Milford chronicle., 1941-01-24
BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

place in dealing with world condi
tions.
Scouting officials have drawn uT
an extensive emergency service pro
gram designed to make the boys oi
the United States Of more value in
times of crisis. Mr.. James e. West
chief Scout executive, in announcing
the plan said: ut is the RESPONSE
bility of everyone identified with
Scouting in normal times, and GER
tainIy In a period Of national emer-
gency, to be alert and vigilant to
meet every opportunity for service,
not only because Of the obligation
but because of the special training
which the program Of Scouting gives
to boys in patrols and troops and
through the development of quail
ties of leadership on the part of
older boys and Scouters."
Giving new significance to the Boy
Scout motto: "Be Prepared" the
Scout Movement has begun intensive
training for the boys in its member
ship in all things which will make
them more reliant and capable in
emergency situations. Scouts are
being trained in observation, identi-
flcation and memory through a thor
ough knowledge of their home COM
munities.
The boys are being trained in
swimming, horsemanship, boating,
proper methods of running mes
sages, as we'll as how to travel under
adverse conditions. Stressing the
necessity of clean living, the pro-
gram emphasizes outdoor life, giving
the Scouts training in camping with
and without shelter, the preparation
of food, and knowledge of woodcraft
lore.
Calling to- mind the long list of
Scout heroes who have received
medals for saving life, local Scout
masters are teaching their boys sa-
fety methods for dealing with fire.
arms, cutting TOOLS, and fire, as well
as instruction in methods of water
rescues and first-aid for the SER
iously injured.
Rural Scouts are playing an i'm
portant part in this emergency SER
vice program through raising gar
den truck for food, studying the inn
portance of food and its conserva-
lion, raising birds and animals for
food. as well as fish Matching.
Although in no way advocating
training for the forty
seven thousand Scout Units through
put the country, the Scout Movement
has recognized the necessity of pre-
pairing the youth Of the United
States for efficient and valuable SER
vice to the country in time of emer-
gency. Scout service in times Of re-
cent crisis, such as the hurricane
disasters of New England and Flor
da. has shown the value Of the Boy
scout training in first-aid, signaling,
safety and use of knife
ind axe.
The Boy Scouts of America in or
yanizing this emergency service pro-
yram has joined with 16 other Or
,aIiizations of the Citizenship Edu-
,ational Service in issuing this
statement: while recognizing the
lrgent necessity for military pre-
we are deeply convinced
hat the paramount need in ma
ional defense is the strengthening
nd invigoration of democracy in the
United States. This we propose to
% through our respective programs
f activity and education"
Striking an encouraging note in
he world unrest today has been the
xtended work of the Boy Scouts of
.merica, the worlds largest youth
rganization. The men and boys
egistered in this federally-c -charter-
d group have pledged themselves
} follow a program of strengthen
lg and invigorating democracy in
le United States. A nine-point
rogram stressing self-reliance, and
bility to react in times of emer-
ency has been undertaken by more
ian a million and a half members
the Boy Scout Movement.
These twelve to sixteen year old
Oys, under the leadership of volun-
er adult workers, are learning by ,
1ing." Faced with practical situa- I,
Dns demanding instantaneous and !
telligent reactions these boys are !
valuable training for EN- :
gency crises. In this preparation /
act the Boy Scouts have pledged 4
emselves to be united with all
vers of freedom, whatever their
ngue or origin. To keep our ma Il
IN strong in valor and confident in
eedom, so that the government of '
e people, by the people, for the e
'ople shall not perish from the C.
rth." O
To this end the $4,000 Scout units d
the country have made a S
II call of their entire membership u
isolate weak spots in local or =
nization. Troops have taken stock
themselves in order that they
ght organize emergency service :
rps in local communities, pre-
red to act when danger of any
I'd threatens.
These efforts hearten sincere and. =
lrried Americans who view the flu Al ~
,e with fear for this country's in '
rent rights and values. They are
Keeping with the. long service
ord of the Boy Scouts of Amer
Cloods, storms and fires have seen
se khaki-clad youths in imme- :
te action New England and
,rida still recovering from the :
rricai1es and floods Of 1888 re- ]
mber the Boy Scout work with =
Older folks can re- d,
nber them at work in war times. H. n
ring World War, over 100000, 900
lars worth of Liberty Loan sub olg on
iptions were sold by Boy Scouts. =
'ty-three million dollars worth of ~
oxrssa 1T