrols. As leaders, you will be looked upon as our representative Scouts, and you must therefore guard the honor of your patrols with great care. In the field and on the march, while out scouting, your business is to see that the members of your patrol do their duty by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, by themselves, and by each other. You are also to be watchful of yourself not to be bullying, or to think yourself a better Scout because of your office. You are leaders in order to serve your patrol and fellow Scouts. Do you understand these instructions?”

Answer: “We do.”

Scout Master: “Do you promise also to keep the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, which you have already sworn to, and to do all you can do to uphold the principles of the Boy Scout organization and continue a representative Scout, good and true?”

Answer: “We do.”

Scout Master: “Repeat after me the following, one at a time: I— —Scout (Menser) — —accept the responsibility — — that my fellow Scouts — — have put upon me — — and will to the best — — of my ability — — perform the duties — — of Patrol Leader (or Assistant Patrol Leader) of the (Bear) Patrol.” The Scout Master will repeat slowly with pauses at the dashes, and repeats the same ceremony with each candidate.

Scout Master: “I, therefore, in acknowledgment of your promise and election, give you the Scout Grip and declare you Patrol Leader (or Assistant Patrol Leader) of the (Bear) Patrol. I take great pleasure in decorating you with your badge of leadership.”

This foregoing ceremony is to be repeated for each Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader, making the appropriate changes for each Scout and Scout-office. The Scout Grip consists of a handshake with the right hand, with the fingers in the same position as in making the Scout Sign. One Scout shakes hands with another by a good warm handclasp, with the three middle fingers extended in a straight line along the other’s wrist, and with the thumb and little finger clasped around the other’s fingers.

Suitable bars of white braid should have been previously prepared by the Scout Master, with temporary fastenings. (See pages 44-45. Boys’ Handbook.) The Patrol Leader’s arm badge consists of two bars, 1½ inches long and ⅜ of an inch in width, of white braid worn on the sleeve below the left shoulder. In addition he may wear an oxidized silver Tenderfoot badge. The Assistant Patrol Leader wears one bar of white braid in the same fashion.

Scout Master: “Scouts of Troop (9), of the (Bear), and (Buffalo), and (Owl) Patrols, these are your leaders. You have asked them to be so. You now have the opportunity of congratulating them as men do their elected officers.”

8.Make announcements for the next indoor and outdoor meetings.

9.Adjourn with the Scout Yells, and a Patrol Call Practice.

PROGRAM XVI

Trailing

Tracks and Trailing — Special Talk on Tracking — Track Observation — Special Talk on Colors — Color Test — Scout Games — Announcements — Adjournment.

This should be preferably an indoor evening’s instruction and entertainment. Have present some trapper or naturalist who will talk to the boys on “Tracking and Trails.” Have present as much material or books on tracks and tracking as you can secure for the occasion. Be ready to refer to a number of good authorities on the subject. In connection with the color test have banners or cards of red, green, and black on white, the latter arranged in the form of a large black circle on white background. If possible have present some good optician who will talk on the eye and the carrying power of various colors.

1.Refer to Chapter IV of the Boys’ Handbook, and ask the boys to read the information given therein in regard to tracks and trails. Point out the salient points in the discussion of the subject by Mr. Ernest Thompson Seton in Chapter IV, just referred to. Show other books or information on the subject, also pictures of animal and bird trails, besides those given on pages 198, 200, and 201 of the Boys’ Handbook. Give a list of books on the subject, suitable for reading or study, and indicate where they can be obtained.

2.Have the talk on “Tracking and Trails,” by the trapper or the naturalist, and, providing the boys seem interested in the talk, urge the speaker to tell some tale of the forest or wild-animal life that has to do with the subject under discussion. If the speaker does not object, let the boys ask questions on the subject.

FIELD STUDY OF TRACKS

3.Assign track-observation work to each boy, said work to consist of picturing as neatly and as accurately as possible the tracks of three known animals or birds; said sketches to be handed in at the next meeting.

4.Introduce the speaker who is to give a short talk on the carrying power of colors, and their effect upon the eye, the physical composition and peculiarities of the eye, etc. Urge the boys to ask questions on the subject, and try to have in the room, either from an optician or a physics laboratory, a good color chart, so that the eyes of each boy can be tested for colors, etc.

5.Place the three colors — red, green, and black on white — certain distances from the boys and have them test the vividness of these colors as they appeal to each boy individually. If possible step out of doors and have these colors carried farther and farther away and see which will longest hold the eye. Then explain why red is used as the danger signal; why green is next in importance in its appeal and why black on white is usually rated third. For a further test secure if possible advertising cards such as are used in street cars. Have a variety representing each color. Study them in their relative appeal. Carry out this study of colors into an imaginary forest or jungle. Have birds and insects named whose plumage or tissues bear one color or another.

6.If there is still time enough left, have a few such games as “Cock-Fighting,” “Hand-Wrestling” and “Badger-Pulling” to relieve the tension of the previous hour or so of lecturing. (See B. H., pages 302 and 303.) Or else have some quick action game of Scouts’ choice, such as will be applicable for indoors and yet strenuous enough to give the needed exercise, and so lessen the tension of inactivity.

7.Make announcements for the next two meetings and request each to obtain the written consent of his parents or guardian to be allowed to accompany the troop on the overnight hike (see Program XVIII), said written consent to be turned in to the Scout Master at the next regular meeting (see Program XVII).

8.Adjourn the meeting with a yell-practice of the Scout Yells and Patrol Calls.

PROGRAM XVII

Tenting Instruction

Meeting Place — Tent Instruction — Tent-Raising Contest — Tent Cloth Demonstration — Reports — Scout Game — Announcements — Adjournment.

For this meeting obtain the use of some unused yard or lot about town, preferably where there is a tree or two standing in the lot, but even a vacant city lot will serve the purpose fairly well. Also obtain just for this occasion the use of several tents of different kinds; there will probably be several owners of merchandise in your locality who will be glad to loan their property for such a purpose, providing due care of it is taken. If you are not yourself familiar with tent raising get someone who does know about tenting and camp life, who will be willing to give a demonstration on the methods of putting up tents and their practical uses. Read carefully the article in the Boys’ Handbook on “Tents,” pages 164-173, and study well the diagram on page 169. Obtain three pieces of unbleached cotton cloth, 90 inches wide and 5 yards long (one for the use of each patrol), and see that proper rings are attached for demonstration purposes. Be sure to obtain also a sufficient supply of ropes and pegs, etc. See that the Scouts take with them their knives or hatchets for use in making tent pegs, where needed, etc. Before the day for the meeting it would be best to practice using the tent-cloths as per direction in the article just referred to, so that you may become proficient in the art of setting up the different tent styles, and can give proper demonstrations without any bother or hindrance of inexperience. This meeting will require the greater part of an afternoon.

1.Having all met at a certain place, or at the vacant lot to be used for the meeting, get to work as soon as possible. There is plenty to be done.

2.Give a demonstration of raising and taking down different kinds of tents. Let the boys ask questions. When the boys have watched proceedings a couple of times, set them to work by patrols in setting up and taking down the same tents. Do not give any more advice than is absolutely necessary. If there are three tents (if there is only one patrol, the patrol might be divided into two parts), there might easily be a tent-raising contest for speed and ability, after the boys have experimented by raising and taking down the tents a couple of times.

3.Proceed to give a demonstration with the tent-cloths as per directions in Boys’ Handbook, pages 165—169, explaining the construction and uses for each tent so made. After each demonstration, especially in the more simple forms, have the patrols (or half patrols) construct the same sort of tent. Encourage and direct these attempts and urge the boys to construct similar figures from paper when they get home. Ask them to read carefully the article in question.

4.Have any outstanding reports or assignments handed in at this time, and make due comment upon them. Collect all written consents of parents, as requested at last meeting.

5.If there is still time enough left, have some such a game as “Hat-Ball” for exercise.

6.Make full announcements as to plans for the next meeting, the first overnight hike. Instruct the boys in what is expected of them, what to take with them, etc. Ask them to read carefully Chapter III on Campcraft in the Boys’ Handbook, especially pages 145-149. Announce too, at this time, the date of the Second-Class Scout Examinations (see Program XXII) and admonish the boys to make themselves as proficient in all the requirements by that time as it is possible to do.

7.Adjourn the meeting with Scout Yells and Patrol Call practice.

PROGRAM XVIII

First Overnight Hike

Start for Camp — Tent Raising — Bed Preparation — Signal Practice — Game of “Hat-Ball”— Camp-Duty Assignments — Supper — Good Turn Report — Scout Games — Camp Duties — Around the Camp Fire — Lights Out — Morning Assembly — Breakfast — Cooking Instruction — Camp Duties — Scout Games — Instructions for the Day — Cleaning Tents — Observation Hike — Dinner — Cooking Instruction — Rest Period — Clean Camp — Scout Contests — Afternoon Swim — Scout Games — Supper —Camp Duties — Around the Camp Fire —Announcements — Home.

This is one of the most important of meetings, and will demand careful attention as to details and a well-developed plan of action. The Scouts should be carefully instructed in what you expect them to know and to do, and the Patrol Leaders should have a perfect knowledge of their powers and duties. You will need to be strict in discipline, and firm in your decisions, but kind and considerate withal. Upon the success of this meeting and its proper management depends in a way your whole future success as a Scout Master and leader of boys. So, therefore, you will have need to “Be Prepared.”

Discipline is especially necessary in camp, for the hoys are so much inclined to consider the whole meeting in the nature of a great lark. It will be necessary to largely eradicate this idea, and at all times insist positively on order, hut let the boys get as much pleasure in being out in the open as they can, as long as their pursuit of that pleasure does not interfere with the life and discipline of the camp.

Before starting on the “hike” you should have received personal communication by card or by note from the parents of each Scout giving him permission to go, and in case of their refusal you should take means to ascertain the reasons therefor.

Among the things that need definite attention and prearrangement for you should carefully note the following, as in reality a carefully planned and carefully prepared camp is its key to practical success:

(1) Choose a suitable site in advance, and have the camping ground cleaned.

(2) Whatever tents shall be needed should be on the grounds, and also all cooking utensils, and food supplies.

(3) Latrine or toilet facilities should be prepared for.

(4) The material for bedding, stakes for tents, etc., should be gathered and on the ground.

(5) The boys should know the entire program and what is expected of them to the least detail. And the Patrol Leaders and their Assistants should be carefully instructed in their duties and obligations.

(6) All materials needed for practical field scouting should be taken along — staves, knives, hatchets, packs, camping kits, compasses, wig-wag flags, etc.

(7) There should be enough wood on hand, either of dead limbs and trees on the ground, or taken to camp by wagon from another place; wood for cooking and camp-fire purposes is a necessity.

1.Having arranged a definite time for a start — about an hour and a half past noon — get out to the camping grounds as quickly as possible in marching order — practicing Scout’s Pace and Requirement 4 for Second-Class Scouts when en route. Of course such a camp and hike should be arranged for on a holiday if possible so as to give two full days for preparation and experience. But if not on a holiday, the “hike” should start immediately after the close of school on Friday, and end Saturday evening. If such is the case some of the arrangements should be attended to with the help of the Scouts themselves, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings preceding.

A TROOP ON AN OVERNIGHT HIKE

2.Group the troop into bunches of four each under leadership of Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders and have the tents pitched in orderly arrangement. You will act as inspector, and pronounce judgment upon the results. The tents in use should be large enough to accommodate at least four Scouts to the tent. This would arrange matters so that there would be a Patrol Leader or an Assistant with each group. Also erect poles for the American camp flag, and for patrol flags.

3.Detail each half-patrol with its leader to make their beds of fallen timber, fir boughs (if handy), bush sprays, grass, leaves, hay or straw. Then have the bedding placed neatly on this superstructure. As inspector and instructor you should insist firmly on thoroughness of work, efficiency and neatness. If there is room to take single-cot ticks or mattresses to the camp in the supply wagons, these laid over the boughs and leaves or straw beneath make most excellent beds when the covers are added. Enough covers should be taken along for each Scout to insure warmth if the night in the field should be cold or chilly.

4.If the start is made shortly after noon on a holiday — there will be time enough left after these arrangements have been completed to. have a wigwag practice. In such case, deploy the Scouts in different directions in half-patrols, and proceed with Morse Code or Semaphore signal practice. If, however, the start is made after school on a Friday afternoon, and there should still be some time left over, play a few games like “Hat-Ball” to liven things up a bit, and to more likely secure enough weariness to insure at least some sleep during the night.

5.Divide the troop into four groups or details, and assign them each their separate camp duties. One group shall be under your command or the Assistant Scout Master’s for the preparation of supper, the other three each under a Patrol Leader, and one assigned to duty as camp police or dog soldier, one to gather and prepare wood for the cooking-fires and camp-fires and to pack water, and the other squad or group to do duty as camp cleaners.

6.As soon as supper is prepared, all will sit down at some place near the camp-fire to enjoy their meal. During the course of the meal you will give out final tent and bed assignments, and outline camp rules for the night.

7.Have a “Daily Good Turn” report from all the Scouts.

8.Play the night game of “Will-o’-the-Wisp.” (Page 317, B. H.)

9.After the game, the camp-fire squad should gather more wood to be used during the night, and they should be assisted in their work by the camp police squad. In the meantime the other two squads should be busy with their own duties, one in cleaning up the supper remains and cleaning the utensils for to-morrow, and the other in cleaning up all the mess occasioned by the establishment of camp, the disposal of the supper refuse, etc.

10. Then all gather around the camp-fire, where you should outline the program for the morrow, and make a short talk on the “Object and Practical Benefit of the Camp.” Then have ready several good camp stories. Encourage the boys to tell any good camp stories, too, that they may know; either that or of tales of adventure. Just before bed-time a prayer is found effective in some camps. Prayers should be encouraged where circumstances are appropriate.

11.Let 9:00 P. M. be the time for bed, and lights out. The boys should require at least nine hours of sleep, although as a matter of fact in an ordinary camp, unless the boys are tired, the excitement and the strange surroundings will keep them awake for some time into the night. You should insist on a Scout’s honor on perfect quiet between lights out, or taps, and rising time, or reveille.

SATURDAY, OR THE SECOND DAY.

1.Arise at 6:30 A. M., and assemble the troop for setting-up exercises. One of the Patrol Leaders should call the roll.

