The Scouting program in the Boy Scouts of America has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. To accomplish these aims, the BSA has designed eight methods in Boy Scouting. It is important that you know and use the methods of Boy Scouting. Other methods are good, but they may bring different results — results possibly quite different than we are seeking. One of these methods is uniforming.

Over the years, Scoutmasters have noticed that Scouts who truly try to live by the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives seem to be moved by the spirit to wear the Scout uniform (if they can afford it). Why? What is so magical about these pieces of cloth? Why would the BSA make wearing certain cloths part of the eight methods of Boy Scouting? I would like to take a few minutes to investigate this method to see what it brings to the table.

The uniform supports the first Aim of Scouting, that of character development. The uniform is a symbol of the boy’s commitment to Scouting – his acceptance of the BSA’s ideals and willingness to live by them. The boy knows that when he is in that uniform he is expected to act in accordance to the values of the BSA and the values he has made an oath to live by. This purpose of uniforming is as much a part of the method as uniting him with his troop or patrol. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.

The Scout’s identification grows even greater when it is realized that the uniform gives the Scout an identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.

Scouts often do not have a complete understanding of Scouting or the commitment they have chosen to make. We need to communicate to them that that the uniform is a symbol of their commitment to Scouting, to the BSA, to their Council and to other Scouts and, not wearing the uniform is a sign to others that they may lack that commitment.

The uniform also makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. People who are not Scouts recognize the Boy Scout uniform. To the community the uniform represents a welcome image, a reminder that not all kids are bad, and not all gangs are violent.

Uniforming also supports the second Aim of Scouting, that of citizenship training. In that it contributes to patrol and troop spirit. Boys who wear the uniform are put on a par with each other. Fancy clothes purchased by rich parents are gone as are clothes that bind the boy to other organizations and gangs. The uniform helps to build esprit de corps and gives the troop and patrol an identity with a program different from what the boy is exposed to outside of Scouting. However, that ‘uniformed Scout’ represents more to himself, to his fellow Scouts and to the public as a whole, than simply belonging to his patrol or his troop. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, to the government that presides over that society. The BSA uniform unites the boy with this larger goal by uniting him with the organization whose aim is that goal: the BSA.

Uniforming also contributes to the third aim of personal and mental fitness. In Boy Scouting, the Scouts must satisfy certain requirements to achieve rank and responsibility within the program. These requirements often require the mastering of a physical or mental skill. When the requirements are satisfied an award or badge is earned. The uniform gives the Scout a reason to take pride in the way he looks, and in the badges and awards that testify to his achievements.

As for adults wearing uniforms, all I can say is what Baden-Powell said: “It is largely a matter of example. Show me a slackly-dressed Troop and I can “Sherlock” a slackly-dressed Scoutmaster. Think of it, when you are fitting on your uniform or putting that final saucy cock to your hat. You are the model to your boys and your smartness will reflect itself in them.” Instead of using uniforming as a club that might prevent a boy from participating in Scouting, when you are with the Scouts, even for the simplest of things, put on your uniform. It raises the moral tone of the boys and it heightens their estimation of their uniform when they see it is not beneath a grown man to wear it. It also heightens their estimation of themselves when they find themselves taken seriously by men and women who also count it of importance to be in the same brotherhood with them. As Scouters we must constantly remind ourselves that it isn’t so much what we say to the Scouts that they will emulate, but what we do. The Scouts are told by other leaders, by their handbooks and by each other to look to us as role models. And they will, they will do what do and wear what we wear.

It is important that each of us fully understands the importance of each of the eight methods of Boy Scouting. I hope that after reading this discussion on how uniforming directly contributes to the three aims of Scouting that you have a better understanding of the often neglected and misunderstood method of uniforming.

Yours in Scouting,
Bill Nelson, Grand Canyon Council
May 27, 2002

Why Do They Come? The first question you need to ask is “Why would they WANT to come?” People have busy lives, and there needs to be a compelling reason to take time to attend a meeting.

There are a couple of common reasons for going to a meeting. The first is that the meeting is a roaring good time. It sounds as though you have lots of activity built into the meeting and not just an evening-long presentation. But do folks think the meeting is FUN? Don’t ask the people who attend. Ask the ones who don’t attend.

