How Scouting Builds Character on ScoutmasterCG Archive

Scout Advancement and Character Building

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A reader recently told me they were feeling frustrated with evaluating advancement requirements and lamented “I sometimes wish the people who write these requirements would actually watch them in a troop environment.” Tell me about it! We get into difficulty when we look at advancement as our aim, or of central importance to Scouting. It is neither. We parse, measure and debate requirements endlessly as though getting them right will somehow make us better Scouters or our Scouts better people, but they are powerless to do either.

Earnest Thompson-Seton and Scouts

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Earnest Thompson-Seton first published ‘The Birch Bark Roll’ in

His work in establishing the pre-BSA organization, The Woodcraft Indians, was ultimately woven together with the ideas of Baden Powell and Daniel Carter Beard to form the program of the BSA. More than a century later Seton’s ideas remain relevant to our work as Scouters.

Studying his foundational concepts help us maintain focus on heart of our work: Two other important ideas underlie the scheme. The first is personal decoration for personal achievements; second, no competitive honors (Prizes are not honors.) All our honors are bestowed according to worldwide standards. In our colleges to-day every effort is made to discover and develop a champion. The great body of the students are neglected. That is, the ones who are in need of physical development do not get it, and those who do not need it are over developed. The result is much unsoundness of many kinds. A great deal of this would be avoided if we strive to bring all the individuals up to a certain standard. In our non-competitive tests the enemies are not “the other fellows,” but time and space. We try not to down the others, but to raise ourselves. A thorough application of this principle would end many of the evils now demoralizing college athletics.

Choose to Prepare - Strategic Preparation 2

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

“Be Prepared” is the Scout Motto. If you care enough about something, you’ll prepare. If you don’t care, you won’t bother. In the first part of this series I told a story about Scout Sunday.

I had good intentions, but it really didn’t matter because I didn’t prepare. For instance; think how it reflects on yourself and your Patrol if you go to a Board of Review without any preparation at all. A Board of Review isn’t supposed to be a test, but there will be questions right?

Be an Adult, and Be Kind

Mon, 22 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

How do we maintain discipline, require accountability and promote responsibility without resorting to shame or allowing our anger to take over. My answer is twofold – be an adult and be kind.

Scouters are supposed to be exemplary adults. We are to bring our experience and compassion to bear on the lives of our Scouts to help them through adolescence into adulthood. We are supposed to rise above pettiness, bickering and anger by using mature, fair and evenhanded judgment.

B-P's Blog - Adventure

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Here’s a selection from his writings.

WHETHER the ordinary school education is really preparing them for life , rather than for scholastic standards, is a question that people are inclined to argue about, but the fact stands out that for the numbers leaving school, of whatever class, there is not enough employment to go round, and, unless a boy has developed character and habits of energy and self-reliance he is going to be left in the slough of unemployment which leads directly to unemployability, wastage and crime. The less spirited sink under it; the more spirited, enthused no doubt by the exploits of gun-men, as shown on the films, take to the adventure of burglary and highway robbery. Nor do I blame them, for I should be the first to do it myself were I in their case. The spirit of adventure is inherent in almost every boy, but adventure is hard for him to find in the crowded city. One reads of gangs of boys of all ages, self-organised for crime, boarding lorries for systematic robbery, stealing motor cars, holding up wayfarers, etc. Stout lads! What Scouts they would make, if we had the men to handle them! But what sort of citizens are they going to make, if left to drift? At a session of the British Association last month it was pointed out that scientific invention, with its development of labour-saving machinery, of intensive production, of super-rapid transport, etc., is going too fast for the existing human race.

Why do Scouts go Camping?

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I was dumbfounded when the parent of a Webelos visiting our troop asked; “What about a Scout who doesn’t really like camping?” How would you answer that question? The best I could come up with was; “I don’t really know what Scouting is if we aren’t camping, I don’t think it’s an option.”

I couldn’t really explain why we go camping beyond the typical answers about having fun, teamwork, physical activity, and I realized a lot of activities could accomplish those ends. Why do Scouts go camping? Is it just to get outdoors? Most importantly, is camping essential to Scouting or is it just an option? Is there anything else we could do that would have the same benefits?

The Why Behind The How Part Two

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

One should guard against preaching to young people success in the customary form as the main aim in life. The most important motive for work in school and in life is pleasure in work, pleasure in its result, and the knowledge of the value of the result to the community.