2.Prepare breakfast at 7:00 A. M. Detail one squad to build cooking-fires, one squad to gather and prepare firewood, one squad to carry water for drinking and cooking and make themselves handy in any way needed. When enough wood has been gathered, and the fires are burning nicely, detail to each fire half-patrols to prepare their own breakfasts. Instruct the groups in the preparation of say, the model breakfast (page 152, Boys’ Handbook), substituting cocoa for coffee for those who wish. Such a breakfast should be sufficient. (See Fireplace instructions, page 149, B. H.)

3.8 A. M. Detail the squads appointed the night before, for morning work — one to wash dishes and clean up the scraps, one to put out the fires, lay by more wood for the noon hour, and get things ready for the events of the day; one to clean up camp, putting all trash and refuse in the proper place, and one to put all bedding in the sun for airing, and clean up the tents.

4.8:30 A. M. Have one or two lively morning games such as “Poison,” or “Hat-Ball,” or “Duck-on-Rock” (pp. 303, 304, B. H.).

5.9:15 A. M. Call for Troop Formation, and give instructions for the day.

6.9:20 A. M. Have all bedding neatly rolled, each Scout his own bedding, and deposited in the tents. Order preparation for a “hike.”

7.9:40 A. M. Presuming you are familiar with the country and location of camp in distance-relation to other points, send the patrols off in different directions on four-mile hikes, two miles out to certain points. All should return by noon. These should be observation hikes, and each patrol should take note of all different (known) types of trees and shrubs, all birds, and all animals seen en route. If tracks are found in sandy or muddy places, record of the fact should be made, their location, and probable origin, and, if possible, a diagram of same made on the spot. At the end of the hike, when the patrols have returned, a half-hour should be spent in giving in reports of observation, and for the rough sketching of the route traversed, from notes taken en route.

8.11 :45 A. M. Begin preparation of dinner, a half-patrol at each fire. You and your assistants will carefully direct the cooking, and specially instruct the boys in the knowledge of Requirement 8 for Second-Class Scouts.

(1)Put a clean, flat stone over the fire, and when hot, lay beefsteak upon it. Turn the steak from time to time. Or hold the steak on pronged stick before the fire until. cooked. Bake the potatoes with their skins on with the use of heated stones on the edge of the fire.

(2)Clean potatoes, peel, and boil in a tomato can.

(3)Scrape and cut up the potatoes, and boil with meat in a tomato can.

9.Have a half-hour or more of complete rest. Insist on rest and quiet.

10.Wash the dinner dishes and cooking utensils, clean up camp, and put out the cooking-fires.

11.2:30 P. M. Have a series of inter-patrol, inter-squad, and individual contests. The following are suggested:

Water Boiling

Knot Tying

Lasso Throwing

Fire Building

100-Yard Dash

Relay Race

Tent Pitching

Signaling

First Aid

Compass Work

Broad Jump

220-Yard Dash

Counts and honors should be kept track of, and some sort of point system established such as 5 for first places, 3 for second, and 1 for third place, the whole added up, the number of points completed for each individual squad and patrol, and winners declared.

12.4:00. P. M. If weather and facilities will permit, have a half-hour’s swim. In such case, the utmost care should be taken to guard against loss of life. There should be row boats handy, and a life guard of the best swimmers appointed to provide against danger. All should be out and dressing by 5 p. m. For those who cannot swim or who do not care to; games can be started, giving the boys their choice. After the swim all should join in some good, healthful, active game. Where weather and facilities will not permit the swim, have a game of” Man Hunt” or “Deer Hunt.” (See pp. 301, and 291, Boys’ Handbook) at this time.

13.Begin preparation of supper at 4:30 P. M., with same arrangements as before. Proceed with the cooking instruction.

14.5:30 P. M. Break-up of camp. Put the whole troop at work striking tents, rolling canvases, packing goods and tents and bedding in camp wagons, filling in latrine, and collecting rubbish for camp-fire. Make a thorough clean-up of camp.

15.6:00 P. M. Gather around the camp-fire for some such program as the following:

COLLECTING AND BURNING CAMP RUBBISH

(1)Reports of contest and special honors.

(2)Opinions of Scouts on camp.

(3)Complaints and suggestions.

(4)Talk by Scout Master (ten minutes or less) on “Scout and Camp Life.”

(5)Camp-fire story.

(6)Roll Call. Each Scout will respond to his name by giving his patrol call,

(7)The Scout Yell.

(8)The National Anthem—” America.”

16.7:00 P. M. Make announcements for future meetings.

17.7:10 P. M. Put out the fire with water, and be careful to see that it is all out. Then set out for home. The start homeward should always be made early enough so that the boys will arrive home by 9:00 P.M.

PROGRAM XIX

Observation Practice

Talk on Observation — Leaf-Study Contest — First Aid Practice — Observation Games — Facial Differences — Identity — Finger-Prints — Announcements — Adjournment.

From now on, until the Second-Class Scout examinations, as much time as possible should be given to practice with the signal code and first aid to the injured, as these are the most difficult requirements to master. Accordingly practice either in one or the other should be given at every meeting, where possible, up to the time of the actual tests.

For this meeting you should also have in readiness a small metal plate or flat and smooth metal surface, a small quantity of printer’s ink, and a small rubber roller with which to spread the ink on the metal surface. A round piece of glass, such as the side of a drinking glass will do as well as the metal plate. If possible too, try to find and glance over some book treating of physiognomy or facial features, usually there will be some such books in every fairly equipped library.

Before the meeting send each Scout word that he will be expected to bring his “leaf-contest” book to the hall with him for purposes of examination.

1.Open the meeting with a few brief words on the subject of the evening —”Observation,” and its practical use and application in every-day life.

2.Collect the “leaf-contest” note-books, and glance over the contents of each. Comment upon the great diversity of the leaves in shape, color, marking, system of views, etc., and also the marked difference in leaves of the same tree. Drive the point home that Nature does not duplicate herself in identical looks or marking or shapes not even in the leaves of the trees, that each leaf has its own identity, and by careful observation can be easily told from all other leaves on the same tree or any other tree. Hold the books over for one meeting for more careful examination into the sort of results that are being obtained in nature study.

3.Have ready sufficient supplies for a “First Aid” practice. Let this last some little time so as to give the boy enough actual practice in the requirements as will give him a fair knowledge of the different methods to be used. Have a number of contests between the different Scouts in applying bandages and giving first aid to any one or two of a series of accidents.

4.Play the observation games such as “Scout’s Nose Indoors” and “Kim’s Game.”

5.Call the attention of the boys to the difference in their identity, how that each one differs from the other in shape of head or nose or skin, in color of eyes and hair, in stature, in manner of speech, etc. Point out the differences in shapes of the head, colors of the eye, colors and texture of hair, shapings of the ear, and show how any Scout can be easily identified from any of the others by an observation of just any one of these physical characteristics. Make out a number of cards on which descriptions are given of certain physical characteristics of the face and head, etc., and distribute these cards without names to certain of the Scouts in order that they may try in a limited time to find the subject of the description among the other Scouts present. If these Scouts fail or any one of them fails, let others have a trial either with the same or new cards. Score points for the Scouts who are successful.

6.Briefly discuss finger-prints, and their use as a means of identification. Have the boys examine the markings of the lines on the finger tips, and point out how different they are in arrangement not only on the same hand, or the same person, but on any number of hands of different persons. Show method of taking record of finger-prints and the simple materials needed for use. Take an impression of the fingers of each Scout, with his signature, and pass them out to them respectively as mementos of the occasion. Spread the printer’s ink on the metal plate with the rubber roller, press the tips of the fingers with a slight pressure to the metal surface and then to a piece of blank paper. If the glass is used, the rubber roller is used to roll the ink on the glass, then the finger tips are rolled slightly on the glass, and the glass in turn rolled on the paper. A little practice makes the taking of impressions very easy, and either method should give good results. The glass method is the one most in use in the United States Navy. Printer’s ink takes the best impressions as the other ink is liable to blur.

7.Make announcements for the next two meetings.

8.Have a practice of the Patrol Calls, Troop Formation and Drill. Close the meeting with a salute to the flag, and the Scout Yells.

PROGRAM XX

Field Practice — Efficiency

Start — Practice of Requirements 4 and 5 — Requirements 6, and 7 — Compass Games — Signal Code Practice — Scout Game — Adjournment.

As this is to be the last actual practice before the preliminary tests for Second-Class Scout requirements, you should spend at least a whole afternoon in actual scout practice in the field or woods. See that all paraphernalia necessary for the field practice of outdoor requirements is taken with you. Have a suitable spot already selected as a good location for the scout practice, and begin work as soon as possible.

1.Get out into the field and arrive at your selected camp as soon as possible.

2.In getting to your location give orders to the Patrol Leaders to see that each Scout can successfully fulfill Requirement 4, tracking half a mile in twenty-five minutes, and also Requirement 5 — knowledge of the Scout’s pace.

3.Immediately upon arriving at your destination organize a contest for practice of the 6th and 7th Requirements. This should be a time limit contest, and account taken of speed and ability.

4.Give orders to one Patrol Leader to have a ground compass laid out, and when that is finished play the Compass Games. See that each Scout knows accurately at least the sixteen principal points of the compass, fulfilling Requirement 10.

5.Divide the troop into its patrols, and the patrols into groups of four each, one under the command of a Patrol Leader, and the other under the Assistant Patrol Leader. Then deploy the. groups to suitable distances and have the signal-code practice. Pay principal attention to the Signal Code, and see that each Scout, during the practice, has his equal chance of sending and receiving messages. Have the groups do as much as possible without the book or written copies of the code system. Also a practice of the Semaphore signal code. Also make good use of the occasion for a practice of the Whistle Signs, and Hand and Flag Signals as given on pages 208–209 of the Boys’ Handbook.

6.Call Scouts together and have a game of “Hat-Ball,” or some similar game before leaving for home.

7.After the game, make announcements for the next two or three meetings, and adjourn.

PROGRAM XXI

Preliminary Tests for Second-Class Scout Requirements

Opening — Roll Call — Oral Quiz —Scout Game — First Aid Practice — Scout Game — Signaling — Announcements — Adjournment.

This should be an indoor evening meeting at the Scout Hall or Headquarters, and as a preliminary test should, in the main, be oral in its nature. Your desire in this case is to ascertain how much of actual knowledge of the different requirements the Scouts really have. This meeting, because of its nature, will probably make the boys restless, so your plans should be laid so as to intersperse a needful game or two at the proper places in order to relieve any tenseness the boys may feel.

You should have examined the corrected “leaf-contest” books with advisory notes and added instructions in the note books of the “leaf-study” contest. and these books should be given back to the boys at this time with the announcement that the contest will end by the date of the next indoor meeting of the troop and that the books shall at that time be handed in for final judgment upon the results. For the results of the contest, the boys should understand that each and all who take part will receive a certain number of honors according to condition and qualities and neatness of his collection and study.

1.Call the meeting to order with Flag Salute in Troop Formation.

2.Have roll call, with each Scout answering to his name with patrol call. After roll call have a few Scout Yells, under leadership of the senior Patrol Leader.

3.Have an oral quiz, asking questions at random, first here. then there, and skipping from one subject to another as follows:

(1)What is the treatment for fainting? Explain.

(2)What is Scout’s Pace?

(3)By position of your arms show method of making a, b, g, and I by Morse system.

(4)Explain method of building fire, using not more than two matches.

(5)What is meant by boxing the compass?

(6)What is the tourniquet?

(7)With wig-wag flag spell out the words “Be Prepared.”

(8)Repeat the twelve points of the Scout Law.

(9)What is a fracture? Bruise? Sprain? Burn? Scald?

(10)Show or explain method of carrying injured.

(11)Give the sixteen principal points of the compass.

(12)Explain method of cooking meat and potatoes without ordinary cooking utensils.

(13)What is the Semaphore Code? Illustrate.

(14)Explain treatment for fracture, for burn, for sprain.

(15)What is the use of observation?

(16)What is meant by efficiency?

(17)Explain use of the triangular bandage. Demonstrate.

(18)What is telegraphy? Explain the principle in use.

(19)With wig-wag flag spell your name.

(20)Demonstrate the use of the roller bandage.

(21)What is a compound fracture? Explain treatment for dislocation.

(22)Show method of using the Semaphore, by spelling your name.

(23)What is sunstroke and how caused? How is nose-bleed treated? Sunburn? Hiccough?

(24)Repeat the Scout Oath.

(25)How is it possible to show that you have fulfilled Requirement 9?

Each Scout should have his turn and the other Scouts should be admonished to listen to questions and answers, and ascertain if the same have been correctly answered. This will give them an idea of what to expect at examination time, and how to prepare therefor. Anything that is not understood should be explained, and each question given should be fully answered, if not by the Scout questioned, then by volunteers, and in the last resort by your explanation. If a Scout fails to answer a part or the whole of any question, he should be given another chance.

4.Play a game or two to enliven things a bit. Try some such game as “Hunt the Coon” (page 301, B. H.), or “Spear Fights” (page 302, B. H.). Also try exercises such as ‘‘Hand-Wrestling.” “Badger-Pulling,” or “Poison” (page 303, B. H.).

5.Have a “First Aid” practice.

1.Use of bandages and tourniquets.

2.Methods of treatment for shock or fainting.

3.Methods of treatment for bruises, fractures and sprains.

4.Methods of treatment for burns and scalds.

5.Methods of carrying and taking care of injured.

6.Have another indoor game of Scouts’ choice.

7.Have each Scout spell his name in turn with the wig-wag flag — Morse Code.

8.Make announcements for next two meetings, and outline methods of examination.

9.Adjourn with Patrol Call and Scout Yell practice.

PROGRAM XXII

Second-Class Scout Examinations — Outdoors Start — Requirements 4 and 5 — Requirements 6, 7 and 8 — Requirement 10 — Compass Games — Scout Games — Signal Code Examination —Roll Call — Announcements — Adjournment.

Inasmuch as the principal part of examination tests can best be made outdoors, this will of course be the more important of the two examination meetings. Most of the examination tests can be cleared up at this time so that the bulk of the next indoor meeting can be made useful in other ways with new instruction and entertainment. If it is at all possible for you to do so, you should have with you at this time a visiting Scout Master from an adjoining locality or district, to act as official examiner. If a Scout Master cannot be obtained, try to have present one of the members of the Court of Honor or the Local Council of Boy Scouts, and if this fails you, at least have with you in the field some interested citizen or lodge member who will consent to serve as official examiner.

