DEN 3
Musical Trio, A Fast-Stepping Duet.
World—renown Harmony Boys Chorus
and End-Men Hilarity
DEN 5
A Trick Up His Sleeve, Specialty Number
by the Famous Den 5 Theatrical Unit and
End-Men Merriment
Finale “Oh Susanna” Entire Company (All Cubs of Pack)
_Remember_: Your minstrel show can succeed without rehearsals of the
entire cast if you plan carefully. It won’t be quite so polished as a
professional minstrel show might be, but your parents and guests will
enjoy it all the same, and will appreciate the fact that you did not
require the boys to go out for special rehearsals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
=UNICORD=
A cigar box and four-foot stick, an “E” string, an old fiddle bow and a
few nails will make it.
Be sure to remove paper from cigar box so it will sound. Make a bow out
of stick and horse hair with resin on it, or borrow an old fiddle bow.
Slide flat metal bar up and down string to make different notes.
[Illustration]
=MUSICAL CANS=
Four 2-qt., four 1-qt. and four 1-pt. cans with different amounts of
water to make a musical scale.
The more water and the larger the can the lower the note. The less water
and the smaller the can, the higher the note.
Put three pieces of sliced cork on the bottom of each can to lift it
above table top. Strike with cork hammer.
[Illustration]
=MARIMBA STICKS OR SLATS=
Dry California Redwood or poplar slats are good. The longer or thicker
they are, the lower the note or pitch. The shorter or thinner they are,
the higher the note or pitch.
Cut shorter or thin down the slats until you have a musical scale.
Lay tuned slats across a cardboard box.
Sprinkle sawdust on them.
Strike lightly and rapidly in center. The sawdust will gather in two
places. These are the spots where there is practically no vibration.
Drive your nails through these spots in attaching to ropes.
Hold rope by loop and strike slats with hammer made from a stick and a
spool padded with cloth.
[Illustration]
BAMBOO PAN PIPES Bamboo tubes with diameter from ⅜ in. to ¼ in. 1st tube
about 7 in. long.
Leave joint at bottom to close it. Grind and cut bamboo tubes shorter
and shorter until you get the right note when blown.
Another way: Test tubes bound together and partly filled with clay will
give different depths and different notes of the scale.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_=I was a Den Dad=_
_By Harold Gifford_
Los Angeles, Calif.
[Illustration]
◆ Someone asked for volunteers to take over a Den one night at our Pack
58 meeting. Bewildered and afraid, my wife said she would try. After
all, there were just six youngsters from around our block and they were
all nine years old and anxious to get a start in Cub Scouting. The man
in charge of the Pack meeting said it would be nice if one of the dads
would act as Den Dad, so having three boys of my own, out went my neck
and there I was ... Den Dad of Den 5, Pack 58.
The boys learned the Cub Scout Law and Promise, and they also learned
that discipline was the first word in the language. In due time this
became a part of their regular activities. They learned fast, because
when they were obedient they were rewarded with special trips or treats.
And because one fellow’s misbehavior penalized all the others, they
learned by living that the “buddy system” really works.
Our Den meetings always came first. The program was planned so that each
boy could advance within the six month period, and the achievements were
geared into the program so that what we did as fun also resulted in
advancement. And we didn’t have any spoiled boys at 11½ either, because
our program helped them grow into Scouting.
Our Denners were elected by democratic vote, with ability, interest, and
progress as the prerequisites. Believe me, it worked, and we never had
any real problem with our Denners ... either before, during, or after
they took office.
Yes, our Den had its problems. I remember one boy who just couldn’t
read. His athletic ability was nil but you should have seen his
beautiful art work. Another boy was a bully, but one day one of the
little fellows, who had practiced diligently for weeks, used a swell
one-two punch during a Den parents’ meeting show, and the bully never
gave us any trouble again. In fact, he became one of the fairest,
squarest shooters in the Den. Any personal problem of any of our boys
was handled secretly by the Den Mother, and many a mother called to
express her grateful thanks for help in home problems involving her son.
