Milford chronicle., 1915-07-02
The BOY SCOUTS COLUMN.
MILFORD BOY scour NOTES.

MILFORD BOY SCOUT NOTES.
Generally speaking, the Scout move
ment is meeting with hearty approval,
and is receiving much valuable aid from
the citizens OF all sections of the country.
Locally, we occasionally meet with few
oDJeenons. The following is a sample :
Inc Scout movement is all right. The
Boy Scouts eujoy themselves and have
good time; but It interferes with their
work. A boy should learn how to work
instead of spending his time at play.''
In answer to this objection, we would
point out the fact that the Scout idea is
to make of the boys useful citizens and
encourage them to work rather than keep
them from it, by ordering badges of merit
Tor the successful passing of examina-
tlonsi IN almost every branch of human
endeavor, from agriculture to taxidermy
AS matter of fact, practically every
scout IN Troop 2 is at work either on
whole or part time, and the officers of
Troop would esteem it a favor if en-
ployersin need of such labor as the Scouts |
can supply would communicate with |
them. A few of the Scouts have time |
available, and would be glad of any op-
portunity offered.
Probably everyone is familiar with the
old adage, that "all work and no play,
makes Jack a dull boy" If any one has
yet devised a better or more useful
method of play, if it is play, than that
enjoyed by the Boy Scouts, we have vet
to hear of it. Play that leads to useful
things, that encourage industry, incul-
actes love Of country and duty to God
surely is the kind of play that will mean
better work on the part of those who
engage in 1t.
In support of the Boy Scout merit
badge system, we quote the following
from the ifth Annual Report of the Boy
Scouts of America
The real worth of our merit badge
system in an educational program is not
generally understood. The influence Of
these in helping boy to function voca- {
tonally, is simply incalculable. Already
from the field reports have been received
of boys who have discovered that indi-
vidual talent which has determined for
them the choice of profession or a bus
mess career. Through this merit badge :
system, boys from time to time by pass ..
ing examinations for merit badges. dis Il
covered themselves, found the thing they $
could do best and so decided their future 0
destiny as to the part and place they are E
70 have i'll the doing of the worlds
work"
Boys cannot ali be farmers or bust a
less men. or lawyers, or physicians. D
sach has particular bent for something. q
5 1t not better for him to determine his .
qualifications for this particular kind of p
york BY trying for merit badge, rather al
han wasting precious time after the COM
'letion of his school course in trying to II
ind the vocation for which he is best ~
TIED. 10
1t would be pleasure to record few &c
the many encouraging things that ~
ave been said of the Scout movement u
y the leading men of this community. w w
uch commendation is helpful and leads Vi
s to think that they would be disposed
} put their encouragement in a more ~
ractical form if the opportunity offered
4 many of the cities and towns of the pa
)untry, the leading men are invited in sP
council which seek to forward the move on
ent for the good of the community. ia ia
J there any reason why we should not III
ave such a council here? Is there any 81
an in this community who could not u, VI
,casiOnally spare a few minute of his lei
me to help make better and more use Ol
! citizens of young America. an
The following letter was recently re- u
lived by the Chief Scout Executive un
THE WHITE HOUSE, OF
Washington, June 4, 1915. ,!e geS
Y DEAR Mr.. WEST ng
l am very much interested by what De
u say of the special edition of boy IN
fe" you are planning to get ont, and as On oH'
Onorary President of the Boy Scouts of u
nerica, I cannot let this opportunity m uus
So to send my warmest greetings and l,n, lon
st wishes. naI
Il is hne to have the boys of the coun- @ Doa
organized for the purposes the Boy sap
puts represent, and whenever 1 see a pm
'up of them, am proud of their man GOV GOV
ess and feel cheered by the knowledge Oei
what their organization represents. an
This is just to bid you God-speed. Sul' e,ll
Cordially and sincerely yours, tne
(Signed) WOODROW WILSON. MAJ