The location for the outdoor examination should be in the woods or fields only a short distance away from your town or in the vacant lot used in the tent-raising practice, if in the city, and if it is large enough to serve all purposes. Of course in every case the woods or fields would make the best location.

All materials should be in readiness, and enough supplies for use in Requirement 8 should be taken along.

If the examiner is a stranger to the requirements, he should be most carefully instructed in the methods of judging results, and in the outline of the afternoon’s work.

The examiner and the Scout Masters should keep record of all grading decisions made, with proper entrant name of Scout and his contest grades in a small note-book to be used for the occasion.

1.Get to camp location as quickly as possible.

2.With examiner acting as time-keeper, take the troop by patrols and try out Requirement 4. Then try out Requirement 5. Measure off roughly for these trials, making distance cover as circular a track as possible.

3.Detail one patrol to lay out requirements for compass games, one patrol to prepare material to carry out Requirement 8, and one patrol to try out in Requirements 6 and 7. In latter case each one of the eight in the patrol should work alone, and the examiner should give his attention to the grading of results. As soon as this first patrol have finished in this examination, they should continue in trial of Requirement 8, working this time in pairs — one preparing the meat and the other the potatoes. At the same time the second patrol — those detailed for preparing material for Requirement 8 (opening packages, and distributing apportionate supplies) —should he given their examinations in Requirements 6 and 7, under the same rules as the test for the first patrol in these requirements. When the Scouts of the first patrol have finished in the trial test of Requirement 8, they should be given a chance to play a game of “Hat-Ball” or one of their own choice; and second patrol, finished with Requirements 6 and 7, should then continue with Requirement 8, in the way already outlined, and the third patrol — those detailed to lay out requirements for the compass games — should be given their chance with Requirements 6 and 7. As soon as the Scouts of one patrol finish with the two tests, they should begin with a game, and as each of the other patrols finish, they, too, should join in the game.

4.When all the Scouts have been examined in Requirements 6, 7, and 8, and the examiner and Scout Masters have made an examination of the cooked products of Requirement 8 to test the thoroughness in cooking, then “Compass Point” game should be started, with thirty-two points. Every mistake made in calling points should be noted, and applicable grading made therefor. In addition each Scout should be called aside separately, some time during the course of the game, and bidden to repeat the sixteen principal compass points in their due order. This will constitute the trial of Requirement 10.

5.Two patrols will then engage in a game of their own choice, or in the various Scout exercises, according to their own inclinations. In the meantime, the eight members of the other patrol are sent out a definite distance from camp in different directions, each with a wig-wag flag. Then the examining board will send out a message in the Morse Code from camp to each Scout, and receive in turn as correct and appropriate answer as possible. This will constitute the test of Requirement 3. The patrol will be called in by whistle commands as soon as finished, and each of the other patrols sent out in the same way, for their examinations in this requirement.

6.Reassemble the troop, and have the roll call.

7.Make announcements for the next two meetings.

8.Adjourn with the Scout Yells, and depart for home.

PROGRAM XXIII

Second-Class Scout Examinations — Indoors Opening — Roll Call — Oral Quiz — First Aid Examination — Signal Code Examination — Address — Special Talk —Announcements — Adjournment.

This meeting should be held during the evening of the next day after the outdoor examinations, or at least, if you have used a Saturday afternoon for the last meeting, this meeting should be scheduled for Monday evening or just as soon thereafter as possible. The reason is that the examinations should be over as soon as possible, and if a visiting Scout Master is with you at the first meeting he might also be induced to stay over for the second

The meeting, as an examination, will be one largely of memory tests, etc., and proof of practical knowledge of “First Aid.” It would be well to have with you a member of the Court of Honor or a member of the Local Council of your district, whether the Scout Master is with you or not.

If the Scout Master is with you, you can probably count on him for a few words in regard to Scout work, or as a bearer of a message from another troop — if the Council member is present, he cannot only act as a judge of the examinations, but also will probably help out in a few interesting and well-chosen words of good cheer and inspiration.

As something special in the line of entertainment for this meeting, it might be well to have either a telegrapher or despatcher present, who will tell the boys something about practical applied electricity as used in telegraphy, and demonstrate by use of telegraph instruments and storage batteries, showing the use of the Morse Code in telegraphy. Or if you cannot obtain such an expert, it would be a good idea to have the mayor of your town or city or the chief of the fire department present for a talk on efficiency in their lines of work.

If a despatcher can be present, you should see that the proper instruments with all needed paraphernalia and supplies are ready at hand and in place for demonstration purposes.

1.Open meeting with Flag Salute in Troop Formation.

2.Have the acting Secretary call the roll, giving time of service as Tenderfoot Scouts and dates of enlistment. The Scouts will respond to their names with the answer —“Present” and give the name of their patrol. This will be proof sufficient of having fulfilled Requirement I.

3.Give an oral quiz with questions similar in part to those suggested in Program XXI.

4.As an examination in Requirement 2, each Scout should give a demonstration in applying triangular and roller bandages and tourniquets, and in addition a written examination should be given in which each Scout will explain the nature and treatment of fainting, fractures, sprains, burns, scalds, etc.

5.Have an oral quiz on the Morse and Semaphore Code system. In this case the Scout Master will make a letter with the wig-wag, and call some Scout at random to give the letter. In same way tests can be made with a number of simple words.

6.Have address as made by the visiting Scout Master, or member of Local Council, or Examiner.

7.Have the address on “Telegraphy,” if possible, and the accompanying demonstration. Or an address by the Mayor, or Fire Chief, can be used here.

8.Make announcements for the next meetings, and let it be known that at the next indoor meeting following, those who have been successful in the examinations will be “sworn in” as Second-Class Scouts.

9.Adjourn with Patrol Calls and Scout Yells.

PROGRAM XXIV

First Principles of First-Class Scout Requirements — Map and Nature Study

Map Instruction — Roll Call — Lunch Hour — Signal Practice — Nature Study Information.

This meeting should be on a Saturday or holiday, and should be spent in tramping. This should be a nearly continuous hike of five or six miles at the least, and proper precaution should be made for the protection of the feet by wearing proper tramping shoes, and all unnecessary articles should be left behind. Lunch, already prepared, should be taken along with each one of the party, as well as the Scout staff, and knife or hatchet. Read the instructions for hikes as given on pages 145-146 of the Boy’s Handbook, and follow the suggestions given therein, as to shoes, kit, extra shirt (if needed), and map study.

If at all possible take along someone on this hike, who knows the woods and the birds and animals, and who can give accurate and definite information concerning the wild things in field and forest. There should be a naturalist or science-teacher or woodsman in every locality who would be glad of taking such a chance to increase the interest of the boys in nature study and nature lore.

One or two wig-wag flags should be taken along by each Patrol for practice use.

1.Call a meeting of the troop for a half-hour’s map study before starting on the “hike.” Give instruction in use and reading of different sorts of maps.

FIELD STUDY OF THE FERNS AND GRASSES

2.Make a start on the “hike” at the appointed time, after calling the roll.

3.At lunch hour, in as favorable location as you can find, make announcements for the next two meetings. State that at the next meeting the Scouts successful in the examinations will be “sworn in” as Second-Class Scouts. And that at the next meeting following will be a troop business session, and that every Scout should be present.

4.Make use of wig-wag flags for signaling, wherever possible to do so.

5.Encourage the Scouts to ask for information about the wild things — animals and plants.

Note.— Government maps of your locality can be secured by addressing Director U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, D. C. Enclose 10c for each map wanted.

We would recommend that Scout Masters use the conventional signs used in the U. S. Army surveys. These conventional signs can be secured by addressing the Army War College, Washington, D. C. Also see Chapter II.

PROGRAM XXV

Second-Class Scout Investiture

Opening Talk — Roll Call — Address — Announcement of Successful Applicants — Investiture Ceremonial — Announcements — Refreshments — America.

All of the Scouts that have worked persistently since their initiation as Tenderfoot Scouts, especially if these programs have been consistently followed in general detail, will now have easily passed the Second-Class Scout Requirements Tests, and are ready to be vested with the rank of Second-Class Scout. If there are those in the troop who will not put forth any appreciable effort to progress from rank to rank, and seem content to remain as Tenderfoot Scouts, something is wrong either with the management of the organization or with them. All reasonable inducements should be held out to them to work on upward in the ranks, and the training as outlined in these foregoing programs, should prove plentifully sufficient for such purpose. It will be your business to watch out for natural laggers and shirkers, and to so instill the idea of progression in the minds of the majority of your Scouts as to cause a general movement forward through the force of public opinion. And if all else fails to arouse the shirkers to move onward, his case should be turned over to a special committee of inquiry appointed by the Troop Leader, whose duty should be to assist him either to mend his ways or resign from the troop membership. Shirkers of the persistent sort are not wanted, and the sooner the organisation is rid of them to make room for “climbers,” the better it will be for all concerned. Of course, though, a reasonable time should be given for each Scout to make good, each should have the same approximate time to serve in each rank with more or less the same training — this applying especially to new Scouts, either enrolled late or taking the place of those Scouts dropped out; moreover a certain definite date after the first Second-Class Scout examinations, another special examination of the same sort should be given for those who have failed the first time, or for new Scouts. Scouts of any rank should never need more than three trials to make good at any test,— so after the third failure to attain progressive rank, such cases should be looked after with special attention.

This is another important meeting, and should be well prepared for in advance; in general form it resembles the Tenderfoot Scout Investiture of Program VII, and the same general instruction and explanations in use in that program applies here equally as well.

If it is decided to invite the Scouts’ parents to this meeting, proper seating arrangements should be made; in this case such duty should be turned over to one of the Patrol Leaders. As another excellent means of entertainment, and something really needed on an occasion such as this, especially if the parents or visitors are to be present, is a public address on some applicable subject by a public man, — a judge, statesman, or well-known attorney. Such a good address would be one on “Good Government” Also you should see that a member of the “Court of Honor” is to be present, who shall make announcements on examination results, and say a few words as to the development and importance of the Boy Scout organization in the locality.

It will also be necessary to attend to the ordering of sufficient Second-Class Scout badges. (See instructions of Program VII.) The Second-Class Scout badges are made of gilt metal, in safety-pin style, and are to be worn upon the sleeve. The price is 10 cents. The Patrol Leader’s Second-Class Scout badge is made of oxidized silver, but otherwise resembles the other badges in finish and in price. The badge is a representation of the scroll of the complete Scout badge, upon which is the Boy Scout motto —” Be Prepared.”

1.Open the meeting with a few brief remarks as to the plans and purpose of the meeting.

2.Call for Flag Salute in Troop Formation. Then have the roll call, with each Scout giving his Patrol Call in answer to his name.

3.Have the address on “Good Government” as prepared for. Limit to ten or twelve minutes.

4.The member of the “Court of Honor” will follow with a few brief remarks on the development of the Boy Scout organization in his locality, and follow that with the public announcements of the names of the successful applicants for Second-Class Scout rank.

5.Proceed with the Investiture ceremony as follows:

a.The Scouts are called to stand at attention, and all repeat the Scout Oath in unison.

b.The Scout Master will then say:
“Scouts, you have repeated the Scout Oath, and I am confident that you do your best in living up to its principles; you have also passed the required tests which enables you to progress one step onward. You are now to become Second-Class Scouts.”

c.The Scouts then salute, and the Scout Master continues:
“You will now repeat in unison the twelve points of the Scout Law.”

d.The Scouts repeat the points of the Scout Law.

e.The Scout Master then arranges the boys in a half-circle formation, so that they stand side by side and all face his position which should be at least seven or eight feet from the boy immediately in front of him.

f.The Investiture to Second-Class Scout rank now takes place. The same ceremonial is used exactly as in Program VII, making proper changes of rank classification, where necessary.

6.Have the boys take their seats, and make announcements for the next two meetings. Announce that the next meeting will be a Troop Business Session.

7.Have refreshments, if they have been arranged for.

8.Adjourn the meeting with a couple of verses of the National Anthem—” America.”

PROGRAM XXVI

Troop Business. Session

Instructions — Patrol Meetings — Entertainment.

This meeting was announced at last meeting as the reguular evening set aside for discussion of troop and patrol business. Having seen that the officers of the meeting are properly instructed in their duties, and having discussed the new business of whatever nature it is intended to bring up for discussion here, it will be best to take a back seat, as it were, for this occasion, giving control of the meeting to the boys, and acting only as mentor or friend or counselor, as prescribed by the Constitution.

1.Open and conduct the meetings as prescribed in your Constitution and By-Laws. (See Article II of By-Laws, as suggested.) As a first regular business session, it will necessarily be the duty of the Troop Leader or President at this time to appoint all standing and special committees, so arrangements should have been made, consultations held, etc., for this purpose. After the said committees have been appointed and instructed in their duty, they should be encouraged to hand in at this time orally, a temporary report. This will awaken and hold up the interest of all.

2.Under the head of new business — a first meeting time should be determined upon and announced for the organisation and perfection of Patrol Business Sessions, preferably within the following week.

3.The Stunt or Entertainment Committee should have previously arranged some planned-out program of their own, providing for the entertainment of the troop in session. Stunts will be popular.

PROGRAM XXVII

First Class Scout Requirements

Drill Instruction — First Aid Drill — First Class Requirements — Computing Practice — Nature Hunt — Game — Semaphore or Signal Practice — Setting-Up Instruction — Announcements — Adjournment.

This meeting should be held in the open, preferably in the afternoon, as soon after Investiture and Business Meetings as possible. Proceed this time only as far as it is necessary to find a rather flat open space of some size for drill work,— either in the woods, open fields, or park lands. Any new instruction in Scout Drill should be given at this time. It will also be best to have along a few copies of the Boys’ Handbook for use, both in First Aid Drill Work and the reading of the new requirements for higher rank.

Some of the Scouts already know how to swim; the others should be encouraged to learn at the first opportunity, and all told how necessary to preservation swimming really is. In the new drill-work in first aid instruct the boys in artificial respiration and call attention to the explanation on the subject in the Boys’ Handbook.

Have materials ready at hand for use in the Semaphore practice.

1.After coming together at the appointed place, proceed immediately to your intended drill ground, and arriving there call for troop formation and proceed with drill exercises. Give any new instruction necessary.

2.Have First-Aid Drill for practice. Call the Scouts’ attention to instructions on swimming, and the accidents and treatment thereof. Instruct in the methods of artificial respiration, etc. Explain to the Scouts how necessary to self-preservation it is to know how to swim, and encourage those who have not yet learned to do so whenever the opportunity arises, under a proficient instructor.

