The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1915-01-01
The Boy Scouts.

1t should be repeated tnar Lne scout
Movement is not designed to supplant
the home, church, or school. These
occupy a place in the development of
character which nothing else can fill.
The scout movement is supplemental.
As indispensable as are the home, the
church and the school, they are not
equipped, under present conditions,
for the development of all the ele-
ments of character. They lack close
ness of contact with nature. 1t is a
law of development that the individ-
ual should repeat in order the stages
Of development through which the
race has passed. Now the race had
its hunting, nomadic, and agricultur-
al stages long before it entered the
stage. Because this ~
true the early years Of each indiyid-
ual should b. spent in the country
The country contributes an element
To character which will BE- lost to all
those who are reared exclusively i'm
the city. TO crowd children into
towns and cities without the touch Of
country life ID to rob them Of a part
Of their natural heritage. But there
are many parents who find it impos-
sible to give this needed touch with
nature. Naturally the boys need this
touch more than the girls. Scouting
is designed to meet this need. The
Boy Scout movement includes much
more than mere scouting. This may
be seen from a careful reading of the
scout laws and the scout pledge.
In brief, the Boy Scouts is an or
ganization, the purpose of which is
character-building for boys between
the ages of twelve and eighteen. 1t
is an effort to get the boys to appre-
ciate the things about them, and to
train them in self-reliance, manhood,
and good citizenship. All expenses,
including equipment, must be prOvid-
ed BY the boys own thrift. lit Il a
Peace-Scouting these boys engage in,
living as much a. possible out Ot
doors; camping, hiking and learning
the secrets of the woods and helds,
The movement il not military, but
the military virtues of discipline, obe-
dience, neatness and order are scout
virtues Endurance, self-reliance, self
control and an effort to help some
one else are scout detectives. Every
activity that lends itself to these aims
is a good scout craft. The time fol
these activities is the recreation
hours of the school and business boy
The Scout Law.
1. A Scout is trustworthy. A scouts
honor is to be trusted. If he were tC
violate his honor by telling a lie, oil
by cheating, or by not doing exactly
a given task, when trusted on his
honor, he may be directed to hand
over his scout badge.
2. A Scout is Loyal He is loya
to all to whom loyalty is due; his
scout leader, his home, and parents
and country.
g. "a Scout il Helpful. He must bt
prepared at any time to save life, hell
injured persons, and share the homt
duties. He must do at least one goot
turn To somebody every day.
A. "A Scout - Friendly. IT. IL \
friend to all and a brother to every
other scout.
"A Scout is Courteous. He Is polite
to all, especially to women, children
old people, and the weak and help
less. He must not take pay for being
helpful or courteous.
6. A Scout is Kind. He is friend
of animals. He will not kill or hurt
will strive to save and protect al
harmless life.
Z. A Scout is Obedient. He oDeys
his parents, scout master, patro
leader, and all other duly constituted
authorities.
s. A Scout is Cheerful. He smiles
whenever he can. His obedience tC
orders is prompt and CHEEKY. He
never shirks nor grumbles at hard
ships.
8. a Scout Is Thrifty. He does not
wantonly destroy property. He works
faithfully, wastes nothing, and makes
the best use Of his opportunities. He
saves his money % that he may pay
his own way, b. generous to those In
need, and helpful to worthy objects
IT. may work for pay but must not
receive tips for courtesies or good
turns.
10. "A Scout is Brave He has the
courage to face danger in spite OF
fear and has to stand up for the right
against the coaxing Of friends and the
jeers and threats of enemies, and de-
feat does not down him.
IL. A Scout is Clean. He keeps
clean in body and thought, stands for
clean speech, clean sport, clean hab-
its, and travels with a clean crowd.
II. A Scout is Reverent. He is
reverent toward God. He is faithful
in his religious duties and respects
the convictions of others In matters
of custom and religion.
The Scouts Pledge.
On my honor I will do my best: J..
To do my duty to God and my coun-
try and to obey the Scout law; 2. 10
help other people at all times; 3. no
keep myself physically strong, men
tally awake and morally straight
Continued.
C- IT, FORLINES, Scoutmaster-
COker.
John A COkRr died nt hiS home IN