I approach this subject as someone who benefited from the Boy Scout Movement, first as a child and then as an adult.
I entered Cub Scouting at the age of eight, continuing through the ranks to WeBeLoS, eventually earning the rank of Boy Scout second class. I later became involved in Scouting as an adult, first as an Army Chaplain stationed at two military installations (one in-state and one overseas), and then as a father of two boys.
Robert SS Baden-Powell
The founder of international Scouting was a British ex-serviceman named Lord Baden-Powell, who became concerned when his military manual, “Aids To Scouting,” became a bestseller and was being used by youth organizations. He felt that children should learn to develop their abilities and make significant contributions to society.
Observing the work and organization of the Boys’ Brigade, Lord Baden-Powell saw potential for the use of boys’ power… and was challenged by Sir William Smith to rewrite the manual, calling it “Scouting For Boys”, which formed a ideology and training method that captured the minds and spirits of children and sparked a movement around the world. As a military officer stationed in South Africa, he observed the initiation rites of the Zulu people. This combined it with certain “non-combatant” military skills, a promise of a lifetime of service, a code of conduct, and a distinctive uniform. He explored his concepts with 22 children from different social backgrounds on Brownsea Island (off the coast of England) in 1907; the rest became history.
american scouting
William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher visiting London, was assisted by a British Boy Scout in dense fog, accepting no tip for his service. The scout cited that it was his duty to do a “good deed” without pay. Amazed, Boyce studied this movement and later, on February 8, 1910, founded the Boy Scouts Of America (BSA). This organization incorporated rich Native American scouting customs, along with the works of Ernest Thomas Seton’s Woodcraft Indians and the naturalistic and pioneering spirit of Daniel Carter Beard. James E. West became the first Chief Scout Executive.
Comments
I salute Lord Baden-Powell for being instrumental in creating positive directions for youth, thereby helping young people develop character and commitment to a life of service. The same can be said of Boyce, Seton, Beard and West.
If presented and modeled well, Scouting gives boys a sense of purpose, worthwhile goals to strive for, a code of conduct, and a life of service. These are the building blocks for helping children understand the responsibilities of adulthood. These were the principles that Scouting taught me, and which I still hold dear today.
Unfortunately, the growth of Scouting outpaced its ability to oversee, manage and maintain quality control…it became a business, greatly losing its vibrant spirit and commitment to youth development…it lost its personal touch. It also became subject to the religious influence and political correctness of the time.
Many Scout Councils fail to develop and maintain strong and influential adult leadership at the pack/troop committee level…so several boys suffered from discouragement. This was true for me. I know that with a little more personal encouragement and encouragement, I could have become an Eagle Scout. Unfortunately, I have to admit that, as a scout, I didn’t know ranks beyond First Class Scout (I didn’t make it to First Class because I couldn’t swim, and couldn’t get much help learning). Progression through the ranks is the job of the local Advancement Committee… whose first job is the education of the scouts.
As a former Cub Scout, WeBeLoS Scout, Boy Scout, Scouter (adult Scout Committee member), Cub Scout Webelos assistant leader, Boy Scout assistant teacher, and adult member of the Order of Arrow – Brotherhood. I know that in theory scouting is much more than scouting in practice today. Scouting may have grown into a massive organization over the years…but it has lost much of the original luster of the “spirit of Scouting.” This in no way rules out the fervent dedication and commitment of exceptional people, who embody the spirit of the founders of Scouting. To them, my greatest respect and eternal loyalty… for a selfless job, well done!