3.Read over carefully and explain each of the requirements for the rank of First Class Scout.

4.Try out Requirement 9. With a little ingenuity and thought this exercise can be made highly interesting and instructing. Test the Scouts in the open on distance, size, and height. A handy tapeline will check results of the Scout estimates and guesses.

5.Send each boy out separately to find some specimen of plant life. The boys have already had several nature talks on trees and wild life. Now give each some one thing to find and bring in as quickly as possible, such as an elm leaf, a bit of oak bark, a hickory leaf, a snake flower, etc. Your knowledge of the local herbage will suggest proper assignments. Request, too, each Scout to bring in a leaf from some other plant than that assigned to him, to name the tree from such leaf, and give a general description thereof, etc.

6.Have Scout-choice of games, and let the play continue as long as possible.

7.By whistle commands or bugle call Scouts to attention and to “come together.” Instruct in the use of the Semaphore code. Heretofore attention has been given chiefly to one of the several code systems, but now it is time to continue advancement and learn the other codes also.

8.Have a setting-up drill, and give instructions to those in need of it in the methods and needs of the exercises.

9.Make announcements for the next three meetings. Make sure to announce the date of the next overnight hike.

10.Adjourn with Flag Salute and Scout Yell.

PROGRAM XXVIII

Scout Reporting

Report Assignments — Message Delivery by Code — Information Gathering — Trip Report — Botany Study—Street Mapping — Time Limit Hikes — Good Turn Reports — Nature Study — Announcements and Adjournment.

This meeting can be arranged for handling from indoors, so that using the Headquarters as a central station, rendezvous, or camp, the Scouts can be instructed, given assignments, and sent out from there on their various duties and Scout work. While giving attention to this reporting practice, one patrol or perhaps at least four Scouts should be kept close by at all times, and these to be changed every so often, so that all may have a chance of reporting. It is needless to suggest that too long or arduous an assignment would be unwise at this time. All paraphernalia needed for the occasion should be at hand.

1.After having met at Headquarters, and given instructions, give out assignments for scout-reporting, to each Scout or squads of two as the needs of the occasion and duty may suggest. Following is a suggestion of some such assignments:—Send one Scout with code flags to a certain point I with a message to deliver to another point 4 in town, and to return with message received from point 2. Send Scout No. 2 out with similar instructions to send message to point 1 and receive message from point 3. Scout No. 3 with message for point 2 and to receive message from point 4. Scout No. 4 to send message to point 3 and receive message from point 1, etc. Each Scout should be given a different message separately and secretly, and the points should be far enough away in opposite directions to preclude any other sort of communication than code signaling, and yet in plain reading view of each other.

Send several Scouts out to collect information regarding movements of people, or any particular occurrences in different parts of town.

Send some with messages to friends, requesting answers, and ask for detailed account of trip of Scouts to and from, etc.

Send several Scouts out to collect tree leaves, bark, pieces of wood, etc., as in Program XXVII, asking for trip reports.

Send Scouts to map certain street sections or squares, showing location of known buildings, and give information of movement of people, carriages, street-cars, etc., and anything of note in progress thereon.

Send Scouts out with time limits on certain hikes about towns, giving instructions to visit and note certain activities at certain points, etc.

2.Call for “Daily Good Turn” reports of the yesterday and day before.

3.Give Scouts at Headquarters, books with illustrations showing leaves and appearance of different local trees and plants, as well as the animals and birds common to that part of the country. Also some book showing animal and bird tracks, etc. Have them make diagrams of the leaves, tracks, etc.

4.When enough time has been given to this sort of practice, call in all Scouts, and make announcements for the next meetings, and adjourn. Give date and information as to next over-night hike. (See Program XXX.)

PROGRAM XXIX

Scoutcraft — Evening Instruction

Roll Call — First Aid Practice — Map Assignments — Address on “Banking “— Scout Games — Requirement Practice — Requirement 5 — First Aid — Announcements — Adjournment.

This meeting is important as the means to bring attention to details of certain First Class Scout requirements, and explanation thereof. Have all materials ready to give instruction and try out methods for First Aid as outlined in Requirement 10. Also have materials handy for practice of Requirement 9. Arrange with a banker or financier to give the boys a short talk on “Banking” and the needs of “Creating a Savings Deposit,” etc.

1.Call the meeting to order with Flag Salute and Roll Call.

2.Have First Aid regular practice.

3.Call attention to Requirement 7 and give out assignments to each Scout to make a rough sketch map of a certain locality in town, city or country, naming a different locality or square for each Scout. Announce the need to have this ready by the next regular indoors meeting.

4.Announce by a proper introduction the speaker of the occasion and the importance of his subject as a Scout Requirement. (See No. 2.)

5.Have a few minutes’ recess in games of Scouts’ choice,— suitable for indoors.

6.Try out Requirement 9, making note by contestscores the results of each Scout’s estimates.

7.Call attention in the Boys’ Handbook to the section covering Requirement 5. Read over the information and explain, where necessary, and answer all fair questions. Demonstrate treatment where necessary, and have a tryout of the same among the Scouts.

8.Call attention to the importance of the next meeting as an over-night hike, and explain the regulations for camp governments given in that program (XXX). Call attention to the need of perfect order, and obedience of Scout officers and rules to insure the success of the meeting, etc.

9.Adjourn with Troop and Patrol with Scout Yells.

PROGRAM XXX

Overnight Hike

The Start — Pitching the Tents — Preparation of Beds — Flag Poles — Supper — Conduct — Clean Camp — Camp Duties — Scout Games — Around the Camp Fire — Camp Rules — Tomorrow’s Program — Scout Yarn — Stunts — Songs — Indian Dance — Lights Out —” Taps “— Lowering the Flag — Reveille — Morning Exercise — Flag Salute — Morning Dip — Breakfast — Camp Duties — Morning Game — Drill Practice — Signal Practice — Lunch-Cooking Instruction — Camp Duties — Contests and Games — Swimming — Supper — Camp Duties — Tomorrow’s Program — Around the Camp Fire — Scout Yarn — “Taps”—Reveille — Nature Study Hike — Dinner — Rest Period — Nature Study and Walk Assignments — Supper — Packing up — Camp Fire Council — Homeward Journey.

In preparation for this program it would be best to read over the preparation instruction of Program XVIII. All arrangements for the camp should receive careful attention, and all details thought out and planned beforehand, previous to the start of the troop to the camping grounds

It is presumed in these overnight hikes that only one or two nights, making up a week end, will be spent in the field, and therefore suggestions are outlined for only such a length of time. Longer periods of camping will be fully treated in the programs for Summer, Winter and Permanent Camps now in preparation. Each short-time camp will necessarily be much the same in general plan and outline of Scout requirement practice, games, etc., and arranged as they are only for temporary use; so that a general outline of each will do as well for any other, the changes being in the details of Scoutcraft practice. But nevertheless, the outline of plans, duties, stunts, and rules should always be carefully prearranged for each such week-end or overnight outing.

In addition to the preparatory suggestions as offered in Program XVIII, the following should also be noted:—

1.In choosing a location for a camp site, do not place your camp near a marsh, cemetery, swamp, stagnant water, in a punch bowl depression, or in the midst of a dense vegetation. Choose rather an open clearing of unplowed land on natural sloping ground, with a sandy or gravelly top soil.

A SCOUT CAMP IN THE WOODS

2.Careful inquiry should be made as to purity of water supply near your chosen camp-site. Information from people living in the neighborhood is fairly reliable as to presence and location of springs, sources of streams, contaminating influences of lakes, streams, and wells, and the purity of the waters from each of these sources for drinking purposes. Some such investigation should always be made by the Scout Master.

3.In preparing for latrine or toilet facilities, care should be taken that the toilet be well removed from the rest of the camp, preferably hidden by a screen of trees or bushes, and that it shall not be in the direction from which the prevailing wind comes toward camp. A little carelessness will cause disagreeable as well as dangerous results. It should be an imperative rule that no other place besides the latrine shall be used, and there should be rigid prohibition of the pollution of the ground surface and constant care of the latrine.

4.All garbage should be kept in a covered can or pail and disposed of before decomposition takes place. Upon the break up of such a short time camp it should be buried in the ground, and covered over with several inches of earth. In longer time camps, the garbage should be so buried every one or two days.

5.Cleanliness should be insisted upon. Everybody should be taught the value of good and safe sanitation and encouraged to coöperate to make sanitary rules actionable.

6.The camp-site should be chosen, if possible, near a place suitable for swimming, and in such a favored locality, proper arrangements should be provided for the swim or bath. Those who do not know how to swim should be encouraged to learn, but great care should certainly be taken in giving the proper instruction, and precautionary measures should be taken that none of the Scouts should be allowed to go swimming without the presence of the Scout Master or some leader.

7.Choose your camping place far enough from the town or city or village to be free from visitors and the temptation “to go to town’’ on the part of the boys.

The first part of the chapter on “Campcraft” in the Boys’ Handbook by H. W. Gibson is extremely valuable as information for short-term camps, and it would be best to read over the following points:—Introduction; the Scouts; the bed; hot stone wrinkle; camp lamp; building the fireplace; water supply; sanitation; general hints; water hints; weather signs; building a camp fire, etc.

Prepare a definite program of duties and events for so long a time as the camp is planned for, covering the full period of time and providing for “something doing” during each part of the day. The general outline of this plan should have been reviewed at the previous meeting so that the boys might know what is to be expected of them, understand the rules and different duties, etc., all beforehand. The following outline of events is suggested.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON OR 1ST DAY.

1.At the appointed time for the start march out to the camping grounds in Patrol formation.

2.Arrived at the camp, have the tents pitched by Patrol team work in an orderly arrangement. For these short-term camps the kind of tents for use would of course differ in different localities and at the option of the Scout Master. Ordinarily the leantos should prove ample, but in all cases provisions should be made for protection against rain both in selection of the tent and their erection. Tents should accommodate at least four Scouts each; there should be with each such half patrol, a Patrol leader or Assistant Patrol Leader.

3.When the tents have been pitched satisfactorily, proceed to have the beds prepared. (See suggestion 3, Program XVIII. And also see the articles on bedding in the Boys’ Handbook.) Also have poles fixed for the raising of the American flag, the Boy Scout emblem, and the Patrol insignia.

4.Prepare Supper. Local geographical conditions will suggest or demand a variety of dishes, and the sort of menu served at this first supper, of course, will depend upon your selection of food stuffs, cooking accommodations, etc. There should be plenty of milk to drink, and good bread and butter. Cake and sweets or fancy dishes are not necessary, and in such a short-term camp, are not expected. The bill of fare should be elastic to meet local and geographical and weather demands; your judgment of such local conditions will be all that is necessary for suggestive selections. Weather conditions will demand warm food when the weather is cold or rainy and cold dishes, as a rule, when the days are warm. Also the nature of the food will depend upon the location of the troop,— in the Southern States, or in the North, in the East, or in the West, etc. For suggested menus for overnight and week end camps, see the Boys’ Handbook. Take plenty of time for the eating of the meal. Encourage wholesome conversation and natural pleasantry, but discountenance any signs of ungentlemanly conduct or “rough house.”

5.After supper, have a clean up of camp, dishwashing, removal of supper remains, etc. Then call the Scouts to “Attention,” and give out camp duty assignments. For such a short-term camp these camp Committees should be chosen to serve permanently during the term length of the camp, and some means of creating a desire or honor to serve on some such Committee should be engendered or developed by the Scout Master. With this purpose in view the following plan has been suggested: Provide four committees for purposes such as Sanitation, Policing, Wood-gathering, and Camp-cleaning. The duties of the Sanitary Committee will consist of looking after the proper disposal of garbage, disinfection, care of latrine, etc.; the Policing Committee will see to proper obedience of camp rules, to getting water for cooking purposes, to picking up and disposing of all papers and trash about camp, the raising and lowering of the flags, etc.; the Camp Cleaners will prepare vegetables for cooking, wash and dry dishes, pot and pans, clean up around the cooking fires, clean the boats, if any are to be used; and the Wood Gatherers will provide wood for the camp-fires, gather fire-wood for cooking, build and light the camp-fire, etc. Have the assembled Scouts elect the four leaders from among the members of the Troop by popular vote. Then have each leader, except the Chief Camp Cleaner, at this same meeting choose four other Scouts to serve with him. And have it understood that Chief Camp Cleaner’s committee will consist of the Scouts found guilty of misbehavior, breaking of camp rules, rowdyism, etc.

You probably have some other method of handling these camp assignments, some regular camp organization, or other arrangements, which would prove generally acceptable for such purposes, if sent to others through the Scout Magazine,— “Boys’ Life.”

6.If there is still time, have some good Scout game to enliven the boys,— a game of Scout’s choice, and suitable for the time of the day, etc.

7.Gather the Scouts around the Camp-Fire, after the ceremony of building it has been performed, and proceed with a camp-fire ceremony.

1.Outline the camp rules for the night and those for the days following.

2.Outline the program for the morrow, and explain any detail asked about.

3.Tell some good Scout Stories. (See references to Scout Stories in Boys’ Handbook, and the Scout Master’s Manual).

4.Have volunteers do stunts for amusement.

5.Have a number of college or old time songs.

6.Have a Competitive Indian dance around the camp fire, by group or by Patrol.

8.Let 9:00 P. M. be the time for bed, and lights out. Some of the boys probably come from homes where they are used to evening prayers. Always give them the chance for the evening prayer before turning in, and discountenance any interruption from other boys not used to this custom. At the time for lights out have the troop bugler, if you have one, blow “taps.” You should insist on a Scout’s honor on perfect quiet between “lights out” or “taps” and arising time or “reveille.” Also before “taps” is sounded have two of the Scouts lower the American flag and put it away properly.

SATURDAY OR 2ND DAY.

For daily camp programs see suggestions of Program XVIII, and of Boys’ Handbook, page 153. The following program is also suggested:

1.Arise at 6:30 or 7 A. M. The boys should previously have been cautioned to remain quiet on their honor, if they awaken earlier, and not make any noise until regular arising time. or until “reveille” is sounded. Consideration should be shown toward those desiring to sleep. When “reveille” is sounded, or some other means is used of announcing arising time, have everybody turn out in pajamas, swimming suits, etc., for a brisk, snappy five-minute setting-up exercise. After the exercise the flag should be raised, and the Scouts should salute the flag. Then where swimming facilities are possible, everybody. should take a morning five-minute dip. This should be understood to be a bath plunge and not a swim, and the boys should take soap and towels for a clean scrub and rub down, and a tooth brush for cleansing the teeth. Then the boys should dress hastily and prepare for breakfast. Prepare breakfast as suggested in Point 2, of Program XVIII, selecting some such menu as that proposed in B. H. list; and it may also be well to have a tryout of Requirement 5 (F. C. S.) in the preparation of pancakes or flapjacks, hoecakes, etc.