We were pretty regular in our recognition for handicrafts and attendance
at the monthly Pack meeting, and our skits and stunts were mighty good.
The highest honor ever given any of us was when we were invited to
present our puppets at the Council Cubbers Pow Wow. One of the mothers
of the Den made puppets as her hobby, and after a while every boy in the
Den was in the act in the many stories we told with these little acting
dolls.
Every one of our boys was taught to mend his clothes and do simple
cooking. He learned a lot of handicrafts, but most of all he learned to
be clean in every sense, and to be courteous and friendly.
All of this happened during the war years ... at a time when most folks
were singing the blues that we couldn’t get leaders ... that we were too
busy to worry about the little fellows ... that we had a war to win and
nothing else counted.
All true stories must come to an end. But my wife and I had our real
thank-you as Den Mother and Den Dad when twelve of our thirteen Cub
Scouts graduated with Webelos Honors into Scouting, and even the
thirteenth, the lad who couldn’t learn to read, graduated too, though
without the added honor of the Arrow of Light on his uniform. The last
time we checked, ten of our boys were still in Scouting, and four of
them will come up for their Eagle Rank together at the next Court of
Honor.
Of course, as Den Dad I did a behind-the-scenes job, but I worked
closely with the Den Mother even though I couldn’t often attend the
afternoon Den meetings.
Yessir, I was a Den Dad. All three of my boys are in Scouting, one an
Eagle Scout with Palms, one a Star Scout, and the third a Wolf Cub Scout
heading for Bear. My wife? She is still a Scout widow as I continue to
be active in our District, but she shares with me the thrill of seeing
her boys receive honor after honor in the best boy program on earth ...
Scouting.
Mister, if YOU want to enjoy life a little more ... be a Den Dad. It’s
fun!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_=DEN DOINGS=_
◆ Most of the following Den suggestions come from material developed by
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Starr of Corning, New York. The material was used as
a part of their “Fun With Music” Theme.
[Illustration]
_Pre-Opening._ Play some spirited patriotic records and marches on a
phonograph. Feature a march such as the “Marine Hymn,” and each Den can
make up its own words. This project can extend through all four Den
meetings.
For music during the pre-opening Mrs. Starr recommends Decca Album
number 50, “Patriotic Songs For Children.”
_Opening._ Use phonograph or piano to accompany the boys in the “Star
Spangled Banner.”
_Business Items._ Leaders explain Music and Minstrels theme and discuss
Den’s part in minstrel show. This need not be finally determined until
next Den Meeting.
_Activities._ Pin pictures of musical instruments on boys’ backs. They
ask questions of each other which can be answered “yes” or “no” until
each discovers the name of the instrument he wears.
Practice the song the Pack has chosen for chorus of minstrel show. Also
practice any other general songs to be used in the show.
_Closing._ Sing again the closing chorus for the minstrel show.
[Illustration]
_Pre-Opening._ Tell the story of some special music or composer such as
Stephen Foster.
_Opening._ Sing one of the choruses to be used in the Pack minstrel
show.
_Business Items._ Den Mother leads Den in discussion to decide what the
Den will do at the Pack minstrel show.
_Activities._ Spend some time working as a group on words for the song
chosen at the first meeting. Try some musical charades. Each Cub Scout
acts out the title of a song while others guess its name. After the name
is guessed the Cub leads his Den in the song. Rehearse Den’s part in
minstrel show.
_Closing._ Teach the Cub Scouts an old time spiritual such as “Swing Low
Sweet Chariot” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” The _Fireside
Book of Songs_, published by Simon & Schuster, will give Den Mothers
lots of ideas.
[Illustration]
_Pre-Opening._ Pick a simple radio theme song such as the “Duz” song and
let each boy write his own words for the music. Here is what one Cub
Scout in Mr. Starr’s Pack composed:
CUB CUB
Cubs can do most anything
Cubs can stand the test you see.
When you ask them why this is,
They say we’ll try anything.
_Opening._ All teach their songs to the Den.
