The Penn's Grove record., 1920-05-28
WHAT is A BOY SCOUT
A Glimpse of The Life of The Boy
Who Belongs"

over the clty'S streets. He ear tell
north or south or east or west by the
"signs." He can tie a knot that will
hold, he can climb a tree which seems
impossible to others, he al swim a
river, he can pitch a tent, he a mend
a tear in his trousers he can tell you
which fruits and seeds are poisonous
and which are not, he can sight a nut
bearing tree from a distance; If living
near ocean or lake he can reef a sail
or take his trick at the wheel, if near
any body of water at all he can pull
an oar or use paddles and SOULS; IN
the woods he knows the names of
birds and animals; in the water he tells
you the different variety of fish.
ga scout walks through the woods
with silent tread. No dry twigs snap
under his feet and no loose stones turn
over and throw him off his balance.
His eyes are keen and he sees many
things that others do not. He sees
tracks and signs which reveal to him
the nature and habits of the creatures
that made them. He. knows how to
stalk birds and animals and study
them in their natural haunts. He sees
much, but is little seen.
"a scout, like an old frontiersman,
does not shout his wisdom from the
housetops. He possesses the quiet
power that comes from knowledge.
He speaks softly and answers ques-
tions modestly. He knows a brag-
CART, but he does not challenge him,
allowing the boaster to expose his ig-
oranc by his own loose-wagging
tongue.
"a scout holds his honor to be the
most precious possession and he would
die rather than have it stained. He
knows what is his duty and all obliga-
lions imposed by duty he fulflls of his
own free will. His sense of honor is
his only taskmaster, and his honor he
guards as jealousy as did the knights
of old. In this manner a scout wins
the confidence and respect of all peo-
pie.
"a scout can kindle a fire in the
forest on the wettest day and he sell
dom uses more than n match. When
no matches can be had he can still
have a fire, for he knows the secret
of the rubbing sticks used by the In
dians, and he knows how to start a
blaze with only his knife blade and a
piece of flint. He knows, also, the
danger of forest fires, and he kindles
a blaze that will not spread. The
fire once started, what a meal he can
prepare OUT there in the open! Just
watch him and compare his appetite
with that of a boy who lounges at a
lunch counter in a crowded city. He
knows the unwritten rules of the camp
fire and he contributes his share to
the pleasures of the council. He also
knows when to sit silent before the
ruddy embers and give his mind free
play.
"a scout practices self-control for
he knows that men who master prob
lens in the world must first master
themselves. He keeps a close guard
on his temper and never makes a silly
spectacle of himself by losing his
head. He keeps a close guard on his
tongue, for he knows that loud speech
is often a cloak to Ignorance, that
swearing is a sign of weakness, and
that untruthfulness skaters the con-
fdence of others. He keeps a close
guard on his appetite and eats moder-
ately of food which will make him
strong; he never uses alcoholic liquors
because he does not wish to poison his
body; he desires a clear, active brain,
so he avoids tobacco.
"a scout never flinches in the face
of danger, for he knows that at such a
time every faculty must be alert to
preserve his safety and that of others.
He knows what to do in case of fire,
or panic, or shipwreck; he trains his
mind to direct his body to act. In all
emergencies he sets an example of re-
sourcefulness, GOODNESS and courage,
and considers the safety of others be-
fore that of himself. He is especially
~considerate of the helpless and weak.
"a scout can make himself known
to a brother scout wherever he may be
by a method which only scouts can
know. He has brothers in every city
in the land and in every country in the
world. Wherever he goes he a give
his signs and be assured of a friendly
welcome. He can talk with a brother
scout without making a sound or he
can make known his message by imi-
tating the click of a telegraph key.
GA scout is kind to everything that
lives. He knows that horses, dogs and
cats have their rights and he respects
them. A scout prides himself upon
doing good turns and no day in his
life is complete unless he has been OF
aid to some person.
"a scout does not run away or call
for help when an accident occurs. If
a person is cut he knows how to stop
the flow of blood and gently and care
fully bind up the wound. If a person
is burned his knowledge tells him how
to alleviate the suffering. If anyone
is dragged from the water unconscious,
a scout at once sets to work to restore
respiration and circulation. He knows
that not a minute can be lost.
"a scout knows that people expect
more of him than they do OF other
boys and he governs his conduct so
that no word of reproach can truthful
ly be brought against the great
brotherhood to which he has pledged
" 4~ ~