SETTING-UP EXERCISES IN A SCOUT CAMP

2.8 A. M. Set aside this half hour for Camp Committee duties, making use of all boys, not on some regular assignment in sunning the bed-clothes, cleaning up the tents, etc.

3.8:30 A. M. Set aside this hour for morning games, — something lively and popular.

4.9:30 A. M. If type of field will permit, use this next hour in practice of the troop drill.

5.10:30 A. M. Send out patrols into the field in different directions under orders of Patrol Leaders for signal practice of Semaphore, and International Morse Code. Also for practice of troop secret codes, if any have been developed.

6.11:45 A. M. Have the Scouts themselves prepare their own dinner under your direction, or with the aid of the Assistant Scout Masters. Give instructions in the methods of cooking one or two articles as those given for Requirement 6 (F. C. S.). Also live instruction in the use of cooking fires, construction of fire places, etc. For Information see Boys’ Handbook.

7.After the dishes have been cleaned off and washed, new firewood brought in, and any other little duty attended to, have a half-hour of absolute rest, during which it might be advisable to give advanced instruction in First Aid, etc.

8.1:45 P. M. Have a number of inter-patrol contests planned for to take up the afternoon hours, such as lassoing, tomahawk throwing, bandaging, fire-lighting, tent raising, signaling, archery, tug-of-war, running, tilting, jumping, First Aid drills, etc. Or else give such time to some good outdoor games, such as “lion hunting,” “hostile spy,” “man-hunt,” “flag-raiding,” “deer hunt,” “bear hunt,” etc.

9.4:00 P. M. If there are swimming facilities near the camp, a half hour should be given at this time to swimming instruction, water games, etc. In such case, of course extra precautions should be taken to secure the best means of safety to the different Scouts, such as having “watchers on the bank or in boats, a life-saving crew organized among the best swimmers, etc.

10.Begin the preparation of supper at 5:30 or 6 P. M. and proceed with cooking practice and instructions in a similar manner as at noon.

11.After supper and just before the camp committees begin their duties of straightening up camp, remaking beds, etc., outline the morrow’s program and explain details, etc.

12.As the camp-fire is being built and started burning outline the plan of Camp-Fire Council or Pow-wow which should be proposed for camp-fire gatherings, and then continue around the fire with the carrying out of such outlined program. The following number of points for such program are suggested:—

SCOUTS AT MESS — THIS TABLE WAS MADE ENTIRELY WITHOUT NAILS BY THE SCOUTS IN THIS PATROL

1.Opening of Council by an elected Camp-Fire Chief.

2.Roll Call of Scouts responding with Patrol Call.

3.Reports of the day’s contests, award of honors, if you have an honor system developed, etc.

4.Reports of Scouts on different subjects, assignments, etc.

5.Opinion of Scouts on camp life, organization and management.

6.Suggestions proposed for new stunts or events.

7.Complaints.

8.New Scouts proposed for membership.

9.Challenges for inter-patrol and inter-scout contests given and accepted.

10.Short talk by the Scout Master or Assistant on some suitable subject.

11.Social doings, stunts, dances, stories, songs, general entertainment, etc.

12.Challenge contests in such games as “spear fight,” “cock fighting,” “hand-wrestling,” “badger pulling,” “forfeit,” “bunt bear,” “tilting,” “pole star,” “wolf,” “scrum,” “poison,” etc.

13.If there is still time, tell a good Scout story.

14.9:30 P. M. “Taps,” time for lights out, lowering and furling the flag, and turning in.

SUNDAY OR 3RD DAY.

1.Reveille. Continue the morning program as for yesterday as far as suggestion 3. This should include the swim, setting-up exercise, and raising of the flag.

2.Plan for a morning hike through the woods for the study of woodcraft, noting all tracks, birds, animals, and different sorts of trees as seen en route. Also play some adaptable scouting game while on the move.

3.Arrange to get back to camp before noon and prepare lunch or dinner.

4.After dinner is over, have a rest period of at least an hour, in which the Scouts should remain inactive, listening to Scout stories, comments of trip, outlining of plans, etc.

5.Spend the afternoon in nature-study, or signal practice, or walk assignments, or any such exercise or activity which will be conducive for quiet and orderly action. Have it understood that the boys shall return promptly at supper time or 5 o’clock (or, at swimming time, if there are such facilities, say at 4 P. M.)

A KNOT-TYING PRACTICE IN CAMP

6.5 P. M. Begin preparation of supper at this earlier hour in order to have plenty of daylight time for breaking-up and cleaning camp.

7.Assign to all those not employed in regular camp committee work, the duty of striking tents, rolling canvas, packing camp goods and bedding, and collecting all rubbish for the camp-fire. If a large amount of material is on hand, a wagon might be hired to pack things home, and in such case this part of the plans should be previously arranged for, and the wagon started homeward at this time.

8.When everything is in order about camp, and the latrine has been filled up, and the camp-fire started, gather around the fire for a final Camp Council, following the same general plan as on the night before, although it would be best not to continue later than 7:00 P. M.

9.Carefully put out the camp-fire in obedience to camping rules, and make the start homeward. Start early enough to arrive home by 9:00 P. M.

PROGRAM XXXI

Scoutcraft Practice

Roll Call — Talk — Map Reports — Requirement 12 — Information — Knot-Tying Contest — Lassoing Contest — Tomahawk Trials — First Aid Contest —Signaling Contest—Bandaging Contest — Estimate Contest — Announcements — Star Study — Adjournment.

This should be an evening meeting, and preparation made therefor at Headquarters with all the exercise materials ready for Scout drills in first aid, signal practice, and patrol formation, as well as games. Contests should be given at this meeting to enliven the boys, and quicken the general interest, provision therefor being made partly by announcement at the last meeting. It would also be well to have a list of the indoor contests posted, or given out at the last meeting as suggested, so that the boys could practice up a bit. These contests might be carried on individually, by choosing sides, or by patrols, and records or score-cards of simple material should be provided for the occasion. It would be best too to have this meeting on a night when no clouds are in the sky, and all the stars are out, so that the Scout could study the heavenly constellations as part of the evening exercises. If this is decided on, either you should prepare yourself sufficiently to point out several of the better known constellations, stars of the greater magnitude, planets, “Milky Way,” “North Star,” etc., or else get someone to be with you for the evening, who does understand a bit about Astronomy, and who might act also as a Contest Judge for the practice trials.

1.Open the meeting with roll call and flag salute, asking each Scout as his name is called to answer by giving his Patrol Call, and immediately thereafter to salute the flag.

2.Give a short summary of the results of last meeting, observations of same, etc.

3.Gather in the map assignments as given out at the second meeting back. (See Program XXIX.)

4.Ask how many Scouts have begun to carry out the instruction of Requirement 12. Get definite information, and encourage the Scouts who have not given attention to the same, to start as soon as they can.

5.Have the knot-tying contest. In counting points it is suggested that you count 5 for first place in any one contest, 3 for second place, and I for third place. In this contest such counts are suggested as: — (1) largest number of knots; (2) most skill and ease in tying; (3) fastest time in tying certain knots of choice, or in completing all knots, etc.

6.Have the lassoing contest. Counts: Best three attempts out of five; method of throwing, etc.

7.While these two contests are going on, and especially while awaiting results of the lassoing contest, it would be interesting to have a tomahawk throwing contest. For this a large upright board target should be provided and caution should be used not to stand too far away at first. If your target is not wide enough to take all the blows, this might prove too destructive for inside practice, but it will always prove an interesting outdoor event.

8.Call for volunteers to answer queries as to knowledge of First Aid,— Counts: general knowledge; largest number of questions answered, etc. It would not be wise to have too many, lest the boys grow weary, but certainly since this is so vital a subject and so absolutely necessary in Scoutcraft, that at least as large a number of questions should be asked as will demonstrate the Scouts’ general knowledge, and emphasize in their minds the importance of the subject. The following general questions are suggested:

1.What is the need of First Aid knowledge?

2.What is meant by “presence of mind”? How should a Boy Scout use it?

3.How can you put out burning clothing?

4.How can you help in case of an electric shock?

5.What is the best way of stopping a runaway?

6.How would you treat a person for vomiting?

7.What is a fracture? What is the proper treatment for it?

8. What is a bruise? How is it treated?

9. What is a sprain? How is it treated?

10.What is the treatment for dislocation?

11. How is bleeding treated?

12.What do you suggest as the treatment or first aid in case of poisoning?

13.How would you help someone who is burned or scalded?

14.What is fainting? How treated?

15.What is the first aid for sunstroke or exhaustion?

16.What is the method in treating sunburn?

17.How treat for a bite or a sting?

18.What is the treatment for something in the eye?

19.How treat for cramps or stomach-ache?

20.What should you do for earache? Toothache?

21.What is artificial respiration? When should it be used?

9.Have a signaling contest by teamwork. Send and receive a message by semaphore, and then one by the International Morse Code.

10.Have a contest in first-aid and bandaging by teamwork. Count for skill, time, efficiency and aptitude in the best three out of four bandages applied, etc.

11.Have an estimate contest on Requirement 9 for First Class Scouts. Count for two best estimates out of three for distance, size, number, height and weight.

12.Make announcements for the next two meetings, and arrange for an outdoor athletic contest for the next outdoor meeting.

13.Adjourn to a place where the sky can be clearly seen and the stars show to best advantage, and proceed with the instruction in elementary astronomy.

14.End meeting with the Scout Yell and Patrol Calls.

PROGRAM XXXII

Scoutcraft Practice — Outdoor Sports

Announcements — Troop Drill — Lassoing Contest — Tomahawk Contest — First Aid Contest — Stretcher Drill — Quarter-Mile Run — Javelin Contest — Rest Period — Fire-Lighting and Water-Boiling — Dinner — Camp Duties — Fire Making — Tent Raising — Signaling — Swimming — Archery — Jumping — Yell Contest — Tug-of-War — Tilting — Indian Dance — Announcements — Adjournment — Assignments.

The greater part of a Saturday should be given to this meeting, and you should have given some special attention towards arrangements and plans therefor. It is suggested that some few field events be added to the day’s program other than those mentioned and explained in the Boys’ Handbook,— events such as short races, spear or javelin throwing, high jump and broad jump, Indian war dances, etc. If there is any racing of whatever sort planned for, care should be taken that such Scouts who want to run are in such healthy condition that a short sprint or other similar exercise will not be harmful. Each Scout should be requested to bring his own food supply along, and his individual kit for preparing the same if he has it. In the sport events materials should be arranged for in plenty of time ahead,— such as wig-wag flags, tent paraphernalia, poles for high jumping (if planned for), javelins or spears, bows and arrows for archery contest, lassos, etc. The counts should be the same as arranged for in Program XXXI and the same general rules and regulations observed. The field should be in open and rather flat ground, and not too far away from your Scout Headquarters, so that materials can easily be taken to and from the field. But it would be best to select your field as much in the country as possible.

It is presumed that by this time all the Scouts enrolled in your troop have a full outfit of uniform, mess-kits, etc., as given in the appendix of the Boys’ Handbook: (See pages 359–368, inclusive). The Ax (page 360) will do excellently as a tomahawk.

1.Having arrived on the grounds or field, start the program with an assembly and short talk outlining the purpose of the day’s exercises, the rules and regulations to be followed, and an outline of events in their approximate order.

2.Devote a short time to troop drill and instruction.

3.Start the regular program of sports with a lasso contest. Use a tree stump or post at suitable distance, and also a moving Scout.

4.Then have a tomahawk contest at 20, 40 and 50 foot spaces. Use a tree stump or board target; never use a living, growing tree.

5.Have a First Aid contest by team work in resuscitation drill,— for artificial respiration, etc.

6.Have a First Aid contest by team work in a stretcher drill.

7.Next have a quarter-mile run open to all whom it is perfectly safe to let race.

8.Have a javelin or asegai contest. In making these spears or javelins some harder wood should be used and sharpened to a point on one end so that when thrown it will stick into the ground. These spears should be about eight feet in length, and slender and light, as in the regulation spear in use in college field-sports. They may even be pointed with an iron head to lend weight to the point. Almost any encyclopedia will give a fair description of such a light spear.

9.Now have a half hour rest. The boys will need such a rest both because of the previous exercises, and of the other events still to come. But care should be taken in having the rest, that the boys do not catch cold because of cooling off too rapidly or in the wrong place. Care should always be taken to so arrange the events that health and the bodily interests of your Scouts shall always be best secured.

10. During this rest or immediately thereafter it would be a very good time to have the fire-lighting and waterboiling contest. Each competitor should gather his own wood (if in a woodless field, such materials should be furnished), light his fire using not more than two matches, carry his water in a can provided by himself, which should contain as nearly a quart as possible.

11.When the fires are built, dinner should be prepared, scout style. Each Scout should provide and prepare his own food; but all the scouts should plan to eat together.

12.After dinner is finished, orders should be given to “Clean Camp.” Everything should be left as nearly clean as it was found, and in true scout style and safety.

13.Now have a fire making contest by rubbing sticks together. (For instructions, see B. H. pages 70-75).

14.Next have a tent raising contest by team work, providing materials have been arranged for this event.

15.Then have a signaling contest also by team work. Deploy the Scouts advantageously, and have the trials consist of taking and receiving messages from your central station. Test out bothcode systems so far made use of.

AN ARCHERY ENTHUSIAST

16.If accommodations and weather will permit it would be well to have a swimming contest for those who know how to swim. Great care however should be taken in case of this event, and every precaution taken against any accident. Do not allow the boys to stay in the water longer than a half-hour. If the swimming contest is impossible, have in its stead a 100-yard dash, open for all with exceptions as in the quarter-mile race.

17.As a rest after the last event it would be best to have the archery contest. If the boys have not already been instructed in the use of bows and arrows and the method of making them (see B. H. page 75-81), their use now will be an incentive towards an awakening interest in this fine sport.

If the boys have no bows and arrows, such materials should be furnished for the occasion and instruction given in their uses.

18.Now have a running broad jump contest, and while this event is going on have also the high jump, if arranged for. For these events the boys should be arranged in two classes according to size, age, and physical development, etc.

