| Scouting Traditions | 
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THE DAILY GOOD TURN
This material can be used to fulfill partial requirements for the Tawny Star.
One great point about Scouts was that every day they had to do a good turn to somebody, and that is one of your rules. When you get up in the morning, remember that you have to do a good turn for someone during the day. In England, schoolboys wear school uniforms and those who were Scouts tied a knot in their handkerchief or necktie, and left the tail of their necktie outside their waistcoat to remind themselves of it; and when they went to bed at night would think about who they did a good turn for.Today, you can still tie a knot in your neckerchief to indicate that you have done your daily good turn, and do sport it at your next Scout Meeting!
If you should ever find that you've forgotten to do it, you must do two good turns the next day instead. Remember your Scout's Oath...you are on your Honour to do it!
A good turn need only be a very small one; if it is only to put a penny into a charity box, or to visit a senior citizen at a retirement home, or to make room on a seat for someone, or to pick up some litter, or help a stray animal...they are all good turns. But one must be done every day, and it only counts as a good turn when you do not accept any reward in return.
Spiritual note - Give without expectation and you will receive, and you will receive ten fold. Giving of yourself is a wonderful gesture of love for your fellow man. If you can give of yourself (do a good turn) without exception (no money asked) ...you will eventually be rewarded handsomely. But don't give to get! Do it freely, lovingly, every day! God will take care of you in due course.
The Traditional Scout Law sets down in clearly understandable language the code of conduct that is the basis of good citizenship. No other form or version captures the essence of the virtues and duties expected of Scouts in such positive terms. The Traditional Scout Law forms the cornerstone of Scouting as Baden-Powell originally intended it to be, and provides a model upon which we can guide our daily lives. Scouting is not something that happens when we put the uniform on; it is a lifestyle that transcends the ages.
- A SCOUT'S HONOUR IS TO BE TRUSTED - A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout doesn't deceive. A Scout tells the truth. A Scout plays the game of life by following its' rules.
- A SCOUT IS LOYAL.
- A SCOUT'S DUTY IS TO BE USEFUL AND TO HELP OTHERS. - A Scout strives to do his duty faithfully and cheerfully and endeavours to do at least one good turn to somebody every day.
- A SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ALL AND A BROTHER TO EVERY OTHER SCOUT. - A Scout looks for the best in the other fellow and makes the most of it and him.
- A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS. - A Scout is polite to everyone, showing special courtesy and respect to women, children, and elders. A Scout does NOT take any reward for being helpful and courteous.
- A SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ANIMALS - A Scout would never inflict any cruelty towards animals, and would do as much as possible to help them if they were in pain or danger.
- A SCOUT OBEYS THE ORDERS OF HIS PARENTS, PATROL LEADER OR SCOUTMASTER WITHOUT QUESTION. - This law must be tempered with common sense, in such circumstances where the order is immoral or would put the Scout at risk. We must keep in mind the changes in today's society that have been put in place for the protection of our children.
- A SCOUT SMILES AND WHISTLES UNDER ALL DIFFICULTIES. - This is the outward sign of the Scouts inward attitude towards the tasks and trials of life.
- A SCOUT IS THRIFTY. - A Scout saves and banks what money he can against a rainy day.
- A SCOUT IS CLEAN IN THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED. - A Scout does not give way to the temptation to think, talk, or do anything immoral and keeps his body clean.
Spiritual Note - Scoutmasters should note the last carefully. Drinking, pornography, and smoking are all extremely poor examples for you to set in front of your Scouts. Since Scouts emulate those they associate with, I would ask that adult leaders work towards cleaning their own body and spirit and become that which they profess their Scouts to become. God will give you the strength.
On my Honour I promise to do my best,
To do my duty to God and the Queen,
To help other people at all times.
To obey the Scout Law.Notice the words B-P included in the promise: "On my Honour." He considered one of the Scoutmasters most important tasks was to develop a sense of honour in each individual. On it, he said, "the whole of the Scout's future behaviour and discipline hangs."
