DON'T feel worried at the length of this book. Scouting is not an abstruse or difficult science: rather it is a jolly game if you take it in the right light. At the same time it is educative, and (like Mercy) it is apt to benefit him that giveth as well as him that receiveth.
The term "Scouting" has come to mean a system of training in citizenship, through games, for boys or girls.
The girls are the important people, because when the mothers of the nation are good citizens and women of character, they will see to it that their sons are not deficient in these points. As things are, the training is needed for both sexes, and is imparted through the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Movements. The principles are the same for both. It is only in the details that they vary.
A.S.M. Hutchinson in one of his novels suggests that what Youth needs is Background. Well, we have a Background to give them in Scouting and Guiding, and it is the Background that God has provided for everybody-the open-air, happiness and usefulness.
Indeed, the Scoutmaster in introducing the boy to this, incidentally brings upon himself a share in that same happiness and usefulness. He finds himself doing a greater thing than possibly he foresaw in taking up the job, for he finds himself rendering a life-worth Service for Man and God.
You will find this book a disappointing one if you hope to find in it a set of definite stepping-stones to complete knowledge.
I merely propose to state, as suggestive, the line which we have found to be successful, and the reasons for it.
A man carries out suggestions the more wholeheartedly when he understands their aim.
So most of these pages will be taken up with the objects of the steps rather than with the details of the steps themselves. These can be filled in by the learner according to his own ingenuity, and in harmony with the local conditions under which he is working.
[signed: Baden Powell of Gilwell]
His Qualities
His Duty
Loyalty to the Movement
His Reward
The Nature of the Boy
Environment and Temptations
Troop Headquarters and Camp
How to Catch Our Boys
Scouting Is Simple
The Aim of Scouting
The Four Branches of Scout Training
The Activities of Scouting
The Scout Spirit
The Patrol System
Patrol Leaders' Council-Court of Honour
Values of the Patrol System
The Scout Uniform
The Scoutmaster's Share
Importance of Character
Why a Troop Should Not Exceed 32
Chivalry and Fair Play
Discipline
Sense of Honour
Self -Reliance
Enjoyment of Life
Development of Outlook: Reverence
Self-Respect
Loyalty
Importance of Health
Be Fit!
Organised Games
Physical Exercises
Drill
The Out-of-Doors
Camp Life
Swimming, Boat-Rowing, Signalling
Personal Hygiene
Handicrafts and Hobbies
Pioneering as a First Step
Proficiency Badges (Merit Badges)
Intelligence
Self-Expression
From Hobby to Career
The Scoutmaster's Share
Employment
Selfishness
To Eradicate Selfishness
The Good Turn Habit
Service for the Community
Ulterior Effect
