Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1922-06-09
A MODEL. RURAL TROOP

i Inc IOilOWlIS lttteI lIOH H. H.
Kurtz, scoutmaster of Locustdale,
Troop No. l, Honeybrook, Pennsyl-
vania, shows that the scout program
is equal to any situation in the hands
of devoted scoutmaster:
This is strictly a rural troop. The
borough of Honeybrook, of less than
700 inhabitants gives US only 10 scouts.
The remaining IS come from little
hamIets or distant farms; 1s are farm
boys-boys who live, perform work on
farms. Nearly all are. In greater
or less degree. active tillers of the
soil.
1.-The country is admirably adapted
TO scouting with wide AMI fertile val
legs, long ranges of WOODED hills,
clear streams. We claim Us our terri
tory a section of about 200 square
miles. Boys live from 1--WE TO ten miles
from scout headquarters. This fact
makes certain arrangements necessary
which will be explained.
1--WE set up a high IDEAL. We deter
mined however we might fail in other
things, to place the chief emphasis on
the oath and law. Scoutcraft was
distinctly secondary. After four years
we. still keep the IDEAL in view. No
boy may enter the troop unless we are
satisfactorily assured that he will do
his best 10 do his duty to God. his
country, and obey the scout law.
Every boy is in a patrol and knows
his number Each patrol is properly
differed. the officers being chosen on
the ground of worth and merit. There
are no elections. The two senior
patrol leaders, the six patrol leaders
and their six assistants form an off
GERS council which administers dis
cipline, outlines the policy of the troop
and advises with the scoutmaster.
Nothing of Importance is decided lex
cept in emergency without the coun-
Gil.
Every scout is uniformed and every
scout procures his own uniform. A
poor boy will receive aid from the
troop treasury. which he may make
good as he is able. Insignia is pro-
vided by the troop. Each scout is
given his proper badges, shoulder
knots, service stripes. etc, and il is
required that these matters be in place,
and that they be correct. The troop
is governed by a point system. This
is rigidly adhered to, and each boy
reports his points on honor. at the
business meeting. The system gov
erns the good turn and all the mat
tiers of the oath and law, and attend
ance and inspection. In uniform. or |
out and at any time and place the
scout sautes his superiOrs, once in the
day. Strict and unquestioning obedi-
ence is required as well as regular at
tendance at all of the business meet.
ings.
"The scattered condition of the troop /
forbids weekly meeting: so the bnsi-
ness meeting, held once month, is
to be attended. No hoy may go else
where on that evening.
I'm addition to this business meet
ing, each patrol holds a monthly meet
ing Here the indoor scoutcraft work
is done. and boys are examined as to
tests. or prepared for the court Of
honor
Several features peculiar 10 this
troop. have proved valuable. Each
BOY. entering the troop. undergoes
partial physical examination His
'ecord is kept. and he is examined
loted. The records show a splendid
physical standard in the troop.
Every boy who reports. on honor.
'erfect score of points for three con-
ecutive months receives the 100 per
ent duty shield Four such periods
ntitle him to the Maltese Cross
ward. We have a boy. of unimpeach-
BILE rectitude. who has won the award
or perfect score for two unbroken
ears.
THE patrol that gains the greatest
umber OF points in a month is en-
tied to the custody of the hags-the
roop Flag and the National Ensign.
he patrol whose efficiency Is ad- /
idged the highest for the year. re- 3
Ewes a medal. .
Official hikes are conducted at fire.
lent intervals. No winter hikes are
ed. The country boy has his ill Of !,
inter experiences In his long jour :
.ys TO and from school. But when
ring comes we hike. The patrol
'st fully represented in the years :
kes receives a medal SO also does
e indis dual scout who is present at
e greatest number OF hikes. Each
he is conducted by leader. usually
troop officer who Is responsible for
e welfare and behavior of al scouts
10 are present. No sunday hikes,
tests passed on that day. and az
ldance al Divine service required of