Albert Einstein What is our measure of success as Scoutmasters? The metrics of attendance, advancement and the size of the roster may be indicative of success but are not the real aim of our work. If we make boosting the numbers our focus we miss the target. Are our Scouts working towards Einstein’s most important motive? Are they discovering and developing capabilities and interests that make them valuable members of the community?

B-P's Blog - Happifying

Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Here’s a selection from his writings.

AT the risk of being a bore I would like to point out once again a direction in which we want to progress.

Provided we don’t aim too high or go too fast or too damn seriously, there is one job which we CAN do through our boys. It is the great little service of happifying . This old English word is one to carry in our minds in training our boys — more especially at this Christianising season of the year. If a boy only makes himself wear a cheery countenance in, the street it is something. (Don’t forget he gains it from the example of his Scoutmaster.) It happifies or brightens up numbers of his passers by, among the depressing hundreds of glum faces that they otherwise meet. The glum or the bright is equally infectious. To get the boy to do this as a step to greater happifying services is a thing worth trying for. The desire to happify once instilled into the character of the boy is going to make all the difference in his relations with his fellow-men, and in his attitude to the community in after-life. It will make him the “happy, helpful citizen” whom we need, and this, after all, is the real aim of our endeavour in Scouting. B-P’s Outlook January , 1929.

B.P.'s Blog - Self-education

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Here’s a selection from his writings.

CONCENTRATION in education can only be obtained when the work to be done is suited to the tastes and abilities of the learner. The natural instinct of the infant is to develop itself by exercise which we call “Play.” It has an inherent desire to accomplish; the young child wants to do things and to overcome difficulties to its own satisfaction. Dr. Montessori has proved that by encouraging a child in its natural desires, instead of instructing it in what you think it ought to do, you can educate it on a much more solid and far-reaching basis. It is only tradition and custom that ordain that education should be a labour, and that as such it is good training for the child in discipline and application. One of the original objects of Scouting for Boys was to break through this tradition and to show that, by giving attractive pursuits to the young, one could lead them to develop for themselves the essentials of character, health, and handiness. It is maintained by many interested in education that concentration on the part of the child is most essential to its successful education, but is most difficult to obtain in school.

Scout Spirit as First Aid

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Scouters encourage and assess Scout Spirit in Scouts, but how often do we apply that same scrutiny to examine our own attitudes and actions?

Speaking for myself; I don’t always live up to what I’d consider an ideal expression of Scout spirit; but I doubt anyone does either. How do we build Scout Spirit in ourselves?

Think of it in terms of first aid training.

Exercise Rational Control While we can’t control what happens around us, we can control how we react. If someone’s clothing catches on fire their first reaction is running away from the flames, an objectively irrational, but predictable response. To counter that irrational response we teach people a rational alternative; “stop, drop and roll”. When Scouters find themselves in a emotionally or physically challenging situation we should apply the same rationale; stop, drop and roll. Of course I am not suggesting you literally drop to the ground and start rolling around (although you may feel like doing just that sometimes!); but intentionally reacting with Scout spirit, not the just the first thing that comes to mind. In first aid our initial task is gaining control of the situation. If we succumb to panic or emotional reactions instead of gaining rational control we can’t render effective first aid. When faced with challenges and difficulties our initial task is reacting intentionally with Scout spirit. If we succumb to an emotional reaction instead the problems just grow worse.

Social and Emotional Development in Scouting

Sat, 18 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

From an emotion development article at Edutopia: Social and emotional learning can help students successfully resolve conflict, communicate clearly, solve problems, and much more.

Whether it’s in the boardroom or the classroom, individuals need the skills to communicate, work in teams, and let go of the personal and family issues that get in the way of working and learning. Such skills add up to what is known as emotional intelligence, and they are even more important as educators realize that these skills are critical to academic achievement.

B.P.'s Blog - The Other Fellow's Point of View

Sun, 12 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Here’s a selection from his writings.

OUR attitude in the Boy Scout Movement is that we do not wish to be in conflict with any political, educational, religious, or other body, but we are very glad to have their advice or suggestions. Our aim is to be at peace with all and to do our best in our own particular line.