_Business Items._ Den Mother and Den Chief check up on costumes,
properties, etc., for Pack minstrel show.
_Activities._ Musical Guessing Game. One Cub Scout sings a song silently
in front of the Den while others try to read his lips. As each Cub Scout
guesses the song, he joins the first boy and sings the song silently
with him. When everyone has guessed the song, the Den sings it aloud.
Play another game of your own choice unrelated to the musical theme.
Rehearse the Den’s part for the minstrel show. It should be really
polished this time. Also rehearse the choruses which are to be sung by
the entire cast.
_Closing._ Sing a quiet song such as “Now the Day Is Over.”
[Illustration]
_Pre-Opening._ Hold a dress rehearsal for the minstrel show. During the
pre-opening, Cub Scouts put on their minstrel show costumes. Blackface
is not necessary for the rehearsal.
_Opening._ Rather than follow through with the formal Den meeting, use
time to rehearse the Den’s acts for the minstrel show. Teach Cub Scouts
some rounds. Mr. and Mrs. Starr recommend the _Blue Book_ published by
Hall & McCreary Co. Good rounds are: “Scotland’s Burning,” “Sweetly
Sings the Donkey,” “Row Row Row Your Boat,” “Three Blind Mice” and “Are
You Sleeping?”
_Closing._ Rehearse the Den song which was composed by the boys at the
first Den Meeting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_=CUB SCOUT=_
=TREASURE CHEST=
[Illustration]
◆ =MAGIC KIT AND PUZZLE KIT=
The Supply Service of the Boy Scouts of America has brought out two new
kits which we think will be very popular with Cub Scouts. One of these
kits is a new Cub Scout Magic Box. It’s filled with material to perform
tricks suitable for boys of Cub Scout age.
The kit is packed in an attractive Cub Scout box. You can get the Magic
Kit through your Boy Scout dealer. If he doesn’t have it in stock, your
Boy Scout office will order it for you. (Catalog No. 1888, priced at
$2.)
Cub Scouts will also find the Cub Scout Puzzle Box interesting. The box
is filled with the sort of tricks boys can try on their dads. The Puzzle
Kit may also be purchased through your Boy Scout dealer or ordered
through the Boy Scout Office. (Catalog No. 1887, price $2.)
Both of these Kits would make wonderful Christmas gifts for Cub Scouts.
=GOT A GAME?=
A lot of digging goes on before the Cub Scouting section of SCOUTING
Magazine reaches you each month. We do our best to make available to you
information which will help you in the planning of your Pack programs.
Naturally we cannot give you enough to make it unnecessary for you to do
some thinking too. Our purpose is to give you just enough information to
stimulate your own thinking and planning.
One of the areas where we need some help is that of games. We can keep
passing games along to you, but we would like to be able to give you
games which other Cub Scout leaders have successfully used in their Dens
and Packs. The only way we can do that is for you to send us the
favorite games of your Den.
Would it help you if we were to start a Favorite Games Department?
Perhaps we could print two or three favorite games each month. You would
know that they were games which had been successfully used in Cub
Scouting in some section of the country.
Would you like such a favorite games column in your SCOUTING Magazine?
If so, send us your favorite game, and we will consider it your vote in
favor of the Department. Tell us just enough about your game so that we
can understand it. You need not worry about making it polished writing.
We’ll edit it. If the game you send us has not been used in our
literature, and if it’s the type of game we can use, then we will
publish it and give you credit for sending it.
Got a game?
=CUBS OF REGION FOUR=
(_Tune: The Marine Corps Hymn_)
From the shores of blue Lake Erie
To the hills of Kentuckee,
You will see our banner flying,
O’er this great land of the free.
(Chorus)
We’re the Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Lion Cubs
And Akela we adore.
You will always find us on the job,
We’re the Cubs of Region Four.
We work and play, we laugh and sing,
We always do our best.
We give good will whene’er we can,
For Cubs can stand the test.
(Repeat Chorus)
Our uniform is blue and gold
Our shoes are shining bright.