Another common reason for attending is that it helps them do their job better or more easily. You may be handing out worksheets, but are they what the leaders need? Do you know what there three biggest issues/problems are? Have you asked the folks not attending? By finding out what they really need and providing it, you might have trouble keeping them away.

The last issue to consider is logistics. Do you have the roundtable scheduled and located such that it allows maximum attendance or does it conflict with other activities common to the cub leaders? Ask the non-attenders. It may or may not be an issue. Finally, check awareness. Jim Fuller once asked a three-year veteran den leader why he was never at round table. His reply: “what’s roundatable?”

How Do You Know What Scoutmasters Want from Roundtable? One winning strategy is to have an ideas session with the Scoutmasters. Take ten or fifteen minutes to go over the year. Ask them to tell you when they ran into a skills problem where they wished they’d know a bit more. Ask them what they’d like to learn that would help them with their Troops? Ask these SMs what topics they’d like to see covered. Use the feedback to come up with topics that you can present. Use an early Roundtable meeting to plan topics for the rest of the year. If leaders pick the topics, they’ll be more likely to want to come and more importantly can help with the presentations – use shared leadership.

What About Regular Features? Try having an experienced Scoutmaster give a short presentation; e.g., Hike of the Month, Gadget of the Month, Where to Go Camping, Chef of the Month, and Menu of the Month or similar topics. All sorts of presentations are possible here – slides of hikes, maps to hand out, menus, and and fresh cooked dutch oven goodies. Don’t miss the opportunity to be inspiring – use a Scoutmaster Minute to close each session.

What About Themes? Plan presentations based on the following month’s theme. If it conflicts with other things in the district that need to be done, work around it. Also, if the monthly theme doesn’t appeal to your crowd, just plan a Scout skills training session. Lashing, orienteering, etc. Arrange for the person in your district who is an expert to do the teaching.

Some people have mentioned that this will bore the OLDER SCOUTERS how have been coming to roundtable for a long time. Well, well, where have we heard that before? So, my solution to that is that the OLDER SCOUTERS help the YOUNGER SCOUTERS during the sessions. Since as we know the YOUNGER SCOUTERS learn best when taught by the OLDER SCOUTERS.

What Can You Do At Boy Scout Roundtable? There are almost an infinite number of things you can do.

• First aid kits – what should and should not be in one
• Thief’s knot vs square knot
• How to whip the end of a rope
• What to look for in buying a:
  • tent
  • sleeping bag and pads
  • boots and foul weather gear
  • pack
  • camp stove and lantern
  • pocket knife
  • Other toys like multi-tools, flashlights, compasses, etc.
• Knife sharpening, maintenance, and safety
• Stove and lantern lighting and safety
• Stove and lantern maintenance and repair
• How to rig tarps
• Proper dishwashing techniques 3 vs 2 pot method
• How to treat a:
  • blister
  • simple cut
  • snakebite
  • sprained ankle/broken ankle
  • scald from cooking
  • burn from stove/lantern/fire
• How to cut with a bowsaw
• How to split with a hand ax
• Firelays, when to and not to use fire
• Proper building, lighting, and feeding (care) of a fire
• Proper way to douse a fire
• Proper way to dispose of garbage
• Types of packs, fanny, day, overnight, long term, internal frame
• Packing a backpack
  • ziplock bags – do you pack by day, or by clothes type
  • Internal frame packing vs external frame packing
• How to fit a backpack
• There are many things that can be covered from the Leave no Trace ethic. This doesn’t even begin to address nature things like tracks and tracking, identifying trees by leaves/needles, bark, etc.

If you are doing one short demo or discussion per evening – this should last for a year or two.

What else should be at a Roundtable? Make sure you have material available so that units can sign-up for camporees, klondike derbies, JLT, snow camping, summer camp, and so forth. Set up a file for each unit that is used like a roundtable mailbox. Every month all the handouts and literature a unit might need is available in their folder.

Who should be there besides Scoutmasters? Don’t forget to invite the District Commissioner, District Committee members (for example, the person organizing an activity), and Chartered Organization Representatives.

What should be on your agenda as Roundtable Commissioner?Pre-opening: This is the period in which you arrive, receive materials, and find your friends and make new ones.

Opening: This is where an appropriate “ceremony” (the reading of a posting from the electronic roundtable, the responsive repeating of the Scout Oath or Law or the Pledge to the Flag, or something else tied to the theme of the month) is presented.