Scout Service Projects 2nd Class, Star, and Life

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Scout service projects are a basic element of any solid program, and participation in them is a requirement for advancement in rank. What service projects qualify for rank requirements? Let’s begin by looking at the requirements themselves: Second Class requirement: Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project. Star and Life requirement: … take part in service project(s) totaling at least six hours of work.

These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster. The project itself is not defined for us, but all require approval. The Guide to advancement 2013 sheds some light on the approval process: 4.2.3.3 Service Projects Service projects required for Second Class, Star, and Life ranks may be conducted individually or through participation in patrol or troop efforts. They also may be approved for those assisting on Eagle Scout service projects. An approval is important because it calls on a boy to think about what might be accepted, and to be prepared to discuss it. It is up to the unit to determine how this is done. In many troops, it is the Scoutmaster’s prerogative.

A Nation of Wimps?

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

I post this because I run into a fair number of Fellow Scouters who rail about the current state of the world. Such nihilists suck all the optimism out of the air and seem to take honest pleasure in their negativity.

Someone recently asked “Are we turning into a nation of wimps? Do boys need to be boys? Is there something parents and schools should be doing differently?” Here’s the exchange that followed - Fellow Scouter – In a nutshell, absolutely! And it’s causing more trouble than ever > imagined by those that implemented the ideas that started it back in the late 60s early 70s (Betty Friedan and crew). Me - In a nutshell – not on your life!

Scoutmaster Minute - Fuzzy or Focused?

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s a Scoutmaster minute idea for your notebook: If you visit the archery range at camp this summer (and you should!) you’ll get the opportunity to shoot an arrow at a target. If you shoot six arrows at the target how many do you think will hit the bull’s-eye?

Before you answer; an archer shooting in Olympic-level competition gets about 70-80% of their arrows in the bull’s-eye. How many of you will aim your arrow at the upper right hand corner of the target? How many of you will aim at the third circle in the target? How many of you will aim at the bull’s-eye? Of course you are going to aim at the bull’s-eye on the target! And you will keep aiming at the bull’s-eye whether your arrows hit it or not, right? By a show of hands how many of you are aimed at becoming an Eagle Scout?

Scout Summer Camp Benefits

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Your son comes home from Scout summer camp more capable and mature than the boy you waved goodbye to a short week ago.

Outside of the normal support structure of his family, away from the solitary distractions of modernity, a Scout must both take care of himself and cooperate with his peers. He does all this in a supportive environment that permits failure without compromising safety. He’ll be challenged to expand his abilities, to accept and offer help, and to function cooperatively in everyday tasks. Here’s some of what your Scout does at Camp: Gets up in the morning on schedule.

Honest Effort - Honest Reward

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A bit of planning, a lot of work, and the result! From Seth Godin You don’t get to just do the good parts. Of course. In fact, you probably wouldn’t have chosen this path if it was guaranteed to work every time. The implication of this might surprise you, though: when the tough parts come along, the rejection and the slog and the unfair bad breaks, it makes sense to welcome them.

Scouting as an antidote to the Spoiled American Child.

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a danger inherent in going too far with the whole ‘kids these days’ thing. Each successive generation is pretty sure the next one is headed to hell in a hand basket. Your great-great grandparents were convinced that your great grandparents were running full tilt off the cliff of immorality and dissipation – so let’s have some perspective.

There are trends and practices in parenting that repeat themselves over and over again and ‘spoiling’ children is one of them.

Patrol Method in Practice - The Character School

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

This is post number one in this four part series on the patrol method

The Adult Role ,
Objections ,
Making it happen The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method . It is not the slightest use to preach the Scout Law or to give it out as orders to a crowd of boys: each mind requires its special exposition of them and the ambition to carry them out. – Baden Powell Two things drive character development; the example of role models and interaction with peers.

Promises to Keep

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The 11th edition of he Scout Handbook begins with these promises: Scouting promises you the great outdoors. As a scout you can learn how to camp and hike without a trace and how to take care of the land. You’ll study wildlife up close and learn about nature all around you.

There are plenty of skills for you to master and you can teach others what you have learned.

Everyone helping everyone else – that’s Scouting too.

Scouting as Ecopsychotherapy

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Things that stand the test of time. like Scouting, begin with instinctive inspirations before they are explained scientifically. A growing field of psychotherapy recognizes the benefits derived from direct contact with the natural world.