Our health is good, our spirit’s high,
And everything’s all right.
(Repeat Chorus)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOUTING SHORTS
[Illustration]
for
BOY SCOUT LEADERS
⚜ <— FOLLOW THIS TRAIL SIGN STARTING EACH ARTICLE
[Illustration]
⚜ =Troop Announcements=
Scoutmasters who are also photographers, or who have photographers on
the Troop Committee or among their obliging friends, have an easy way of
turning out interest-catching cards announcing Troop meetings, hikes,
and other events.
Use a snapshot of a recent hike or camp. Print the photo in one corner
of a piece of photographic paper, cut to post card size, (or a regular
postcard photo stock sold in many shops). Write the announcement in the
white space surrounding the picture, stick on a one cent stamp, and
leave the rest to Uncle Sam. The sample above shows the type of card
sent out by Scoutmaster S. L. Lenington, of Troop 207, Denison, Texas.
He says it works nicely.
=Stop That Hacking=
When the Meshingomesia Council Camp Staff, of Marion, Indiana, began to
take stock of the trees in camp, their observations rocked them right to
the ground. Not that Scouts were intentionally destructive—but careless
hacking, needless bark stripping, and the typical American habit of
carving initials on anything and everything in sight—all had been
combined to completely ruin some trees, partly destroy others, and at
the very least, deface the natural beauty of the woods.
Several schemes were suggested to stop these careless habits, and one
proved most successful. Whenever a batch of campers arrived, they were
lined up with their axes and knives in front of them. Each Scout gave
the Scout Sign and repeated “On my honor I do promise to protect all
plants and animals in our Scout Camp, being particularly careful with my
knife and axe, not cutting any tree or shrub without permission.”
=Bugs and Flowers=
Scoutmasters who are embarrassed when eager beavers run up and ask “What
kind of a bug is this?” or “What flower is that?” will welcome two new
books, both published by Doubleday and Company, Garden City, New York.
_The Insect Guide_ by Dr. Ralph B. Swain, a former Scout, is a
very-easy-to-use book. Instead of describing the individual species, Dr.
Swain tells how to recognize the larger, more easily remembered insect
families and orders. Four hundred and fifty illustrations—330 in full
color, make the job of question-answering that much easier. Equally
interesting is the material on how to find, capture, observe and
preserve different insects. As a hike or camp activity, insect
observation can be good program material, if you know how to do it. This
pocket guide supplies the answers.
Also recommended for the Troop library is _Wild Flower Guide_, by Dr.
Edgar T. Wherry. Actual use with Scouts has proved this to be an
easy-to-follow guide. For example: if you find a flower and wonder what
it is, refer to the appendix, where flowers are classified according to
color. Run down the list and eliminate those which you know the flower
isn’t. Then look for possibilities of what it might be. The
illustrations, many in color, make the job easier. The description of
each flower is complete.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_GIVE DADS A CHANCE_
[Illustration:
Photo by Carl W. Eysenbach
Lakewood, Ohio
]
When Mr. West called his Committee at ten o’clock on a Saturday night to
pose for a picture at noon on Sunday, he found that six men were out of
town. The other nineteen are shown here. That’s a good example of the
Committee cooperation Mr. West describes in this article.
_By Gerry West_
Scoutmaster, Troop 78
Lakewood, Ohio
⚜ We start getting a dad’s interest when his boy joins the Troop. The
boy is invited to a meeting by a Scout. We make him welcome, tell him to
look us over and we’ll look him over too. After he’s been to a meeting
or two we talk to him about passing Tenderfoot tests, and tell him when
he’s ready to come to our home. We ask him to bring dad along to meet
us.
So, the evening we’ve both agreed upon arrives. So does the Scout-to-be
and his dad. We set them at ease and start to pass the boy on his tests.
He’s ready all right and does a good job, and we make it a point to let
him know it. Then we tell of the 2nd Class requirements, how simple they
are to pass, and how with a little bit of help from dad there is no
reason why he shouldn’t be Eagle in a couple of years.