Administrative words: Welcome to the Roundtable, the bathrooms are down the hallway and to the left for the guys, to the right for the gals, and the coffeepot needs a donation but is out in the hall immediately outside this room. The handouts are over in the corner, and if you haven’t received them already, you should pick up a set during our breaks (or you’re outta luck and will have to find someone to share with you!).

Program: What we come for. This is the part in which should be varied every time you come to a Roundtable. They should expect something different each month, tied to their roles as Scouters but not neccesarily having to do with the “theme of the month” nor Scouting. What several Roundtable Commissioners have done in the past, were to take several of our Scouts-L topics, put them on a butcher paper, and allow for discussion and explaination for seven to ten minutes each. Then, the Commissioner would pass out copies of our electronic conversations covering that topic, and those Scouters would be able to read “what we said” about the topic or issue. “It gave those attending Roundtable some idea of what Scouters are talking about in other places!”

Games and Songs: We don’t like ‘em all of the time, but they serve a purpose: to keep the group together and to provide some diversion from the serious aspects of the monthly TRAINING (remember what Shel (Dick) stated: Roundtables are SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING AND COACHING) program.

Resource Time: This is the time in the evening in which the Commissioner serves as primary instructor and “coaches us” on several aspects of what we’re doing as Scouters, based upon questions and previous experience as a unit Scouter. This isn’t the “Scoutmasters’ Minute” part of the program…this part is designed to coach a specific skill or interest area besides that of the general program.

District Executive’s time: You should ALWAYS provide your District professional a few minutes (no more than 10!) for him (or her) to provide all of you with the latest information from your Council and from National. This too, is part of the training aspect of Roundtables.

Final Words of Wisdom: HERE is where the Commissioner does a “Scoutmasters’ Minute” — something inspirational that the Scouters attending can emulate (and with the right handout, can do so!) in the closing minutes of one of their Troop meetings.

Closing: The closing should match up with the opening, and doesn’t have to be so elaborate that people are waiting for everything to be “set up”.

Parking Lot: Don’t forget that an important part of ANY meeting is the “real meeting” that goes on before and afterwards. Don’t be in such a hurry to lock the place up (that is, unless you have a specific time period in which to use the place and you MUST be out of it and everything off and secure by a certain time!!). This is a time for explaining things in more detail, or offering a shoulder or arm, or a pair of hands; or those simply saying “thanks” to a fellow Scouter.What should you do when people want to do the dreaded announcements? At almost every Roundtable eager Scouters are going to want a few minutes to present information about upcoming events. Some just don’t know when to sit down or how to be brief, which can make some of your folks less apt to want to come back for more. Some Roundtable Commissioners have solved this problem by using some good-natured fun gimmicks. One Commissioner rings a cowbell 15 minutes before a Roundtable as a last call to get on the agenda with an annoucement. When an announcement is made, the cow bell starts to ring after two minutes and continues to ring until the announcer is done.

What can you do to keep your own comments brief?

• Use handouts to present most of the information
• Use an index card to note key information – if it isn’t on the card then it doesn’t need to be said
• Face your audience and a clock – when you get half-way through the time you’ve alloted start wrapping up and wind down.
• When your time is up, quit talking, move to your seat and sit down.
• STAND UP — SPEAK UP — SHUT UP — SIT DOWN.

Acknowledgements: This page was prepared based on comments on the Scouts-L discussion list by Bob Jacober, Mike Walton, Mike Bowman, Jim Fuller, Tom Bingaman, Alice Rae, Robert Wright, Laura Lyster, and Katherine Coates.

John Wayne

A great American, John Wayne, passed away many years ago. One of his last public appearances was at a dinner. He was riddled with cancer and knew he was close to death. The purpose of the dinner was to benefit a land purchase for a Scout Reservation called John Wayne Outpost Camp.

At this dinner, Wayne recited the Scout Law. Then he did something unusual. He said the twelve points of the Scout Law are “nice words”. “Trouble is” he continued, “we learn them so young we sometimes don’t get all the understanding that goes with them. I take care of that in my family. As each boy reaches Scout age, I make sure he learns the Scout Law. Then I break it down for him, with a few things I have picked up in more than half a century since I learned it.”

Then Wayne proceeded to explain the importance of the Scout Law, breaking it down for the guests at the dinner; much like he would have for his grandson.

