BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

Shannon News, 4 January 1928, Page 4

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

HOW TO ORGANISE A TROOP. (Issued by Dominion Headquarters). It is not as difficult or intricate to form a, troop as is generally imagined. Anyone desiring to form a troop should at once communicate with D.ominion headquarters, when, if necessary, they will be put in communication with the nearest commissioner. Essentials. Throe things are essential to success: (1) The assurance of adult support and backing in the form of a troop committee of parents and others interested in the bovs; (2) competent leadership; (3) a .group of at least 12 boys between eleven and eighteen years of age. Having obtained your committee, your Scoutmaster and assistants, your fund, and your club room, the next step is to apply to Dominion headquarters for approval of the Scoutmasters and registration of the troop. Leadership—The Scoutmaster.

The practical results in'the-work of the boys will be consistent with the Scoutmaster's conception of the rules, the spirit and the objects of scouting The qualifications required are briefly as follows: —(a) He must be a man who is making a success .of his own life; (b) his personal standing and character must be such as will insure a good moral influence over boys, and he must have sufficient steadfastness of

purpose to carry out the work with energy, perseverance and regularity; (c) he must be prepared to carry out the training as laid down by Dominion headquarters, especially in training his patrol leaders and senior boys, to fit them for promotion to higher rank if necessary;, (d) he must be prepared to devote one evening per week to the

work and to take his troop into camp for at least one week every year; (e) he must undertake to carry on the work for at least one year. Assistant Scoutmaster.

A troop consists of two or more patrols. The patrol consists of- six or eig(ht scouts, including patrol leader and second. Each troop must have at least one assistant Scoutmaster to ensure continuity of control and leadership. Anyone can be appointed assistant Scoutmaster whom the troop committee and the Scoutmaster are satisfied will speedily acquire the necessary knowledge for the position. If the troop consists , of < more than three patrols an addtti6riiS~"assistant Scout master is advisjible for each< group oi " three or fracticfiaf thereof. J Note. —One does n°t- a full knowledge of seoJ^i4B'g^^TeT^^^t^l'|^T ,, to become a <Scoutmasler "or assf-hlnt' 'Scoutma<-,tel\ ,tion or 'the xilv^-hf^tlaqfa oy.eiSie,n t ahd v to'do' iif* , '*b J^|^|' o j' *ftw to, dete*&im, iftg a; l l >^^hY^f^6f^ ; niTig' (>e /\v.QrkMTpis&W<f rT ironi t i Before dfiaifji man or aecretary of apply to Dominion hcaSqpaTters lor re" 1 gjstration, foiwarding with the'application, names and addresses of c-haii' man, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, and a list of the members of the committee and the numerical strength of the troop. Where the gentleman recommended to be .Scoutmaster has been previously employed in the movement, full particulars of all previous service must accompany the application. Application for re-registration must be completed annually by the 30th September, and be accompanied by a copy of the troop's annual report and bal-ance-sheet. The re-registration form ■will be supplied by Dominion headquarters.

Troop Committee. Each troop of Boy Scouts shall be under the supervision of a troop committee of at least five adult citizens, elected at a meeting convened for the purpose. The troop committee is vital to the success and permanency of the troop; it is an integral part of the movement with important responsibilities. The Scoutmaster, and, if a Cub Pack exists, the Cubmaster, are also members of the committee. The troop committee shall be responsible for: — (1) Approving of applicants for the position of Scoutmaster and of one or more assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster is the "backbone" of the Boy Scout mo'vement. Upon him and his assistants rests the success or failure of the tr.oop. The greatest care must be taken in selecting him and, when selected, he should receive the support and encouragement of the committee, in every way possible. (2) Providing facilities for meetings. A meeting place is essential. The selection, securing and maintenance of meeting places therefore is an important factor in the proper conduct of a.troop. (3) Advising with the Scoutmaster "from time to time on questions affecting the interest of he troop and the proper interpretation of scouting. The Scoutmaster must be the technical expert on scouting in the troop. He f ean always refer to the District Commissioner, if there is one, or to Dominion headquarters, when questions of interpretation arise; but many matters can be "settled locally with the advice of the troop committee. (4) The observance .of the "Policy, Rules and Regulations" issued from Dominion headquarters. In the observance of these rules, the support of the troop committee is fundamental. (5) Encouraging the Scoutmaster and his assistants and the members of the tr.oop in carrying out the Boy Scout work. (6) The finances, including the securing of adequate support and the proper accounting for and disbursement of funds. The troop committee must thoroughly understand that self reliance is an important .plank in our programme and that Boy Scouts must be made to earn a fair proportion of any monies required either for themselves, their uniforms, or the troop. (7) The troop property. The troop committee acts as the trustee of the troop property. (8) Arranging for he members ,of the troop to spend one or more weeks in camp annually with adequate facilities and proper supervision. (9) The operation of the troop in such a way as to insure its permanency. This

is one of the most important fund ions of the troop committee. The resignation or waning enthusiasm of the Scoutmaster has caused many troops to disintegrate. This dissolution of troops throughout the D.ominion is a grievous evil, which the troop committee alone can remedy by: —(a) Insisting on those boys who have become either first-class or King Scouts being promoted to th*e rank of assistant Scoutmaster, provided they can be induced to remain on for a further period of service. These boys, if promoted to the rank of assistant Scoutmaster, can be exempted from military training. Forms of application for exemption from military training can be obtained from Dominion headquarters; (b) insisting on the Scoutmaster giving his assistant Scoutmasters opportunities to command the troop; (c) seeing that the patrol system is firmly established in the troop. When the patrols have developed an espirit-de-corps, the progress of the troop is assured and our future assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmasters arc being made. (10). Obtaining instructors in handicrafts. While the Scoutmaster devotes himself to scouting, the committee can find men who will keep the lads busy in other directions, whether it be boxing or flute playing, nature study or engineering. (11) Visiting the troop at work. The troop should be visited by one or more members of the troop committee at regular- intervals. This practical interest fom outside encourages the Scoutmaster and tends to keep up the morale, and efficiency of the troop. (12) Assisting in the maintaining, of proper order and discipline in the troop. (13) Seeing that a Court of Honour is formed. (14) Awarding badges and honours. Wherever a troop is working in a country district, and ■so far from the nearest Scout centre as to preclude its getting Scout authorities to examine the boys, the examinations, whether for proficiency badges or for purely Scout badges, may be conducted under the direction or in the presence of one or more members of the troop committee, the application to headquarters for badges earned being signed by the Scoutmaster and countersigned by the chairman of the committee. Conclusion. Scouting is a national work. The glorious opportunity it offers for service for others should be a sufficient reward for all those who have the interest of their country at heart, and who are anxious to help the boy of today, who.will be the man of to-morrow.