As Scoutmasters we deal with Scouts who have a wide range of abilities. B-P recognized this in the people he worked with in his military career and deliberately put Scouts under an obligation. No matter how difficult the task, both he and the Scout would be satisfied if each could truthfully say, "I will do my Best!"
In the traditional version, Scouts are asked to obey the Scout Law...not to carry out the spirit or live by. The strength of the original wording is clear and concise...to obey, to be obedient to...not to skim the surface of or be aware of the law in daily living...even criminals can do that!
The traditional Scout Badge was adapted from the north point of the old mariner's compass. The design is often called a trefoil - a flower with three leaves. It is also known by its French name, fleur-de-lis - lily or iris flower. It goes so far back in history that it is uncertain whether it actually stands for a flower or an arrowhead.
- The trefoil means that a Scout can point the right way in life as truly as a compass can in the field. With slight changes, the trefoil badge is used by Scouts around the World.
- The three points, like the fingers of the Scout Sign, stand for the three parts of the Scout Promise.
- The two stars in the original badge symbolized truth and knowledge, and the outdoors in Scouting, and each of the ten points represented one of the 10 Scout Laws.
- The scroll with the Scout Motto is turned up at the ends and is suggestive that a Scout smiles as he does his duty.
- Some Countries have a knot at the bottom of the scroll as a reminder to "Do a Good Turn Daily."
Since the Baden-Powell Scouts left mainstream Scouting, they have replaced the stars with the letters B-P to reflect the difference in the Associations.
This is probably the most interesting tradition of in Scouting, for no other activity can add such a significant part to the life of a Scout as the Investiture Ceremony. Properly performed, it can add a sense of both mystery and purpose and truly assists in making the new Scout feel part of the Brotherhood.
The investiture ceremony should be performed in an atmosphere conducive to Scouting. Outdoors is a grand place to hold an investiture ceremony, as is a church hall, or a properly prepared Scout Hall, gymnasium or community centre. The Ceremony should however have all the elements prepared in advance:
- The initiate properly prepared for the investiture ceremony so that the person is going to enjoy the event.
- The appropriate investiture equipment, laid out so that you can find what you need, when you need it.
- The leader properly versed in the ceremony. Practice with other leaders is recommended.
- Participation from the section members so they too feel part of the ceremony.
- Parents, guardians, friends and family so that the occasion has significance in the family unit.
The following are two traditional ways Cub Scouts were invested.
The Investiture of a Tenderpad
Wolf Cub Handbook, Ninth Edition, 1938The recruit (or new chum) is brought into the Parade Circle. His cap is laid at the feet of the Cubmaster, who stands opposite him.
Cubmaster: Do you know the Law and Promise of the Wolf Cub Pack, the Grand Howl and the Salute?
Recruit:Yes Sir, I do.
Cubmaster: What is the Law?
Recruit: The Cub gives in to the Old Wolf. The Cub does not give in to himself.
Cubmaster: Are you ready to make the solemn Promise of the Wolf Cubs?
Recruit: Yes, Sir, I am. I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and the King, to keep the Law of the Wolf Cub Pack, an to do a good turn to somebody every day. (While the Promise is being made the whole Pack stands at the salute)
Cubmaster: I trust you to do your best to keep this Promise. You are now a Wolf Cub and one of the Great Brotherhood of Scouts. (Gives him his badges, puts on his cap for him--being careful to put it on straight--and shakes with his left hand. The Cub changes the badge from his right hand into his left hand, and salutes the Cubmaster with his right hand. Then he turns about and salutes the Pack. He pauses for a moment at the "Alert" while the Pack salutes in return as if welcoming him into the Pack.) He then joins his Six.The ceremony ends with the Grand Howl, in which the Tenderpad is now able to enter for the first time.
Investiture of a Two Star Cub
Wolf Cub Handbook, Ninth Edition, 1938The Pack is formed up in Parade Circle as for the investiture of a Tenderpad, but the Cubs who have earned the Second Stars are together, bareheaded, inside the circle. Their caps with the two stars attached are with Akela, who then tells the Cubs that they have successfully passed their tests for becoming Wolf Cubs.