TRUSTWORTHYThe badge of honesty. Having it lets you look at any man in the eye. Lacking it, he won’t look back. Keep this one at the top of your list.LOYALThe very word is life itself; for without loyalty we have no love of person or countryHELPFULPart sharing, part caring. By helping each other, we help ourselves; not to mention mankind. Be always full of help — the dying man’s last words.FRIENDLYBrotherhood is part of that word. You can take it in a lot of directions – and do – but make sure and start with brotherhood.COURTEOUSAllow each person his human dignity; which means a lot more than saying, “Yes, ma’am” and “Thank you, sir.” It reflects an attitude that later in life you wish you had honored more… earlier in life. Save yourself that problem. Do it now.KINDThis one word would stop wars and erase hatreds. But it’s like your bicycle, it’s just no good unless you get out and use it.OBEDIENTStarts at home. Practice it in your family. Enlarge it in your friends. Share it with humanity.CHEERFULAnyone can put on a happy face when the going is good. The secret is to wear it as a mask for your problems. It might surprise you how many others do the same thing.THRIFTYMeans a lot more than putting pennies away; and it is the opposite of cheap. Common sense covers it just about as well as anything.BRAVEYou don’t have to fight to be brave. Millions of good, fine, decent folks show more bravery than heavyweight champs just by getting out of bed every morning, going out to do a good day’s work, and living the best life they know how against the law of odds. Keep the word handy every day of your life.CLEANSoap and water helps a lot on the outside. But it is the inside that counts, and don’t ever forget it.REVERENTBelieve in anything that you want to believe in, but keep God at the top of it. With Him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without Him, you are just biding time.

John Wayne then thanked those at the dinner for putting his name on the outpost camp and said, “I would rather see it here than on all the theater marquees the world over.”

About the John Wayne Outpost Camp. It is a part of:

Forest Lawn Scout Reservation, Lake Arrowhead, CA
Los Angeles Area Council
Boy Scouts of America
2333 Scout Way
P.O. Box 26910
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-4400 Ext. 257 (Camping)

Forest Lawn Scout Reservation is located in the heart of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, 65 miles east from Los Angeles at an altitude of 5,300 feet.

The 2,000 acres of evergreen cedar and oak forest, quiet streams, developed camping areas, and rugged wilderness provide a perfect environment. There are several camps located on the reservation.

The John Wayne Outpost Camp was established in 1979. The outpost offers mountain man treks. Other camps on the reservation include: Camp Big Horn, opened in 1952, now known as the Circle X Ranch at Big Horn; Camp Cedar, later renamed Camp Pitchess, opened in 1953 (partially burned in a 2003 wildfire) is now Camp Pollock; The old Outpost Camp, converted to Northrop Camp in 1955 (now a staff housing area); and Camp Pepperdine, opened in 1960 will return to use as a Cub Resident Camp in 2007.

There are trails that go all over the reservation that allow many opportunities for hiking skills to be developed. Over the past 50 years most campers have enjoyed trips onto the San Bernardino National Forest land that borders the reservation for a visit to the beautiful area at Deep Creek.

The facilities at Forest Lawn Scout Reservation include: Firebird Lake with canoeing, kayaking, and row boats. Circle X Ranch has a pool with a waterslide. There is as an astronomy observatory, 40 ft. climbing wall, shooting sports (archery, rifle, shotgun, BB-gun for Cubs), and horseback riding. A Trail to First Class (Pathfinder) program is offered. NYLT – National Youth Leadership Training is offered the first week in August.

John Wayne Outpost is a Mountain Man Adventure featuring: backpacking, dutch oven cooking, night hiking, black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing.

A C.O.P.E. course is offered (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) that consists of a low and high ropes course, the low course enhances groupskills and teamwork. The high course is by invitation only and develops individual skills through exciting events among the high trees.

Both John Wayne Outpost Mountain Man and C.O.P.E. are for Boy Scout Campers that are 13 or older.