19.Now have another half hour’s rest, during which a Yell contest by team work could well be planned for,— the yells to consist of troop yells and Patrol calls, etc.

20.Then a Tug-of-war contest by team work would be fine as another event, to keep up the interest and keep the boys busy.

21.Then have a tilting contest. For this purpose the staves sufficiently padded at one end can be used as tilting poles. Small rings can be drawn on the ground and the contestants standing in these will try to push one another out of the ring boundaries.

22.Then have a team work Indian dance contest, by patrol or by group. This is heavy exercise and cannot be kept up very long at a time, but will certainly prove popular and interesting. It will tire the boys out quicker than any one event if followed with the vim and energy that the usual boy gives to this sort of sport.

23.Make announcements for the next two meetings, and announce also the results of the day’s contests.

24.Adjourn at an early hour with a good ripping Scout Yell, and send the boys home in groups, each group to report by a spokesman of their choice what they noticed en route,— such reports to be due at the next meeting.

PROGRAM XXXIV

Troop Business Session

Order of Business — Entertainment — Star Study — Scout Games — Announcements.

You have already had one business session of the troop, and it should now be time for another, lest the boys forget the parliamentary principles through lack of practice, and in order to dispose with accumulated troop business affairs. As long as you are training the Scout in civic duties, and the knowledge of parliamentary practice, however simple in form, such meetings should not come too far apart. Give the boys a chance to learn by actual practice, and, if the full Constitution is taken as a model as suggested in Program XV, there will be need of added instruction at each such parliamentary session. In such case a business session should be scheduled, as suggested, for every eighth or ninth meeting.

1.Open and conduct the meeting according to your Constitution and By-Laws, proceeding regularly with your adopted “Order of Business.”

Under the head of Social Entertainment provision should be made for a rest by games, volunteer stunts, etc., such as the needs of the occasion seem to demand.

2.Since this is an evening meeting, if it should be pleasant, and the sky all alight with stars, it would be an excellent opportunity to continue with the study and instruction in elementary astronomy. If the night is disagreeable without, and there is time, the meeting should be followed by a few applicable indoor Scout games, as suggested in B. H.

3.Before the final adjournment, the proper announcements should be made outlining the plans or programs for the next two or three meetings, as far as formulated.

PROGRAM XXXV

Field Scouting — General Practice

On the March — Signal Practice —Rest Period —Lunch — Use of the Ax — Estimate Practice — Nature Study and Woodcraft — Map-Making Assignments — Adjournment.

Get as far out into the open as possible, or take a long hike putting into practice such of the requirements as will prove adaptable and sufficient for your purposes. If your choice is the former suggestion, divide the time about equally into instruction, scouting practice, and games. Requirements 3, 6, 8, 9, 10 (F. C. S.) can be put into practice in the field, or on the hike as well. In advance of this meeting the Scouts, should be asked to bring along a younger boy or brother for instruction in Scout principles as outlined by Requirement 12. Have the boys prepare for the hike by taking along notebook and pencil for practice in stalking as per Requirement 10.

1.Go into the fields or woods in Patrol Formation, or if circumstances permit play some observation game en route such as” Far and Near,” “Window Observation” (a part of Requirement 4 S. C. S.), etc. Or send out two Scouts giving them secret instructions as to general route taken, rendezvous at a certain distance, etc., and play, en route, such games as “Hare and Hound,” “Deer Hunt,” “Indian Trail,” “Lion Hunt,” “Through Mail,” etc. (See B. H. on Games.)

2.Having reached a camp or rendezvous, deploy signal squads in different directions for a series of messages. If younger boys are along instruct them in what is going on, or else have some of the Scouts give this instruction, one new boy each to an older Scout.

3.Call in all of the Scouts by whistle or bugle signal, and have a half hour’s rest or more, during which time the Scouts can instruct the younger boys in the requirements for Tenderfoot rank, or tell stories, or do easy stunts, etc. If arrangements are previously made to have something to eat en route, this will be the time to prepare and enjoy the lunch. Only a light lunch in this case will be needed,— things easily carried and easily prepared. For suggestions see menu. lists in articles on “Camping” in B. H.

4.If facilities are at hand, and circumstances permit, also give instruction at this rest period in the proper use of the ax in felling and trimming light timber as per Requirement 8 (F. C. S.).

5.Also a try-out can be made either at the rest period, or partially while on the hike, of Requirement 9 (F. C. S.) as to size, number, height, distance, etc.

6.While on the hike call attention to all different trees, shrubs, bushes, grasses, mosses, lichens, birds, and animals, or their tracks, etc. If flowers are in bloom have the boys become familiar with the flower construction, also with different plant and wood smells. The boys should also become familiar under your instruction and caution with the poisonous and nettle plants such as poison ivy in the East, the poison oak in the West, “buck brush” where encountered, and with the stinging nettles. Birds should be kept track of when seen, by such notes as suggested in B. H. p. 86, descriptive notes of wild animals and their tracks should be recorded, etc. For excellent outline form for bird-study see the Boy Scout Diary.

READING A SIGN OF THE TRAIL — TURN TO THE LEFT

7.When the hike is over, ask the boys to make a map of the country covered from their memory, showing route taken, characteristics of country, location of land marks, courses of streams, etc.— such map to be completed and handed in for use at Headquarters, at the earliest opportunity, or next meeting.

8.Make announcements for the next few meetings, and adjourn with the Scout Yells and Patrol Calls.

PROGRAM XXXVI

First Aid Practice — Elementary Astronomy

Opening of Meeting — First Aid Drills — Address — Emergency Instructions— Games and Announcements — Star Study — Instruction — Field-Observation — Adjournment.

This evening’s meeting should be given over to First Aid practice during the first part of the evening, if the sky is clear enough to study the stars, but if the sky is overcast with clouds, a few games should be interspersed between part of the First Aid practice, and the latter work receive fairly concentrated attention during the whole evening. In case the stars can be studied, and it is clear enough to pick cut the different principal constellations, the boys will need no intervening exercise, but should find plenty in this sky-study to create and hold the interest. A good book for the boys to read, if so interested, and excellent for, the use of the Scout Master is “Stafland” by Robert S. Ball,— a book of exceptional suggestions and important information set forth in a simple, clearly defined manner,— just the thing in fact, for the boy. For more advanced information for the Scout Master and as an aid in constellation study see J. D. Steele’s “Popular Astronomy” especially Part III, and “Astronomy with the Naked Eye” by Garrett P. Serviss. If circumstances permit a study of the stars, one or two telescopes or field-glasses should be borrowed to aid the eye in seeing further and clearer and enlarging the planets; a telescope, though, is not necessary for first study,— only an excellent help. In the larger cities, large tripod telescopes are usually found on street-corners or in park squares, whose owners charge only five or ten cents for a look at the planets and the moon. Tell the boys of this, so that they may take advantage of the opportunity, should their interest be aroused.

In preparation for First Aid practice, all bandages and appliances should be at hand for demonstration instruction and practice in all the different First Aid drills and methods. It might also be a good thing to have a speaker for this meeting, a physician, surgeon, or nurse to talk on some physiological subject, such as “The Bones,” “Health,” “The Body in Action,” “The Nervous System” “Mind and Body” etc. Or it might be a good suggestion, also, to get some authority or student of astronomy to help out in the star-study.

1.Begin the meeting with a few words outlining the program of the evening, or with a short yell practice, or roll call with Patrol call answers, etc.

2.Have a few of the regular First Aid drills by assignment, such as stretcher drill, head bandage, arm bandage with splints, leg with splints, collar bone, resuscitation drill, etc. (Only roller bandages should be used.)

3.If a speaker has been arranged for as suggested, have the talk at this time. This should be well understood to be brief,— not more than ten minutes’ duration,— and right to the point. After the talk, allow a few extra minutes in which the Scouts may ask questions, if interested.

4.Go over the treatment for accidents and emergencies as outlined in the Boys’ Handbook, and explain all hazy points. Have the boys tell by assignment or voluntarily what to do for treatment of the most common emergencies, such as cuts, bruises, sprains, burns, eye troubles, toothaches, poisons, dog bites, snake bites, insect stings, fits, freezing, etc. Two most complete and excellent small books on First Aid for Scout Masters and Scouts alike, replete with explanations, illustrations, and descriptions are “Emergencies” by Charlotte V. Gulick (Ginn & Co., 1909), and “Emergency Notes” by G. R. Butler, M. D. (Funk & Wagnall Co., 1889). A more complete work on the same subject, though of same size, is” Johnson’s First Aid Manual, 4th edition (paper covered, Johnson & Johnson, 1909).

5.If there is to be no star-study this evening, close the meeting with, or else intersperse before suggestion 4, a few suitable indoor Scout games. End the meeting with announcements and the Scout Yells.

6.If it is clear enough for star study, the announcements should be made for the next meeting, and then all should adjourn to some suitable open place where the astronomy study should begin. If telescopes have been procured, it would be best to have at hand some simple affair to serve as a rest for the glasses so that they may be held as steadily as possible. From charts pick out the positions of as many of the planets as can be seen, and have all the boys understand the difference between the planets and the stars proper. Outline simply the main ideas of the planetary or Copernican theory of evolution, and briefly explain shooting stars, meteors, comets, nebula, etc. Tell about the different moons, the method of measuring star distances, the coldness of the earth’s moon surface, the reason for eclipses, and reason for changes of the seasons, etc. Tell about sun spots, rotation, revolution, “Milky Way,” and constellations; and answer as many of the interested questions as possible. Pick out the main constellations of the month. These can be learned usually from students of astronomy, are outlined in the book by Mr. G. P. Serviss.

7.Adjourn the meeting with the Scout Yells and Patrol Calls, or with some of the old well-known songs.

PROGRAM XXXVII

Cooking Instruction — Requirement 6

Cooking-Squads — Cooking-Fires — Requirement 6 — Try-Out — Scout Games — Precautions — Adjournment.

This special meeting has been suggested because of the real need of cooking practice in the open under careful leadership and instruction. In this case as much time as possible should be given to the proper trials of this requirement, trying the preparation of every article. This should be out in the open in the woods or fields, and all materials should be made ready beforehand, each Scout packing along his own rations and kit. Such a meeting, needing so much instruction, will probably require both your close attention and also that of your assistants.

1.Get out into the open, and divide the troop into squads of two for the cooking practice.

2.Give instructions in the proper building of a cooking fire, and a fireplace. Have the boys follow your instructions, and point out their errors. (See B. H., page 149.)

3.Have a try-out of the proper cooking of different articles given in the requirement,— all the articles, if there is plenty of time. (For instructions see B. H., pp. 149–151.)

4.If there is still time have some one or two good active Scout games of choice.

5.Make the usual announcements, and in this case take the usual precautionary methods against spread of fires, accumulation of trash, etc. Put out the fires carefully, and clean up the refuse and odds and ends.

6.March home in Patrol Formation.

PROGRAM XXXVIII

Scout Reporting

Announcements — Assignments — Games.

This meeting is similar in purpose to those of Programs XXXIII and XXVIII, and therefore the same suggestions will apply as well in this case. A good plan also would be to arrange to visit some museum or zoölogical garden for observation of birds and animals, each Scout to make a brief report of animals and birds observed, personal impressions, etc. Also at this time the Scouts should have their attention called to Requirement 4 (F. C. S.), and urged to fulfill this necessary test as soon as possible.

1.Make announcements for the next two meetings, before giving out assignments for observation reports.

2.Look over the assignment suggestions of Program XXXIII. Or instead of these suggestions have a game such as “Scouting” (p. 298 B. H.), “Flag Raising” (p. 306 B. H.), “Stalking and Reporting” or “Spider and Fly” or “Stalking” (p. 307 B. H.), “Across the Border” or “Surprise” (S. M. M.).

PROGRAM XXXIX

Scout Instruction — Efficiency Percentages

Opening of Meeting — General Instruction — Games — Drills — Estimate Contest — Announcements — Adjournment.

The purpose of this meeting should be general instruction and demonstration in regard to any points not clearly understood in any of the First Class Scout requirements. In order to ascertain from the Scouts themselves just what things to consider, it might be best to ask each Scout to hand in before the meeting a list of the points which are not quite clear to him, so that the needed instruction can be given collectively or individually, or else to have a general question quiz. Some of the First Aid information should be reviewed, and also nature observation of living things and starland, and topography or map making.

A system of efficiency percentages is also a good subject to introduce at this time. It will help out in the final tests, and may prove of great interest to the boys in their desire to become best versed in Scout principles and proficient in Scout activities. Kept individually or by patrol it will also serve as an excellent record system for reference use by Scouts, Scout Masters and other officers, and by parents. Quite a number of Scout Masters already have some sort of honor system or efficiency records, such as this scheme proposes and includes, and the majority are having exceptional success with the idea. Such a record can be kept in a great number of ways, ranging all the way from simple unit marks to such a system as used in baseball records of league standings, batting averages, etc.

Of course too much time should not be taken up with continual attention to the necessary instruction. A good start, fifteen or twenty minutes of concentrated attention with persistent effort, a little play, and a bit more of work with mechanical action or movement, a closing with a feeling of free spirit and fellowship, a creation of enthusiasm, a binding of ties toward one another and to the organization,— that should always be the general plan and the purpose of every meeting with boys. Therefore during the evening, interspersed between parts of the instruction, there should be suitable games and exercises, drills and practices, etc.

1.Open the meeting in some suitable way by roll call in which each Scout will do some stunt at the call of his name, or each shall give his Patrol Call.

2.Proceed with whatever needed instruction is required, in whatever way is deemed best.

3.Have one or two suitable indoor Scout games of choice.

4.Proceed with the evening instruction. Have a few practice drills in First Aid and Signaling.

5.Have a Requirement 9 (F. C. S.) contest.

6.Make announcements of the plans for the next few meetings.

7.Adjourn with Scout’s choice of closing exercises — yells, songs, stunts, etc.

PROGRAM XL

Swimming and Athletics

Swimming Instruction — Substitutions — Water Games — The Natatorium — Salt Water Versus Fresh Water — Stroking — Water Emergencies.

There should be at least one meeting before the Final First Class Scout examinations at which swimming instruction should be given. Of course there are some parts of the country where there are no facilities for such sport, either natural or artificial, but the majority of American boys have a chance of learning to swim at some time or another during the year. As a substitute plan for this meeting in place of swimming instruction, the troop might get out into the fields for a signal practice, have an athletic contest under your instruction in proper methods, or a visit might be taken to some interesting place in the city or country.