Dad, pleased that his son is on the first step of Scouting, is in a
receptive mood, so we go on to explain the fun in Scouting for man and
boy, how winter camps are the highlight of our Troop activities and how
other dads go along on these camps.
Our Troop registers about thirty-six Scouts every year and this year we
registered twenty-four dads. They are Scouters and take an active
interest in problems confronting the Committee. On the average, we have
no less than fifteen dads at every monthly Committee meeting. Not
everyone can make every meeting, but all can and do pitch in whenever we
have a special project to work on.
For instance, we needed money to buy camping equipment a year or so ago.
One dad took over as chairman of the project which turned out to be a
waste paper and magazine drive. He rallied twenty-eight Scouts and
twenty dads and their cars. We put $250 into the Troop treasury and had
a swell time doing it.
Four of the dads on the Troop Committee act as a Board of Review for the
Troop. Then at the subsequent Court of Honor this same group along with
other members of the Committee sit on the Court and make the awards. At
these Courts of Honor we make it a point to invite and expect every
mother and dad to attend—even though their son may not be up for an
award. We know he will be at a future Court, and know his mother and dad
would want the same cooperation and interest shown by other parents.
As I’ve said, we like to go camping, to spend long week-ends in the
woods, and when one of these week-ends comes along another dad steps
into the picture. He’s our Transportation Chairman and it’s his job to
see that the Scouts get to and from camp.
Because our dads come from every walk of life and all kinds of
businesses, we look into their daily jobs or hobbies for special talents
that might be employed at a Troop meeting. One of our dads is Lieutenant
Commander in the Coast Guard, so some weekend this fall the Troop will
take a trip and visit the local Coast Guard Station and see how it is
operated, and incidentally look over and into the workings of a
submarine stationed there.
No you won’t get them all. You’ll run across the dad who just can’t do
much because of his job, and you’ll run across the dad just not
interested—even the fellow who is most willing to have you take the boys
to camp, his boy included, and not even be able to lend a hand with
transportation. Don’t let these few discourage you however, nor cause
you to slacken your efforts to ask the next dad who comes along. Don’t
be afraid to go out and ask for help. Give your dads a chance and you’ll
have more fun in Scouting, you’ll have a better Troop and you’ll have an
easier job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROOP PLANS FOR JANUARY
[Illustration]
THEME
HANDICRAFT
SKILLS
Build Scout Week Displays, Model Making, Make Camp, Activities
Equipment, Handicraft
⚜ January is essentially a month of preparation for Scout anniversary
week, and since local activities vary so much over the country, it is
difficult to suggest four weekly meetings that will be usable by every
Troop. Some Units will devote the entire month to preparation for window
displays and live expos, open-house nights, Scout Sunday, participation
in Council or District activities and other events celebrating
Scouting’s birthday. Other Troops will be able to carry on such
preparation, and still spend time on training in some skill or series of
Scoutcraft projects.
The Scoutmaster’s Program Notebook suggests handicraft as the theme for
the month—building Scout Week displays, model making, and making camp
and activities equipment.
=First Week=
Opening—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, pages 142-144)
Game—Crows and Cranes (page 30)
Scoutcraft—Demonstration of what to make for the Scout Week window
display. Each Patrol to collect material and make one part of exhibit.
Explanation of what skills will be demonstrated in live expo, and
assignments made to Patrols (pages 8, 9)
Patrol Corners—Patrol business. Attendance, dues. Start planning Patrol
part in Troop window display and live expo. Continue preparation at
weekly Patrol Meeting.
Game—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, page 422)
Announcements—Scout Week Plans. Winter Camp. Scoutmaster’s Minute.
Closing—Songs (Songs Scouts Sing)
=Second Week=
Opening—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, pages 142-144)
Game—MM! U See ’Um (page 30)
Scoutcraft—Start collecting Patrol material for Window display. Practice
for live expo. Plan for open house, parent’s night, or part in Council
or District activities.
Patrol Corners—Patrol business. Continue work on handicraft for window
display, or making camp and activities equipment. Practice for Patrol
part in live expo, or other Troop activity.