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

• Shorts and/or pants (6), shirts (4) and Troop tee shirts, Class A Uniform (2) (they will need at least 1 pair of long pants for service work and horseback riding) …
• Daily change of underwear and socks
• Handkerchiefs
• Bathing Suit
• Raincoat and/or poncho
• Hiking Boots
• Pajamas
• Sweater and/or light Jacket
• Sneakers
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow (if desired)

TOILET ARTICLES

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Towel
• Bath Towels (2)
• Washcloths (2)
• Comb, Brush, Mirror
• Soap in container

MUSTS FOR A HAPPY STAY

• Knapsack/Daypack
• Knife, Fork, Spoon
• Flashlight, Extra Batteries
• Book
• Pen, Pencil, Pad
• Compass

RAIN PREPARATION

• A 8×10, or 10×12 tarp, (or larger).
• 100 feet of nylon line (lightweight, thin gage).
• Extra large plastic bags.
• Pack their stuff inside their duffels in plastic bags (underwear and socks in one, pants in another, shirts in another).
• Strongly advise bring a short-legged cot.

OPTIONAL

• Camera & film (single use camera’s work GREAT!)
• Insect Repellent (no spray cans)
• Musical Instruments (no radios)
• Mess Kit and Canteen
• Sewing Kit
• Individual First Aid Kit
• About $20 for extra candy, etc.

DO NOT BRING

• electronic devices
• matches
• hatchets
• sheath knives

Let’s take a look at how a troop functions. In order to support the troop’s operation, you will need to know its structure.

The Scoutmaster

The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.

The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered organization.

The Scoutmaster’s duties include:

General

• Train and guide boy leaders.
• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
• Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

Meetings

• Meet regularly with the patrol leaders’ council for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
• Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Attend troop committee meetings.
• Conduct periodic parents’ sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

Guidance

• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.
• Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are promptly registered.
• Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
• Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.

Activities

• Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.
• Participate in council and district events.
• Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.
• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.As you see, the Scoutmaster has many responsibilities.

Assistant Scoutmasters

To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America (there must be at least two adults present at any Boy Scout activity). An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster’s absence.

Types of assistant Scoutmasters include:

• Assistant Scoutmaster – New Scouts
• Assistant Scoutmaster – Venture
• Assistant Scoutmaster – VarsityA troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. It has been found that many successful troops have three or more.

Patrols

The Scout troop is made up of patrols. A patrol is a grouping of six to eight boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader.

The new Scout patrol is composed of new members who have not entered the seventh grade.

The experienced Scout patrol is for those boys who are age 12 and older.

Venture patrols are made up of boys who are age 13 and older who want more challenging high-adventure experiences.

Varsity teams are made up of boys who are age 13 and older who want team sport activities.

Both Varsity and Venture Scouting activities may include the participation of girls, but the young women may not register as crew or team members. When girls participate in Venture and Varsity activities, a woman 21 years of age or older must be present along with the adult male leader.

The Troop’s Youth Leaders

The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers.

Junior Leader Positions

• Senior patrol leader – top junior leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders’ council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.
• Assistant senior patrol leader – fills in for senior patrol leader in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors.
• Troop Historian – collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members.
• Librarian – keeps troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by troop members.
• Instructor – teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members.
• Chaplain Aide – assists in troop religious services and promotes religious emblems program.
• Junior assistant Scoutmaster – a Scout 16 or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned.
• Patrol leader – gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders’ council.
• Assistant patrol leader – fills in for the patrol leader in his absence.
• Venture crew chief – leader of a troop’s Venture crew.
• Varsity team captain – leader of a troop’s Varsity team.
• Troop guide – advisor and guide to the new Scout patrol.
• Den chief – works with a Cub Scout den as a guide.
• Quartermaster – responsible for troop supplies and equipment.
• Scribe – the troop secretary.

The Patrol Leaders’ Council

The patrol leaders’ council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop’s activities. The patrol leaders’ council is composed of the following voting members: senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, troop guide, Venture crew chief, Varsity team captain.

The troop’s activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The troop’s yearly plan is then submitted to the troop committee for approval. The troop committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders’ council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the patrol leaders’ council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the patrol leaders’ council through the Scoutmaster.

Prepared by Jeff L. Glaze.

Additional Resources:  Troop Example Organization Presentation (from http://www.pembroketroop105.org/forms.aspx and used with permission with thanks to David Skolnick, ASM, Troop 105, Pembroke, MA).  Author comments:

The presentation contains slides for an emergency response call tree, a troop organization chart, and a troop committee organization chart.

(The troop example organization presentation also is posted in the forms section of our troop website http://www.pembroketroop105.org/forms.aspx.)

