The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-09

Chicago publisher MT. w. D. Boyce, was lost while wandering about in the streets of London. After some bewider- rnent a youth came up, saluted, and asked if he might direct him. MT. Boyce cheer fully accepted the service. After being helped to his destination he tried to re- ward him, but the boy promptly saluted and said: "No sir; am Boy Scout, and boy scouts never accept tips" MT. Boyce asked further information and was d- rected to the office of General Baden Powell, who is the leader of the Boy Scouts in Great Britain.
 Upon reaching New York, he gathered together a group of men and placed at their disposal 5000 month for four months to take the preliminary steps for the organizing of the Boy Scouts in the United States, which is how the move ment was brought to this country.
 Geograp phically speaking, the scope of the Boy Scouts of America is exten- sive as the territory of the United States. Although the movement formerly had it's actual start June 1, 1910, by October l there were scouting organizations in ev- cry state in the Union and in our three dependencies, the Hawaiian and Philip pine Islands and Porto Rico The idea has swept our land like wildire and at the present approximately 5oO.ooO boys and 5000 men as scout masters have been en- rolled in the movement.
 It is almost impossible to conceive of a single place of any importance in the United States that has not been touched by the genius of the movement.
 The Boy Scout movement is essentially A,.,1 txxrA n of experience in England and her colonies, the idea was brought back again to its native soil, the United States. Many of the biggest men in the country those who are at the head of most of our largest movements, believe that the Boy Scouts idea offers to America the greatest op- portunity to raise the qualities of the boy and the man in all phases of life. Presi- dent Taft has consented to serve as hon. orary president of the Boy Scouts of America.
 Speaking in the terms of boyhood. the scope of the Boy Scouts of America IS equal to the interests of boyhood itself. Between the ages of 12 and IS the inter- ests of a boy are general and reach all the way from the catching of minnows and tadpolls to finding God in the stars.
 The Boy Scouts of America aims to supplement the various existing educa- tional agencies such as the state, church, home, school, boys club, Sunday school boys brigade, Young Mems Christian as- sociation, Young Mems Catholic associa- ton. Young Mems Hebrew association, etc. Its recreational activity may be classed under
 Scout craft
 Camp craft.
 Tracking or observation.
 Wood craft.
 Chivalry. -
 Life saving.
 Health
 Patriotism.
 The aim of the Boy Scouts of America is to promot the ability in boys to do things for themselves and for others. IL seeks to teach a boy resourcefulness ny knowledge of wood craft and outdoor life' it seeks to make him strong and healthy; 1t seeks to make him chivalrous and to do little kindly deeds daily for 5ome- one else: it seeks to teach him life saving: 1t seeks to teach him patriotism and citizenship so that as a member of the nation he may give gladly of himself for the proper discharge of his duties as citizen.
 The Boy Scouts of America seeks to organize representative groups of men called local committees or councils in the various states and towns. Under the direction of this local council men over 21 years of age are Secured as scout mast CTS or scout leaders. Each becomes the leader of a troup which consists O. at least three patrols. A patrol of scouts number eight, the eighth member being an older boy and the patrol leader. This arrangement guarantees adequate leader ship and recognizes the gang instinct.
 The scout idea takes the non-supervjsed leisure time of boys and fills it with re- creational and educational activities. It teaches him facts about nature and citi- zenship and how to- get the most out or life. At the present time all over the country there are insistent demands for field secretaries to organize and pro mote the work.
 The scout idea is peace movement. Every possible precaution has been taken to guard against it being likened to a military movement. We do not permit arms. The boys are not allowed to carry guns even in connection with the camp activities Before he becomes scout a boy must take the scouts oaththus: "on my honor I promise that I will do my best
 q. To do my duty to God and my country.
 "2. To help other people at all times.
 .,S. To obey the scout law
 and then after he has qualified he IS put in the class of the, tenderfoot, and
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