Game—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook—page 422)
Announcements—Progress of Scout Week plans. Troop business. Winter camp.
Scoutmaster’s Minute.
Closing—Songs
=Third Week=
Opening—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, pages 142-144)
Game—Newspaper Study, (page 30)
Scoutcraft—Winter camping techniques—clothing, equipment, menu planning
(pages 26-27) (See also November SCOUTING, page 16)
Patrol Corners—Patrol business. Continue handicraft activities. Practice
for live expo, open house, or parents’ night demonstrations.
Game—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, page 422)
Announcement—Scout Week plans. Winter camp. Scoutmaster’s Minute.
Closing—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook)
=Fourth Week=
Opening—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook, pages 142-144)
Game—(Page 30)
Scoutcraft—Plans for Winter Camp. Tent pitching, bed making, keeping
warm, cooking, etc. (Pages 26 and 27, also November SCOUTING, page 16)
Patrol Corners—Finish preparation for Scout Weeks handicraft and live
expo, or skill demonstration for open house. Hold dress rehearsal, for
staff of part in live expo and open house. Turn in all handicraft
projects, ready for placing in window.
Game—(Scoutmaster’s Handbook—page 422)
Announcements—Meeting place for start of camp trip. Scout Week plans.
Scoutmaster’s Minute.
Closing—Songs.
=Overnight Camp=
P.M.
3:15 Troop meets. Patrol Leaders check Patrols. Inspection of Packs.
3:30 Leave for camp site.
4:30 Arrival at camp site. Half of Patrol pitches tents, makes beds,
etc. Other half prepares dinner.
6:00 Dinner
6:30 Clean-up. Inspection of Campsite.
7:00 Games
8:30 Campfire
9:00 Taps
_2nd Day_
7:30 Get up. Build fires. Cook breakfast.
8:15 Breakfast. Clean-up.
9:00 Inspection of camp
9:30 Winter nature hike. Look for tracks and other animal signs (and
animals themselves). Make casts of tracks for Patrol Den.
11:00 Start lunch.
12:00 Lunch. Clean-up.
1:00 Games
2:30 Break camp.
3:00 Leave for home.
4:00 Arrive home.
Handicraft ideas will be found in December BOY’S LIFE and in the
Handbook for Boys. Look in your Scoutmaster’s Program Notebook for list
of free BOY’S LIFE reprints suggesting handicraft projects.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOUT WEEK _Adventure_
_By William E. Lawrence_
Director of Boy Scouting
=_In Fun and Fellowship_=
It seems strange that FUN must be emphasized as a feature of Scouting.
For that’s what Scouts expect when they join a Troop. That’s what they
must get if we are going to keep them interested ... but it should be
fun with a purpose, a dignified sort of fun that Scouts will always
remember.
New games and inter-Patrol contests; better Patrol and Troop meetings;
stunt nights; special features, such as Troop attendance at the big
basketball game or a Troop swim at the school or “Y” pool; wide games on
every hike and camp; these are only some ways to make Scouting fun.
And don’t overlook fellowship. One way to stimulate wholesome
companionship is to see to it that every boy is in the Patrol where he
fits—in a Patrol where he has friends, common interests with the other
fellows, a leader he will gladly follow, activities he helps to plan and
responsibilities he has to carry out for the welfare of his gang.
THERE IS adventure in fun and fellowship and it’s up to us to provide
opportunities for it.
=_In the Out-of-Doors_=
Many times, when boys drop out of Scouting they tell us it is because
“we didn’t go hiking or camping often enough” or “our program is always
the same old stuff.” Scouts want to go OUT. We must take them out—out
where they can master the skills of the pioneer, explorer, woodsman, or
sportsman.
Scouting has the program for the out-of-doors—hiking and camping. But
let’s make it hiking and camping with a purpose—to explore wilderness
areas, catch bigger fish, track wild animals, tramp the trails of the
old pioneers. Let’s help Scouts learn outdoor skills—but then, let’s
give them a chance to use those skills in seeking adventure.