The troop charts match the organizational layout presented in Scoutmaster I/II/III training.

The emergency response tree matches the recommendations that our troop has received from the Red Cross.

Excerpted from BSA Troop Committee Guidebook
Copyright 1990, Boy Scouts of America, ISBN 0-8395-6505-4

Before you pledge yourself to any oath or promise, you must know what it means. The paragraphs that follow will help you understand the meaning of the Scout Oath.

---

On my honor . . .

By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath.

. . . I will do my best . . .

Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don’t be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do.

. . . To do my duty to God . . .

Your family and religious leaders teach you about God and the ways you can serve. You do your duty to God by following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs.

. . . and my country . . .

Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter.

America is made up of countless families and communities. When you work to improve your community and your home, you are serving your country. Natural resources are another important part of America’s heritage worthy of your efforts to understand, protect, and use wisely. What you do can make a real difference.

. . . and to obey the Scout Law; . . .

The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself.

. . . To help other people at all times; . . .

There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world.

. . . To keep myself physically strong, . . .

Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. it also means avoiding harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and anything else that can harm your health.

. . . mentally awake, . . .

Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it.

. . . and morally straight.

To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.

Note that the Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises.  Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses.  The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore:

• Duty to God and country,
• Duty to other people, and
• Duty to self

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your FAMILY and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.

Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country’s good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you’re needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.

DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Beingmorally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.

Excerpted from page 45-46, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th ed,
(#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2

and from page 420-421, Webelos Scout Book, 1998 edition,
(#33108), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3108-7

Be Prepared.

That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts.

“Be prepared for what?” someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,

“Why, for any old thing.” said Baden-Powell.

The training you receive in your troop will help you  live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water.

But Baden-Powell wasn’t thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.

Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That’s what the Scout motto means.

Excerpted from page 54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th ed,
(#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2

Scouting is hard work, and after all that work, you want a way to display the accomplishments proudly. There are many options for displaying the merit badges, ribbons and pins, including scrapbooks and plaques. Using a shadow box allows you to avoid the clutter of multiple display boxes. A shadow box showcases the items in a creative and protected arrangement that you can be proud of.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Gather all the items that you want to display.

     It may help to organize badges by order of accomplishment or in categories.

   • 2

     Use the rough side of the Velcro (it usually comes with the two sides separated, use only the one side) and cut it into small pieces that will fit behind the merit badges. If you are displaying pins, you will be able to pin them onto the velour backing.

   • 3

     Attach the rough-sided Velcro to the badge using the sticky side. This sticky side will be on the back of the rough side.

   • 4

     Take apart the shadow box frame and begin to attach the pins and merit badges.

     Because of the Velcro backing, you should be able to move pieces around. Just set pins in position until you have a final decision on their placement.

   • 5

     Make a color copy of the sash, if the scout is still using it. This will help you with the placement of other badges.

   • 6

     Put the shadow box back together.

     Place the shadow box upright; this will allow you to see what merit badges will stick. The Velcro backing often takes 24 hours to dry. If it doesn’t hold, use glue to secure the Velcro to the merit badge.

Read more: How to Display Scouting Ribbons & Pins | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_8117170_display-scouting-ribbons-pins.html#ixzz1M9Oy9gg8

Merit badges exist to encourage Scouts to explore areas that interest them and to teach them valuable skills in Scoutcraft. The award of merit badges sometimes leads to careers and lifelong hobbies. Scouts earn a merit badge by satisfying specified criteria; a Court of Honor is then held to present the badge. Scouts can earn badges at any point in their Scouting career, although this was not always the case — in the 1960s, Scouts first had to earn the rank of First Class Scout before being allowed to work on and earn badges. The higher ranks of Star, Life Scout and Eagle require merit badges be earned. Certain badges are mandatory to receive these higher ranks. For a few years during the 1980s and 90s, First Aidmerit badge was a requirement for the First Class Scout rank. Other mandatory badges include Citizenship in the Community and Environmental Science (see full list). The number of merit badges required for each of these higher ranks has varied historically, as has the ratio of mandatory merit badges and non-mandatory badges for those ranks. As of 2005, Scouts must earn a total of 21 merit badges for the Eagle Scout rank, 12 of which must be from the mandatory list. Once Scouts attain the Eagle rank, they can earn Eagle Palms, a core requirement of which is earning more merit badges.