Boy Scouting: The Legacy of Lord Baden-Powell

I approach this topic as someone who benefited from the Boy Scout Movement, first as a child and then as an adult.

I entered Cub Scouting at the age of eight, and continued through the ranks to WeBeLoS, eventually earning Boy Scout 2nd class status. I later became involved in Scouting as an adult, first as an Army chaplain stationed at two military installations (one on the state side and one overseas), and then as the father of two children.

Robert SS Baden-Powell

The founder of international Scouting was a former British military man named Lord Baden-Powell, who became concerned when his military manual, “Aids To Scouting”, became a bestseller and was being used by youth organisations. He felt that children should learn to develop their abilities and make significant contributions to society.

Observing the work and organization of the Boy’s Brigade, Lord Baden-Powell saw potential for the use of boys’ power…and was challenged by Sir William Smith to rewrite the manual, calling it “Scouting For Boys”, which formed a ideology and training method that captured the minds and spirits of children and sparked a worldwide movement. As a military officer stationed in South Africa, he observed the initiation rites of the Zulu people. This he combined with certain “non-combatant” military skills, a promise of a lifetime of service, a code of conduct, and a distinctive uniform. He explored his concepts with 22 children from different social backgrounds on Brownsea Island (off the coast of England) in 1907; the rest became history.

american scouting

William D. Boyce, a publisher from Chicago visiting London, was assisted by a British Boy Scout in heavy fog, accepting no tip for his service. The scout cited that it was his duty to do a “good deed” without payment. Amazed, Boyce studied this movement and later, on February 8, 1910, founded the Boy Scouts Of America (BSA). This organization incorporated rich Native American customs of exploration, along with the Woodcraft Indians of Ernest Thomas Seton and the naturalistic and pioneering spirit of Daniel Carter Beard. James E. West became the first Chief Scout Executive.

Comments

I salute Lord Baden-Powell for being instrumental in creating positive directions for youth, thereby helping young people develop character and a commitment to a life of service. The same can be said for Boyce, Seton, Beard and West.

If presented and modeled well, Scouting gives boys a sense of purpose, worthwhile goals to strive for, a code of conduct, and a life of service. These are the building blocks for helping children understand the responsibilities of adulthood. These were the principles that Scouting taught me, and that I still hold dear today.

Unfortunately, the growth of Scouting outpaced its ability to oversee, manage and maintain quality control…it became a business, largely losing its vibrant spirit and commitment to youth development…it lost its personal touch. It also became subject to the religious influence and political correctness of the time.

Many Scout Councils fail to develop and maintain strong and influential adult leadership at the Pack/Troop Committee level…so, several boys suffered discouragement. This was true for me. I know that with a little more support and personal encouragement, I could have become an Eagle Scout. Unfortunately, I must admit that as a scout I didn’t know ranks beyond First Class Scout (I didn’t make it to First Class because I couldn’t swim, and I couldn’t get much help learning). Progression through the ranks is the job of the local Advancement Committee… whose first job is the education of the scouts.

As a former Cub Scout, WeBeLoS Scout, Boy Scout, Scouter (Adult Scout Committee member), Cub Scout Webelos assistant leader, Boy Scout assistant teacher, and adult member of the Order of the Arrow – Brotherhood…I know that, in theory, scouting is much more than scouting in practice today. Scouting may have grown into a massive organization over the years…but it has lost much of the original sheen of the “spirit of Scouting”. This in no way discounts the fervent dedication and commitment of exceptional people, who embody the spirit of the founders of Scouting. To them, my greatest respect and eternal loyalty… for a selfless job, well done!