Traditional therapies look inward for answers while ecopsychotherapy allows answers to be derived from contact with the natural environment.

Scoutmasters have seen the benefits of getting out in nature on their Scouts for many years.

Nature calms and focuses, soothes and quiets. For example Dr. David Busch agrees with a growing number of mental health professionals who believe that many people suffering from mental/emotional issues could be helped by spending more time connecting with nature.

Appreciating Nature Modifies Behavior and Shapes Attitudes

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A recently published study from the University of Rochester asserts that Nature Makes Us More Caring “Stopping to experience our natural surroundings can have social as well as personal benefits,” says Richard Ryan, coauthor and professor of psychology, psychiatry and education at the University of Rochester.

While the salubrious effects of nature are well documented, from increasing happiness and physical health to lowering stress, this study shows that the benefits extend to a person’s values and actions.

Scouting Cares

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

No organization cares about you.

Organizations aren’t capable of this … People, on the other hand, are perfectly capable of caring. It’s part of being a human. It’s only when organizational demands and regulations get in the way that the caring fades. From Seth Godin.

Serving organizational interests without loosing focus on the individual is a constant struggle.

Organizational demands and regulations must be flexible enough to answer individual needs without loosing organizational identity or purpose.

Developing Good Safety Habits

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The long history of the “buddy system” in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times of your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity – Guide to Safe Scouting “Where’s your buddy?” is a pretty common question when we are out camping. (more likely to be directed at a patrol leader or senior patrol leader -“where is that Scout’s buddy?”).

Experience

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s a Scoutmaster’s Minute on the subject of experience: You don’t lack intelligence, fortitude, motivation or common sense; you lack experience. You get experience from trying things out, from EXPER-imenting , from experiencing the results of your actions. How do you think the wild mushroom called the Death’s Cap got it’s name?

Experience.

Somebody told me that orange and chocolate tastes pretty good together.

I think they do too. How do I know?

Haraka haraka haina baraka - Scoutmaster Minute

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes we need to slow down and concentrate on what we are doing.

Sometimes we rush because we want to save time and we actually end up spending more time. What’s interesting is that taking more time to begin with actually saves time in the long run. Have you ever rushed to build a fire only to have to start over again?

Sometimes we get distracted by the result and forget to do things properly.

What did you learn in Scouting?

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I learned how to not be afraid.

Before Scouts I was afraid of a lot of stuff. Now, this is typically true of most young children and whether or not we are Scouts, we typically grow out of many of those childhood fears. But I know that my time in Scouting included getting up in front of a group (SPL), having to explain (telling the truth) about why things are bad (PL) and how to handle myself and behave in new situations (summer camp).

A Scouter's Golden Opportunity

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A Scouter’s Golden Opportunity I took a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day. And as I pressed it, still It bent and yielded to my will.

I came again when day was past That bit of clay was hard at last; My early impress still it bore And I could change its form no more. You take a piece of living clay And gently form it day by day; Molding with your power and art A young boy’s soft and yielding heart. You come again when days are gone, It is a man you look upon; Your early impress still he bore, And you could change him never more. You are dealing with a boy That must be guided unaware; Must be shown, but oh so gently, How to live both true and square. Pins and badges aren’t our aim, Character building is our goal; Do not lose your courage now, For you are piloting a soul. Judy Yeager NT District Training Chair, HOAC VIA Frank Maynard

Connecting the Dots

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Steve Jobs commencement address at Stanford University in 2005

Parents of my Scouts are on an uncertain journey. They’ll only know if they did the right things and made good decisions in retrospect.

Kids Need to do Less

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Anne-Marie Slaughter is the mother of two adolescent kids and a Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. She’s concerned that we may be killing the skills required for innovation by over-programming our children: … The jam packed, highly structured days of elite children are carefully calculated to create Ivy League-worthy resumes. They reinforce habits of discipline and conformity, programming remarkably well-rounded and often superb young people who can play near concert-quality violin, speak two languages, volunteer in their communities and get straight A’s.

Competition

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Some bemoan the lack of competition in Scouting and the tendency to make everyone a winner. When did a major component of Scouting is competing with other scouts and that there should be clear winners and losers? Boys are naturally competitive, they like to win they hate to lose.

Competing is not a bad thing in itself but misapplied competition can be corrosive.

Winning is not always good, losing is not always bad.