Scouting Fundamentals

Scout troops are built on patrols, and patrols are built on the natural way boys for a gang of friends, that small group is where Scouting happens. We have categorized and complicated this simple principle with overlays of military discipline, management science, job descriptions and flow charts that put the Scoutmaster at the top and the boys on the bottom; opposite of the order intended. Turning the troop organization chart upside down better represents the roles of leadership and our central focus;...

We can all agree that Scouting is fun, right? What is Scouting fun, and what isn’t? Young people are in Scouting because they crave an honest challenge. They don’t need any more “bread and circuses” (benefits or entertainments intended to placate discontent or distract attention). Scouts love to learn, but don’t like to be educated; Scouts like to work hard, but dislike being driven; Scouts strive to achieve, but at their own speed....

A succinct definition of the patrol method: The formation of the boys into Patrols of from six to eight and training them as separate units each under its own responsible leader is the key to a good Troop. The Patrol is the unit of Scouting always, whether for work or for play, for discipline or for duty. An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual. This is immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his Patrol....

A good friend in scouting who served as a scoutmaster and camp director for almost thirty years once pointed out to me that Scouting was inclusive, not exclusive. His point was that if 100 boys showed up on your doorstep wanting to join Scouts in the spirit of inclusive Scouting one welcomes them and then figures out how to work with them, period. Their membership is not based on their finances, on their parent’s participation or anything other than showing up....

Scouting is something young people do naturally, it will always remain relevant. Scouting happens instinctively. Look at any group of young people anywhere in the world, anytime in history, and observe how they organize themselves. They form groups, adopt uniforms, establish standards, develop a credo, and create initiatory challenges. Classrooms often got to battle with these instincts but we find a way to give them a means of positive expression....