He reminds them of the meaning of the two stars, that young wolves are born with their eyes shut. For some few days they grope around blindly, but gradually they begin to see and understand things. At first they see how to see and to obey the Old Wolf's directions, so you, as Tenderpads, learned the Laws of the Wolf Cub Pack and the Promise, how to make yourselves healthy and active and strong.
Then they began to see how to do things for themselves, to jump and run, to make signs to each other, to hunt and get their own food, and to be loyal to the Pack. So you learned how to signal, how to make or draw things, how to tie knots, and to make yourselves useful to other people and to do your duty to King and Country.
Now that you have shown that you have both eyes open and can do the duties of trained Wolf Cubs. So you will henceforth wear the cap with the two marks on it, which means your two eyes are now as bright as stars, that you will see quickly and well, you will let nothing escape your notice. You will look ahead and be prepared to do what will be wanted, you will look back and so remember what has been told you. In this way you will be a smart and useful cub.
If the Pack possesses a Totem Pole it is now brought into the Circle. The Pack salutes it with the Grand Howl.
The Cubmaster holds the Totem Pole, and says: "Totem and the two eyes of all the Pack is upon you, will you repeat the Promise?" The Cubmaster asks: "Will you do your best?"
The Cubs reply: "We'll---dob---dob---dob---dob." Cubmaster: "Then good hunting to you!" and waves them away.
The Wood Badge beads are basically just two pieces of wood hung on the end of a bootlace, but they are treasured by the aged, coveted by the young, and worn with pride by those in the middle years. They are a symbol of the universality of the training of both the Gilwell and Stainsby.
When the first group of Scoutmasters completed their training, B-P believed there should be a form of recognition to identify the level of training achieved. He looked through some of the souvenirs from his military career and came across a necklace of wooden beads and a leather thong.
The necklace of 1,000 or more beads strung on a rawhide lace. The beads were made of a Scout African yellow wood with a soft pith so that, when they were shaped; the pith made a natural nick at the end of each bead.
Such a necklace was a distinction conferred on royalty and outstanding warriors. This particular necklace was worn by Dinizulu, King of the Zulus, and was given to B-P when he defeated the Zulus during hostilities in Natal, Zululand.
Later, B-P obtained a leather thong during the Siege of Mafeking. The Siege was taking its' toll on B-P. An elderly man seeing that he looked depressed; removed a leather thong from around his neck and placed it into Baden-Powell's hand. "Wear this," he said, "My mother gave it to me for good luck. Now it will bring you luck!"
Replicas of the beads were made from beech wood at Gilwell Park. Originally, the Wood Badge was worn on the brim of the Stetson (lemon squeezer), to hold it in place. Later it was removed from the hat to be worn around the neck, and the woggle and neckerchief were added.
In the early days of leader training, the lighting of fires by friction was a skill in which everyone on Wood Badge courses wished to become proficient. The main piece of equipment to create the friction was a leather thong about 30 inches long - just long enough (when not in use) to make a two strand Turk's-head Woggle, which is what we wear today.
The Scout handshake is a token of friendship. That is why it is made with the left hand. This is the hand that is nearest the heart, the hand of friendship.
Scouts shake with the left hand as a sign of brotherhood and trust. B-P took the idea from an African story about two feuding tribes whose raids and battles were destroying both communities.
During the futile confrontation between warriors who were equally matched in battle, skills, and bravery...one of the Chiefs spotted the other. Signaling his warriors to stay behind, the one Chief dropped his weapon and walked towards the rival Chief. As he approached, he also dropped the shield that protected his heart from enemy spears, and held out his now free hand to his rival as a sign of friendship and trust. The gesture brought together the tribes for talks and an end of the wars between them.
