“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.”

“Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster’s most important job.”

“Train Scouts to do the job, then let them do it.”

“It is up to the patrol leader to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his patrol.  It sounds like a big order, but in practice it works.”

“An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on
the individual.”

“Never do anything a boy can do for himself.”

The Scout Handshake!

Our Scout salute and handshake are ancient signs of bravery and respect. During colonial times of our country, many men carried weapons for protection.  Sometimes when they met one another, there was an uneasy moment as each man watched the other’s right hand.  If it went to his sword or gun, there might be a fight. If it went to his hat, it was a salute of friendship and respect.

The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting, knew of almost 100 years ago in West Africa.  He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, “In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shield and protection.”

The Ashanti knew Baden-Powell’s bravery because they had fought against him and with him, and they were proud to offer him the left hand of bravery.

When you use the Scout salute and handshake, remember that they are a signs of respect and courage!

All of the above quotations are from or of:

Lord Baden Powell       
Founder of Boy Scouts

“In planning and carrying out the Scout program by patrols, your Scouts get valuable practice in group discussions and group decisions.”

                               “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt”                            
                                    Author of the first Handbook for Patrol Leaders

“The Scout Trail”

“This is the trail that the Scout shall know
   Where knightly qualities thrive and grow:
The trail of honor and truth and worth
And the strength that springs from the good brown earth;

The trail that Scouts, in their seeking, blaze
Through the toughest tangle, the deepest maze,
Till out of Boyhood the Scout comes straight
To Manhood’s splended and high estate!

--Berbon Braley

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