A SWIMMING RACE — READY

In case swimming is to be the purpose of this meeting, it would be best to have along several older fellows for the occasion, to give instruction in the proper methods and in water games, and also to provide for plenty of protection against accidents. If the boys care to do so, it would be a good stunt for the whole troop to visit the nearest baths or natatorium for this afternoon swim. The price is very reasonable in most places, safety is provided for, and care is usually taken that the water is of the right temperature for the time of the year.

Quite a number of boys will have opportunity to learn swimming only at salt-water baths or at the ocean beaches. Salt-water swimming is exhilarating and excellent, but because of the difference in the floating qualities of the waters, boys are better able to cope with every sort of water accident, if they have first learned to swim in fresh water.

As much instruction should be given at this meeting as possible. Probably the majority of the boys who can already swim only know one or two strokes at the most, while for safety and efficiency in saving others they will have need of knowing all different strokes,— such as side-stroke, backstroke, breast-stroke, trudgeon, crawl, etc. There are three ways of using the legs, and four or five. ways of using the arms; and any ingenious person can invent from these movements almost any number of combination strokes. The proper methods of floating and diving might also be demonstrated, as well as the several methods of helping out in water accidents. (See B. H., pp. 279-288.)

PROGRAM XLI

An Afternoon Hike — Signal Practice

Nature Study — Animals and Plants — Book Aids — Stalking — Observation Records — Bird Protection — Signal Practice — Geology Talk — Announcements.

The purpose of this meeting is to give ample provision for nature-study under leadership and instruction. Woods, perennial and annual plants, animals and birds should be studied for information, preferably with a few good books on trees and plants, birds, insects, and animals, afield with you. If you have such books, show the boys how to gain definite information from the books by observing the characteristics of the objects and things studied. Also instruct the Scouts in the proper stalking methods, and the manner of recording observations. Also tell them of the need of protection for birds and animals, and of the progress of such movements, so far as you know.

During part of the afternoon, signal practice by Semaphore (or code most in use) by secret code, or by whistles might be resorted to for a change.

Another good idea would be to have somebody along on this hike who could explain to the boys the main principles of geology and the reasons for the local land formation. Most of your boys, from thirteen to sixteen years, are taking the study of Physical Geography in their high school courses, and are already familiar with the general knowledge of the earth history, but all will need practical instruction as to their own locality, and to the methods of applying their accumulated general knowledge along such lines to their daily observation.

Either before the start is made, or when on the way back home announcements ought to be made as to plans for the next one or two meetings. Arrive home not later than 9 o’clock.

SENDING A MESSAGE BY SEMAPHORE

PROGRAM XLII

Troop Business Session

Parliamentary Practice — Entertainment — Interesting Topic Talk — Contests — Scout Demonstration —Order of Business — Games — New Business — Announcements — Adjournment.

This meeting, of course, is similar to the one outlined hr, Program XXXIV, is suggested with the same purpose in view, and should be arranged for in the same way. The amount of parliamentary practice you plan to carry out at this meeting depends largely, of course, on the importance which you expect to give to civic instruction and practice. Such plans as you have for other events will vary necessarily with the amount of such parliamentary practice. But the Social Entertainment Committee should always be urged to have some good stunts and games planned for.

As part of such entertainment, if the Scouts so wish, the Scout Master might arrange to give a few minutes’ talk at each of these business sessions on some live topic,— as an explanation of the “Common Court System,” “Messages from Other Troops,” “Mosquito and Fly Crusade,” “The Great World Powers,” “Aviation,” “Current Events,” etc.

For amusement of the Scouts some sort of indoor contest might be provided for this meeting,— an award and forfeit contest on any or several of the requirements or indoor games is suggested. Also committees might be appointed at this time to make arrangements for a public Scout entertainment or for an inter-troop field day or for both,— the committees to turn in at the next indoor meeting tentative plans of such proposed demonstrations, with suggested dates for the same, etc.

1.Proceed with the meeting as outlined by your adopted “Order of Business” in your By-Laws.

(1)Arrange for some suitable new games and stunts as proposed by the Entertainment or Sports Committee.

(2)Under the head of “New Business” the proposed Scout Demonstrations should be introduced, talked over by all the Scouts, committees appointed, and such other necessary arrangements made.

2.Before the final adjournment, the regular announcements for the next two meetings should be outlined.

3.Adjourn in the regular way, or by Scouts’ choice.

PROGRAM XLIII

Observation Scouting

Group Divisions — Assignments — Message Delivery — Map Making — Approximate Locations — Town — Approximate Locations — Country — Approximate Distances — Leaf Collection — Photography — Reports — Announcements.

This should be an afternoon or evening after school where squads of three or four or whole patrols can work together. It will be unnecessary for the Scout Masters to get out into the field, as most of this Scouting should be carried on from a central base or home rendezvous. But, if a pleasant day has been chosen and the whole afternoon is to be given to Scouting, it would probably be best to combine the observation practice with a short hike, and direct the work of patrols or squads from a field base.

1.Divide the troop into patrols or half-patrols each under a regular leader (a patrol leader or his assistant), or else make such equal divisions into groups having common particular interests, and appoint to each group its leader for the day.

2.Apportion one or two assignments to each group providing some definite work for each boy in the group or giving enough in the assignments to keep all members of each group busy. A suggested list of such assignments follow: —

(1)Send out a message to someone at a distance, each Scout in the group to go and come by a different route, within a certain limit of time. And also each Scout to make map of route taken, noting all principal places passed, important buildings, tall trees, stiles, stone fences, creeks, condition of fields, woodlands, peculiarities of trees or fences or road-ways, and keep a record of tracks seen en route with approximate location on drawing.

(2)Get a plat made of certain squares of the town or certain sections of the open land, each Scout in the group to make a certain portion of the drawing or to take down a certain proportion of the needed notes for such a map, and each Scout being given his assignment at direction of his leader while in the field.

(3)If in town make a map of the whole or a certain proportion of its area, showing all approximate positions of public buildings, telephone booths, hydrants, fire stations, etc., giving walking distance of each from a common center, or the city or town hall.

(4)If in the country or in the fields make a map of a certain area containing several fields, giving approximate area of each, computed upon a rectangular basis by pacing off the boundaries, etc. The map in this case should show approximate locations of wells, barns, all houses, garden patches, rocky ground, etc., and show nature and use of each field, how planted, how extensive, elevations, amount of irrigation, etc. Also a collection of soil should be made, a small amount (a handful) taken from several positions of the assigned area, or wherever the soil seems to change in formation, looks or color, approximate positions of such examples noted on map, and some filed for future analysis along with finished map.

(5)Send out a group to determine approximate pacing distance between several well known buildings or landmarks or noticeable trees, the group to compute approximate size of building, height of tree, etc.

(6)Send out a group to obtain leaves of a certain number of trees (25 for each boy), each tree to be of a different specie if possible, and map to be made showing approximate position of tree in respect to surrounding locality, approximate height, girth at base, distance from a certain known, landmark, etc. Also 10 leaves each from ground-plants or scrubs, showing locations, distances from landmarks, size of plants.

(7)If there is one group interested in photography send it out by wheel or on hike to make a collection of bird and animal photographs. Each Scout to make two photographs of wild birds of different species, and, if possible, a photograph of one wild animal.

3.If an afternoon is given to this observation Scouting, appoint a certain time to limit the field work, and have the Scouts gather at a certain place or local headquarters with their reports. If an evening is used, have the Scouts all report before dark, and only give short assignments.

4.Make announcements for next two meetings, and comment upon work of the day showing value thereof and the education in such observation.

PROGRAM XLIV

Evening Scout Drills

Demonstration Day Program Discussion — Drill Assignments — Address on Geology — Drill Practice — Announcements.

This should be an evening given to drill work before the day set for the Scout Demonstrations, and all such drills as can be given inside should be practiced. Games should be arranged for, or some other means of entertainment provided aside from the drill practice, as a rest period or recreative change. The program for Demonstration Day should be outlined and any changes as discussed and suggested by the Scouts should be arranged for. Since the main features of the demonstration will be wall scaling, signaling, first aid and stretcher drill, lassoing, etc., arrangements should be made previous to this meeting to see that all such material is at hand at Headquarters for such practice. A speaker should also be arranged for, preferably a Civil or Mining Engineer, or a Geologist, who will give a brief talk on land formations, soils and their origins, rocks and soil sediments, or such similar topics. Or a speech from a Scout Master from a neighboring district or the Scout Commissioner might be a drawing card at this meeting and prove of great interest and creative of enthusiasm among the boys.

1.Begin the evening by a brief talk outlining the program for Demonstration Day, and putting the subject before the boys for a general discussion. A committee has been appointed at a previous meeting to arrange such a program and by consultation with the member of that committee the Scout Master should have a pretty definite knowledge of what the boys most want and the arrangements of events. But the whole troop should have a final discussion of the plan of events, with minor changes, etc.

2.Assign different drills to the different patrols each under the direction of their respective leaders. Such suggested drills should be First Aid, Stretcher, Staff, Wall Scaling, Signal Reading, etc. After a certain practice of each of these drills new assignments should be made so that each patrol will have a chance to take part in the practice.

3.If a speaker has been arranged for, he should be announced after a drill practice of forty or fifty minutes. If a Scout officer is to talk, his remarks should preferably be on the advancement of Scout work, or word of a greeting to the boys from their fellows in other parts of the districts, with announcements as to what particular troops are doing, etc. If the talk is to be technical, the address should be couched in simple language, be brief, and open to questions aroused by the interest of the boys.

4.The address should not last longer than half an hour, and the remainder of the evening should be given to drill continuation or practice of individual work, such as throwing the lariat, map reading, distance, size and weight judging, etc.

5.Make announcements for next two meetings and adjourn in the usual way — according to By-Laws, or by Scout Yells, Scout Reports, etc.

PROGRAM XLV

Scout Demonstrations

Parents and Friends — Meeting-Place — Judges — The Contest — Arrangements — Program Talk — Troop Drills — First Aid Staff — Fire Lighting — Signal Codes — Wall-Scaling — Knot-Tying — Bandaging — Scout’s Pace — Compass — Lasso — Computation — Trailing — Archery — Swimming — Nature-Work — Results and Awards — Adjournment.

This meeting has been carefully prepared for and all arrangements attended to by the. Scouts. For some time previous drill work in the different Scout activities has been carefully carried on in preparation for this event. It should by all means be public, and the parents and friends should be invited to come.

The meeting place should be in the open where there is plenty of room for the demonstrations, but in some locality where parents can easily attend. All paraphernalia should be on the ground, the Scout Master carefully checking up the work of the Scout Committee of Arrangements to avoid any delays or mixup.

This demonstration may have been arranged for several participating troops of the same or nearby localities, and if such is the case competent judges should be obtained who will decide as to best performance of Scout drills by troop or patrol. In such case a point system should have been previously adopted. (See Scout Master’s Manual, Chapter VI.)

It is intended that these Scout demonstrations will be more for the purpose of showing to parents and friends the achievements of the boys in their Scout work, rather than to plan for a regular Scout contest, but a contest will perhaps awaken a keener spirit of rivalry between patrols of like ages, and between troops, promote the feeling of gang fellowship within the troop, and insure better results in striving for awards for best efforts.

Arrange the plan of events so that several things can be carried on at the same time, but make such arrangements so that each Scout will have a chance to enter several different events and prove his skill and efficiency in the various activities. Do not attempt too many events.

1.All Scouts having assembled, draw them up in troop formation with order “At Ease,” and address those assembled in a few well-chosen words outlining the purpose of the meeting, and explaining, in case of inter-troop contest, the methods of awards and point-system in use.

2.Proceed with patrol and troop drills.

3.Show method of Stretcher Drill, and First Aid Drill. See Part IV, page 240.

4.Have a brief Staff Drill. See page 228.

5.Divide patrols into groups of two to show method and speed in building and lighting fires with or without matches, and speed in boiling water.

6.Show method of sending and receiving signals at long and short distances, by Semaphore or by other signal code. Demonstrate by small groups, general efficiency and speed.

7.Show wall-scaling by patrol, and keep record of time made by competing patrols.

8.Show ease and ability of knot-tying of any of six or seven knots made on call.

9.Show ability in first aid work in bandaging for sprains, breaks, fainting, etc.

10.Demonstrate ability to go a mile in twelve minutes at Scout’s pace.

11.Demonstrate knowledge of compass points.

12.Demonstrate ability in use of the lariat.

13.Demonstrate ability in judging distance, size, weight, height, etc.

14.Show method of scouting in field for tracking and demonstrate knowledge of several tracks.

15.Demonstrate methods of archery.

16.Have a swimming contest, if facilities and weather will permit. It will always be necessary to take the usual precautions to insure health and safety.

WALL-SCALING PRACTICE

17.Given several different leaves of different species of common trees of the locality, demonstrate knowledge of each tree by description and habits of same.

18.If awards are given for points, have the results of the decisions made before adjourning from the field.

19.Adjourn with a few brief remarks, and call for Scout yells and patrol calls.

PROGRAM XLVI

Scout Evening — Preliminary Tests

Talk — Signal Practice — Speed — First Aid Quiz — Map Reading—Computation — Nature Study — Good Turn Reports — Scout Games — Star Study — Adjournment.

The time is approaching for the examinations for First Class Scouts, and an evening should be set aside as a special appointed time for preliminary tests, so that the weak places may be discovered, and both the Scouts and the Scout Master know the approximate results of all the previous preparation. At this stage of scouting, the Scout should be able to give a good account of himself in almost any emergency, and tests should be carried on with this in view.

The Scout Master should know by this time what Scouts are lacking in the first or swimming requirement, and also all those who have fulfilled Requirement 4 and Requirement 12. It will now be necessary to determine wherein the Scouts are proficient or lacking in the other requirements.

1.Open the meeting by a brief talk as to the purpose of this meeting, the success of last meeting, and plans for future meetings.

2.With assistance of Patrol Leaders or Assistant Scout Masters, divide the patrols into groups of two to take and receive signal code messages. Give a forty or fifty word paragraph to each for practice, and time contestants.

3.Ask questions concerning advanced first aid, giving first one question to one Scout then some other different question to another, and so on. As — “What should you do in case of fire?” “What treatment should you give for ivy poisoning? “, etc.

4.Have the Scouts individually show ability in reading different prepared maps, which you should have on hand.

5.Have a judging contest as to size, weight, height, etc.