Every Scout has the right to a rugged outdoor experience, for Scouting
means outdoor adventure.
⚜ “Adventure—that’s Scouting.” But what is adventure? Webster says that
it’s “That which happens without design ... hazard ... a bold
undertaking ... a remarkable occurrence ... a striking event ... a
stirring incident.”
To adult minds such a definition conjures up visions ... leaving the
commonplace, going into the unknown. And ... most of us find it only in
reading about the great and hazardous adventures of others.
We go with Perry and Stefansson to the Arctic or with Shackleton,
Amundsen, Scott and Byrd to the Antarctic.
We go up the Mississippi with DeSoto or down it with LaSalle.
Or we thrill to the determination, courage and excitement in the
conquest of Mt. Everest, or in flying faster than sound.
Perhaps we as adults have few things happen to us now that we call
adventures. But ... let’s not forget that adventure is a relative thing.
A boy may put up a front of being sophisticated but he hasn’t lived long
enough to get around much. There are still plenty of bold undertakings,
remarkable occurrences and stirring incidents ahead for him.
Can’t you recall some of your own early adventures? They’d seem pretty
tame to you now ... but were they then?
Within the last few years I have hiked and camped in some of the places
where I hiked and camped as a Scout. I’ve been surprised to find that
the forests are now only small wooded areas ... the mountains I climbed
just hills ... the wide lakes hardly more than ponds.
Adventure to a boy is something that is new and different ... a change
of surroundings ... experiencing new things in new ways.
It is this promise of adventure ... of camping and of life in the
outdoors that lures the boy into Scouting.
We must keep faith with him by giving him that adventure ... not just to
satisfy him but because it is the best way we have of holding his
interest. And ... only as we hold his interest can we influence his
development.
But if we give a boy a good, old-fashioned, rugged brand of Scouting ...
if we teach him to take care of himself ... if once a month we take him
to a not-too-distant spot with a pack on his back ... have him sleep on
the ground and cook his meals ... he will have adventure.
Here, with his Patrol and Troop he will establish a temporary
settlement. He will meet the problems of shelter and food and learn to
get along with his fellows. Every new experience will bring new problems
to be solved.
As he grows in ability, his experiences can become longer and more
difficult and thus more adventurous. Opportunities to live outdoors in
rain and snow should be sought. In this way he may learn additional
skills which come only from living with, and mastering difficulties.
When he can light a fire and keep warm with wet wood, pitch his tent,
and make his bed in a rainstorm ... then he will have had adventures and
through them learned a lot about self reliance.
Remember Webster’s definition ... “a bold undertaking ... a remarkable
occurrence ... a striking event ... a stirring incident.”
They are all there. You can find them as you work and plan your Troop
program.
If you do, you will help boys to know themselves. You will develop in
them a feeling of responsibility toward others. You will go far toward
enriching the life of a boy through his Scouting experience.
This can be _your_ “bold undertaking” ... your “striking event” ... your
“stirring incident.” This can be your adventure in Scouting!
Five adventure highlights for Boy Scout Week are spotlighted below.
Start them in February, but keep going the rest of the year. These are
the elements which will bring adventure to the boys in your Troop.
=_In Special Events_=
Everybody loves a BIG SHOW—almost every scout gets a kick out of
performing for his family, friends and neighbors. The special events
suggested for Boy Scout Week give Scouts a chance to be recognized.
Feb. 6th—Scout Sunday—attend religious services in uniform and take part
in the service.
Feb. 8th—Anniversary Day—revive the custom of re-pledging oneself to the
Scout Oath and Law at 8:15 p.m. Scouts all over the country will be
doing the same thing at the same time.
Feb. 7-11—Troop Meeting night—Open House program. (Get the new “Open
House” booklet from your Local Council.) Fun, demonstrations,
recognition of advancement, Report to parents and parent institutions on
Adventure in Citizenship.
Scouting in schools—assembly program and demonstration.
