B.P.'s Blog - On Camping
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I’ll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you’ll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas. I SHOULD like to urge upon all Scoutmasters the great importance of getting their boys into camp during this summer. The camp is the thing that appeals to the lads. It is in the camp that the Scoutmaster really has his opportunity. He can enthuse his boys with the spirit that is required; the spirit is everything. Once that is developed, everything comes easy; without it, success in training the boys is practically impossible.
I don’t care what sort of camps they are — tramping camp, week-end camp (provided that they come frequently), boat cruising, or woodland camp; all are equally valuable for the purpose in hand. But camp, in one form or other, is, I think, essential to the successful training of a Troop. And when in camp, it is again essential to have a definite programme of work laid down for each day — with an alternative in case of its turning out wet. The camp must be a busy one and not a school for aimless loafing.
I hope to hear of great developments in this line during the present summer. July ,
- From B.P.’s Outlook