1913 Scoutmaster's Handbook

The 1913 proof edition of the Handbook for Scout Masters is available at Google Books . This draft was distributed for comment to perfect the final edition. Here’s a (rather large) PDF version of the 1913 Proof of Scoutmaster Handbook To be an effective Scouter we ought to continually assess our understanding of first principles, and there’s much food for thought in this edition of the Scoutmaster’s handbook. It’s also an interesting glimpse into Scouting history. The intentions of Scouting; The Scout Movement is not antagonistic to any civic enterprise, but rather seeks to cooperate with all other good movements in the interest of the boy. The Movement is wholly non-sectarian and plans to work with every sect and creed alike; it is non-military, and seeks to promote Peace Scouting and to develop educational character-building for good citizenship. It is wholly non-partisan. It cannot favor one interest against another and cannot countenance interference on any debatable questions, whether social, religious or political. It seeks to make the boy a more useful and appreciative son to his parents or to those to whom he owes his home comforts, a more diligent and obedient student in his school life, a more valuable aid to the community in promoting its material progress and protection, and a more efficient and better prepared young man in development for future citizenship and the pleasures and hardships of mature existence. In the matter of discipline; A Scout Master should not be petty in his discipline but should stand on the high plane of honor in everything. On the other hand he should be careful not to be lax, and the Boy Scout should understand that when he has said a thing, he means it.

Liberal and cautious in his judgment, but firm in his attitude when once his judgment has been made, should be the rule of the Scout Master in matters of discipline.

Reverence: Law 12 directs the attention of the boy to the idea of reverence. It holds his religious duties as an ideal worthy of being worked for, and urges upon him the duty and responsibility of respecting the convictions of every other man in the matters of tradition, custom and religion.

Should he think he has more light on these matters than the man next him, he should be the more generous and liberal because of that fact. On dynamic leadership; The idea that must continually be kept in mind is the boy’s good and the boy, rather than Scouting. Half of our teachers in the public schools are trying to teach the subject- matter of the book when they ought to be teaching the boy, they employ static methods. You can get up a goal for attainment and the boy will reach the goal.

Generally, however, he will go no higher than you point. Your teaching should be dynamic rather than static. On the ultimate aim: Aim to secure balanced, symmetrical activities for your patrols.

Remember your Scout is four sided, that he is physical, mental, social and religious in his nature. Do not neglect any one side of him, but get the proper agencies to cooperate with you for these ends. Let the boys do what ever they can.

Merely insist on adequate adult supervision.

Above all be patient, practical and business like and remember that old heads never grow on young shoulders. The Scout Master should take his place in the community by the side of the teacher of secular and religious instruction. He is an educator and is dealing with the most plastic and most valuable asset in the community — boyhood. Let him take his task seriously, look upon his privilege with a desire to accomplish great things, and always remember that the good of the boys is his ultimate aim.