6.Handing out different leaves, have Scouts show ability in describing the trees or plants from which they came. Also name six common wild birds, and ask description of same, giving form, color, call, and habits of certain animals and the name of same.

7.Call for a few reports of “Daily Good Turn.”

8.If time is left spend the remainder of evening in Scout games, or if the sky is clear in a study of the sky and constellations.

9.Make announcements for two following meetings and adjourn.

PROGRAM XLVII

Signal and Cooking Practice

Marching or Assignments — Signal Code Practice — Cooking Practice — Dinner — Observation Scouting — Reports — Adjournment.

Before the Scout examination for First Class Work, an extra practice should be given all the Scouts for signaling and cooking, and perhaps a practice of Requirements 8 and 10. Materials should be taken into the open for an afternoon or all day hike, and enough should be provided so that each Scout will have a chance under the guidance of the Scout Master to cook each of the prescribed articles of Requirement 6.

1.Having met at Scout Headquarters, get out to the selected camp site, either in patrol formation, or marching order, or by assignment by patrol on different routes, to report observations, etc.; limiting time of arrival at rendezvous.

2.All having arrived at camp site, and placed materials and paraphernalia for safe keeping, and cleaned camping site, assign positions to half-patrols each in charge of a leader or assistant, order to deploy or take positions, and give out messages for signal practice. See that each Scout of each group has a chance to send and receive messages of some length (forty or fifty words).

3.Make assignments by half-patrol or squad to gather fire-wood for camp and cooking, to make fireplaces with bricks, stones or clay, to obtain fresh water, etc., and then have each Scout grouped in patrol bunches, light and make his own fire, and assign to each some different thing to prepare for cooking.

Enough time should be given to this in inspection and needed instruction to insure success, and give attention to each Scout. If there is time each Scout should be assigned three of the required articles chosen “by drawing lots from printed slips of paper in the Scout Master’s hat. When enough has been cooked, and such food has been kept warm as is necessary, the cooking practice should stop and the things cooked should be eaten, if properly cooked and attended to. Then clean camp.

4.If there is time left in the afternoon for observation Scouting, send half-patrols into the woods to gather leaves of different trees and study the trees at first hand, observing nature of wood, bark, height of bush, method of branching, etc. Each group will stay out thirty or forty minutes, making notes of routes taken, trees observed, descriptions of same, and of all birds, animals and tracks discovered, with respective descriptions.

A PATROL PYRAMID IN SIGNAL PRACTICE

5.Having called all squads back to camping spot, collect or hear reports, and then adjourn, after making announcements for next meeting Call attention to the proximity of the examination and also say a few words as to the importance of being prepared, the contemplated results, etc. State also what the general plan of Scouting will be, following the examination.

PROGRAM XLVIII

First Class Scout Examinations — Indoors

Examiner — Requirement 1. — Requirement 4 — Outdoor Examinations — Requirement 2 — Requirement 8 — Estimate Test — Requirement 5 — Requirement 10 — Requirement 11 — Requirement 12 — Evening Address — Scout Games or Scout Yarn — Adjournment.

The arrangements for this meeting have already been made and should be prepared for as in the case of the Second Class Scout examinations,— by having present as an examiner, a member or all of the Court of Honor, or a visiting Scout Master or Scout Commissioner, who will conduct the examinations.

Unless there are proper facilities and the weather permits examination in Requirement I will either be pre-determined or deferred until a future set date for fulfillment. Requirement 4 should have already been performed and the carrying out of this requirement will be recorded when accomplished and vouched for by the Scout Master.

This will leave for the evening examination Requirements, 2, 5, a part of 8, a part of 9, 10, 11 and 12. The bulk of this Scout examination will therefore be given outdoors, so the evening program of requirement tests should be so arranged in different sections as to provide for some means of entertainment either in scout games or in a short address of some live topic interesting to the boys by a member of the Court of Honor, the visiting Scout Master, or the Scout Master in charge.

1.Requirement 2. Proficiency can be shown by exhibition of bank book and citation of method of earning the money.

2.Those Scouts who have prepared themselves on the second section of Requirement 8, will present their article of carpentry or cabinet-making and show method of making the same.

3.An examination can be given best indoors for size, number, and weight judging. Given a certain number of things each Scout will estimate results as nearly correct as possible on same examination paper used for Requirement 5.

4.Have prepared six or seven lists of questions for requirement 5, ten or twelve to the list, and select lists at random for the Scouts to answer by paper and pencil.

5. For Requirement 10, some will have prepared themselves specially in knowledge of trees and plants, some in knowledge of birds, and some of animals. Each will select his part of the Requirement and describe as directed, ten species of plants, six species of birds, or six species of animals. Each Scout will also be expected to show his ability to point out the North Star and three constellations if the weather will so permit the stars being seen.

6.Satisfactory evidence will be furnished for Requirement 11, if a statement signed by the teacher and parents or guardian is presented by the Scout. This statement will show whether the Scout has applied the Scout principles in his daily life, in the estimation of those who know him best.

7.Requirement 12 is examined for by a brief examination of the Tenderfoot recruit presented by each applicant for First Class rank.

8.If an address is arranged for the speaker should now be introduced (or immediately following point 2, of the suggested program). The topic selected should be of interest to all the boys.

9.If time permits the remainder of the evening should be spent in an indoor game of Scouts’ choice, or in story telling by the Scout Master.

10.Make announcement for following meetings and adjourn.

PROGRAM XLIX

First Class Scout Examination — Outdoor

Requirement 3 — Requirement 8 — Requirement 7 — Requirement 9 — Requirement 6 — Adjournment.

The Scout examination outdoors should be given as soon, after the evening examination as possible, preferably having the first on a Friday evening and the outdoor meeting on the Saturday afternoon following. Judges should be arranged for as before, and with the same judges as of the evening before, if at all possible.

Examination will be given in Requirements 3, 6, 7, 8, and part of 9. Those Scouts who have fulfilled Requirement 8 by producing an article of carpentry the evening before, are deemed to have taken the examination in Requirement 8, but this will not bar them trying out in first part of test. Of course where light standing timber is not available, this test will either be deferred or previously accomplished at a favorable opportunity, or else light cut trees will be furnished, the Scouts will demonstrate method of felling and trimming thereof.

Parts of Requirement 9 in judging for distance and height can best be determined in the open.

1.Divide the patrols into squads of two to take and receive a message of some twenty or thirty words. Each Scout should have a chance to both take and receive messages, and show proficiency in signaling. Any code may be used.

2.If arrangements have been made for Requirement 8, each Scout should prove his ability to show proper method of felling and trimming the timber provided.

3.Send out Scouts in different directions short distances to make notes for maps of surrounding sections of country. Upon return each Scout will make a rough sketch map from his notes fulfilling the directions of the requirement. Also each Scout will he expected to show proficiency in correctly reading already prepared maps, and in pointing out any compass direction without help of compass.

4.Examine each Scout for ability to judge distance and height from his surroundings, giving three trials to each.

5.Having prepared a place for the cooking examination, each Scout will prepare his own fire, and the judge will assign at random any of the articles of Requirement 6. Scouts will be expected to explain to the judge, or a Tenderfoot, or a new recruit, the methods followed. The same preparations are made for this examination as in the cooking practice. as suggested in Program XLVI.

6.Having cleaned camp thoroughly in scout style. the meeting will be ready for adjournment. Make the usual announcements for next succeeding meetings and close with Scout yells.

PROGRAM L

Afternoon Hike — Archery

Nature-Study Hike — Soil Collection — Geology Information — Archery — Supper — Adjournment.

This afternoon should be spent in the open, preferably on a nature study hike. If a whole afternoon can be spent in scouting, materials for a Scout supper should be taken along so as to have a Scout meal in the field. In that case part of the afternoon and evening can be spent in Scout field games. Also it would be an excellent idea to take bows and arrows into the field so that an archery contest can be carried on. This will serve to train both the eye and the muscle and the exercise is typically a scout activity.

A SCOUT HIKE IN WINTER —SCOUTS ON SNOWSHOES

1.Plan the hike for a walk through the woods and over rough ground where the trees and plants can be personally observed as to leaves, bark, method of growth, flowers, system of foliage, and where the land formation can be studied at first hand. Take something along to collect soil specimens or peculiar looking minerals for future analysis. Have the boys ask questions freely about things observed, and open the subject to the discussion of all.

Some expert on geology or physical geography to accompany the Scouts on this hike will help out wonderfully in creating interest in the country formation, and in answering questions.

2.After the hike, a suitable spot should be chosen for an archery contest and for other Scout games.

3.If a Scout supper is planned for, the games should be followed by its preparation and having cleaned camp and told a few stories, the Scouts will adjourn for the homeward hike.

PROGRAM LI

First Class Scout Investiture

Opening Talk—Evening Address — Investiture Ceremonial — Announcements — Refreshments — Flag Salute —” America.”

This meeting is important as it marks the culmination of first endeavors and opens up the field for greater activity along specialized lines and the achievement of special Scout honors. It is the goal toward which all the Scouts in the troop have constantly been striving, and toward which all the foregoing meetings have tended in their training. Achievement of First Class Scout rank should be attended with extra and as impressive ceremony as possible.

A speaker for the occasion should be obtained, and also a member representing the Court of Honor or the Local Council should be present to give out the badges of First Class Scout rank, and make, a brief address on Scouting. Parents and friends might well be invited, and arrangements might likewise be made for special refreshments of ice-cream, cake, etc., in honor of the occasion.

Before the meeting it will be necessary to have ordered sufficient First Class Scout badges, so the meeting should be planned for long enough after the First Class Scout Examinations to know how many badges to order. The badges for both Scouts in file and in office are described in the Boys’ Handbook, pp. 13 and 18. They are both of safety pin style; to be worn upon the sleeve. The price is 15 cents.

1.Open the meeting with a few well-chosen remarks as to importance of meeting and purpose of achievements in Scouting.

2.Have the address of the speaker for the occasion, preferably on the “National Scout Movement.” Limit this address to fifteen minutes.

3.Proceed with the investiture ceremony as for Second Class Scouts (see Programs XXV and VII), with such additions or changes as seem best to make the ceremony more impressive. The member of the “Court of Honor” will give out the badges, and as he names the successful Scouts, each will come forward from the line to have the badge pinned on his arm.

The Officer of the Scout Council or “Court of Honor” will then address the Scouts in a brief address and the boys will then take their seats.

4.Following the investiture ceremonial the announcements will be made as to succeeding meetings, and the Scout Master will briefly outline the extent of work just covered by the First Class Scouts.

5.Refreshments are served, if provided for.

6.Scouts are called to attention in column of patrols, and salute is made to the flag. This should be followed by the singing of “America,” and then the meeting is adjourned.

PROGRAM LII

Scout Reporting — Field Practice

Afternoon Observation Hike — Interesting Places —Observation Walk — Nature Study Assignments — Signal Practice — Lunch — Homeward Bound — Assignments.

This should be another meeting for the open fields or woodlands where the Scouts can spend the time in suitable games, and in scout reporting as suggested in Program XLII. If an afternoon or whole Saturday is given to this meeting, a hike should be arranged for to cover the greater part of the day, and arrangements made to have a Scout lunch on the march. Or in place of a hike through the woods, some interesting historical place could be visited, or a trip made to a zoo or museum. In the latter case the Scouts should be asked to keep their eyes open so that an observation contest as to things noticed might be later carried on.

1.Get out into the field toward a previously appointed rendezvous, or else start on the cross country hike or visit to the museum or other interesting place. Take along signal flags and note books for observation notes. Also each Scout should carry sufficient rations for a light lunch, if on a full day hike.

2.After spending a certain time on the hike make assignments for nature study work, such as bird and animal stalking, tree study, geological formations, observation, etc. After spending a certain length of time as limited by the assignment, all will gather at the rendezvous, and hand in their reports. Make these reports open for discussion.

3.Have a signal practice if not too late.

4.If the Scout lunch is arranged for prepare and eat it, while the discussion is going on. Then follow with an interesting Scout story.

5.Send each half-patrol home on different routes under direction of a patrol leader or assistant, and ask for observation reports to be turned in for future reading.

PROGRAM LIII

Business Meeting

Plan of Meeting — Evening Address — Troop Finances — New Scout Work Suggestions — Announcements.

The evening business meeting should be arranged for as on previous occasions, and carried out according to plan of meeting adopted in the troop by-laws before the real business of the meeting begins. It might be arranged to obtain a speaker to talk on some interesting subject. If this is done, it should be by the actions of the entertainment committee upon some topic agreed upon by them. This committee might also arrange for such other entertainment as seems advisable and permissible by the Scout Master.

Discussion of troop finances by the Scout Master and troop members should be in order at this meeting, and means and plans for carrying on the scout work by interesting program suggestions, between the business meeting and the next, when a new series of program activities can be arranged for and suggested.

Before the adjournment of the meeting, announcement should be made of the plans of the next two succeeding meetings, and every Scout should be urged to attend the Inter-Patrol Contest for winning of points.

PROGRAM LIV

Inter-Patrol Contest — Point Winning

Point Systems — Award of Honor — Athletics — Scoutcraft — Competitive Events — Tardiness and Attendance — Judge — Awarding the Honors.

This meeting should be planned to create rivalry between the patrols and promote individual efficiency in the different Scout attainments. Some point system should be outlined and adopted, giving awards for each event, but all points should be accredited to the whole patrol rather than to individual Scouts of the patrols. Some award, such as a Scout banner, or especially designed patrol flag, or some other insignia, should be given to the patrol winning the highest number of points, the winners to hold the trophy for a certain length of time, when a new contest will decide the next holder of the honor, or especial banner or insignia.

Athletics should not enter into this contest, except in a minor way and only as applied in regular scouting. Proficiency in general Scoutcraft should receive highest recognition, and the patrol of younger boys should receive the same attention and same chance as patrols of older fellows.

For suggested events for winning of points see Chapter VI of the Scout Master’s Manual.

Hold the meeting with such suggested order of events as given in Program XLIV, for inter-troop contest or troop demonstrations. Tardiness and attendance should also be marked down to the credit or loss of the patrol, when such award has been determined upon by the troop. There will also be any number of other points for contest, which will prove adaptable, and occur to the Scouts or Scout Master in planning for such a contest.

A Scout Master of a neighboring troop or district or some man competent to judge results of contest should be obtained for the occasion.

The Award of Honor should be on hand, and be given to the winning patrol at the end of the contest, when the decisions are announced.