Many Scouts today don't even know what a Scout Staff. What happened to the use of the Scout Staff? Why did the stop being used as part of the regular Scout program? Well, there were problems. Boys used them for jousting, or hitting each other and someone got hurt. Then the powers that be in mainstream Scouting no longer felt that they should be used. Suddenly they were gone! Instead of Scouts using staves, the occasional leader was seen with one and very rarely used for any of its' intended purposes. It would have been a far more practical service to train the Scouts to properly use staves instead of ridding the world of a simple yet very, very effective tool. Even with metrification, it's a simple matter of changing the markings on the staff over from imperial to metric...but the staff does have a place in Scouts today! Using staves in at your troop meeting gives you a tool to teach the measuring of height and distance, for learning knots, lashings, pioneering skills and all sorts of games. They can be part of your simple drills in your horseshoe and used to put up your patrol pennants! Yes...pennants...not patches of cloth on a sleeve! So, let's take a look at what has been written by many authors in the past about the Scout Staff:
No Scout is properly dressed without a staff! A staff is part of his equipment and is a thick stick about as high as your nose. It should be marked in feet and inches and will come in useful for all sorts of things such as making a stretcher, keeping back a crowd, beating out bush fires, keeping off a mad dog, or keeping in touch with the rest of your patrol in the dark.
Then it will come in handy for a light bridge, a hut or a flag staff and you can help another Scout over a high wall if you hold your staff horizontally between your hands and make a step for him; he can then give you a hand up from above.
A staff is a basic tool for the outdoor traveler. For thousands of years, the walking stick has been a symbol, weapon, record, and support for the tired feet and legs of the wanderer. Even today, on the trail or in camp, it has a hundred uses.
For centuries, labourers used the staff to support loads and defend themselves against man and beast. Egyptian hieroglyphics picture travelers with sticks in hand. The Bible is full of references to staffs. The ancient Druids, who believed each copse had its own living spirit, apologized to a tree before cutting it for a staff. Banned from owning conventional weapons, the poor of many countries traditionally turned to the staff for protection.
The staff is a symbol of authority and power. Moses used his to part the sea and to get water from a rock. In Egypt, the staff and the shorter rod were the Pharaoh's symbols of office. Today, the mace, an ornate and stylized version of a staff, symbolizes the power of Parliament. At the same time, the staff, especially a staff with a crook, has always represented the humble shepherd. Truly, this is a stick for all men!
Record keeping is one of the oldest uses of the staff. The ancient Norse used the notched stick called a skor to keep track of numerical information, and the word stuck around to become today's "score."
On more adventurous terrain, the walking stick is even more useful. It is a handy balance aid when crossing log bridges. Used as a brace to lean on, it can be a life-and-sprained-ankle-saver on hills, rocky ground, and slippery bottomed streams. Marked with a measuring scale (zero at the bottom), it is useful for measuring water depth and the size of specimens. And, it's much safer to poke holes and behind rocks with a staff rather than your hand!. A high-tech version of the walking stick can be found at the Ultimate Walking Staff web page.
A staff is handy in many emergency situations as well. Two staves make a quick litter or stretcher. One can be a reaching aid for a comrade struggling in the water. It will support you if you fall through the ice. You can use it as a crutch if necessary, or make it into a mast for a sail on a canoe. Whenever it saves you the time of having to find and cut a pole, you will appreciate having it handy.
In an article in The Scout Leader, November 1927, B-P stated
"The other day I was at a rally which would have been a fine one only it was spoilt by the Scouts not having their staves with them. They looked an awful poor lot compared with some I had seen the day before who were as smart as new paint. But these had their staves. When I came to think it over it was just the staves that made the difference. I asked why the boys had been ordered not to bring them, and was told: ' We were afraid that where so many boys were together they might poke each other's eyes out!' Are Scouts such clumsy little children that they cannot manage their staves? I don't think. At the Royal Rally at Windsor - sixteen years ago now - there were thirty thousand boys on parade, all with staves; but though there were sixty thousand eyes there I didn't hear of one of them being damaged! And I don't suppose the Scouts of today want to be behind-hand in smartness. So I hope that I shall never again see a rally where the Scouts are not carrying their proper outfit - the staff."
April 25, 2005