Feb. 12th—A day in the open—hike or camp activities appropriate for
locality and individual Troop.
=_In Citizenship_=
Remember last year’s Report to the Nation when Troops reported on their
service projects for the coming year—1948? This is the pay-off year,
when we report on what we did instead of what we plan to do. This is the
time to check up on your community Good Turns, service to your sponsor,
and other service projects. Plan new and bigger activities for Scout
Week—1949, and for the rest of the year. But don’t stop with plans—do
something!
There is adventure in Citizenship when Scouts come to realize that they
are citizens of the world too. There is no better time to revive an
interest in the World Friendship Fund to help Scouts in other lands.
Food packages are more important than ever.
Review now the results of our promises—and make even more challenging
ones for 1949.
=_In Leadership_=
Every Scoutmaster knows how important his junior leaders are—Patrol
Leaders, Senior Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Scribe and
others. This hard working staff comes in for little credit except on
rare occasions. It will boost their morale, raise them a little higher
in the esteem of their fellows if they are properly recognized for their
leadership jobs. It will point up to parents and friends the way
Scouting helps boys develop their latent leadership ability.
Den Chiefs, too, should be recognized for the important part they
play—recognized in the Troop, before fellow Scouts, parents and friends.
A special investiture for Troop leaders at the Open House, or another
special occasion would be the ideal way to recognize this leadership.
Make it short, make it impressive. Make the Scouts feel that they are
appreciated. Point up their work as adventure in living—as well as
adventure in Scouting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOIN’ IT RIGHT
[Illustration:
_By William H. Wadsworth_
Asst. Scout Executive, Onandaga Council, Syracuse, N.Y.
]
⚜ There are two ways to get the know-how of winter camping. One is the
hard way, by trial and error, the other is profiting by the experience
of others. We did it the hard way, which has certain advantages; once
you learn a trick, you don’t forget it. But, we’re happy to let you in
the easy way, so let’s take first things first:
[Illustration]
=Packing=
We usually have each Patrol get personal equipment together and lay it
out in neat piles. Patrol equipment and food is divided equally into as
many piles as Scouts in the Patrol. We consider both weight and bulk,
and try to even it up.
It’s a good idea to fill your cook pots (we use five No. 10 cans) with
food or small articles which might possibly be greasy, or break or
freeze, and place in the top of your pack. If blankets are on the
outside (get them inside if possible) protect them from the weather by
rolling in waterproof groundcloth. Don’t have the end of your blanket
roll exposed. (We found we could keep the Patrol canteen from freezing
by putting it in the middle of a bedroll.)
[Illustration]
=Clothing and Equipment=
As you travel and begin to heat up, peel off layers of clothing. Several
layers are warmer than a few heavy pieces. This goes for socks as well
as shirts. Air space gives good insulation. If it’s raining or snowing,
be sure to wear a water-repellent outer garment, removing the inner
layers and packing them in the flap of your pack. You’ll want
them—dry—later at night. In snow country, specially after a fresh
snowfall, you’ll find a large amount of snow constantly dropping off
trees onto your pack, your back, and down your neck. Carry a small stiff
brush to remove it. Keep the brush handy in an outside pocket for
removing snow from clothes and equipment. “It’s easier to keep ’Em dry
than to dry ’Em out!”
Damp socks may be dried during the night by laying them flat across your
stomach outside whatever night clothing you are wearing. In cold
country, shoes should be dried before the fire and placed inside or
under your bedroll for the night. I’ll never forget the time we had the
first really cold night and left our ski boots outside the bedroll. They
were like rocks and it took some time to soften them enough to get our
feet in them.
We are strong believers in the Swedish bow saw in country where we do a
great deal of wood cutting. We cut bed logs to hold the dead leaves,
boughs, or grass. We cut poles for our tents and reflector fires. We cut
large base logs on which to build the fire to keep it from burning
itself out of sight in deep snow. I’ll never forget the day we “lost our
fire” when we were on a day hike. We were in a large frozen swamp and
had made fires to cook our lunch. You should have seen the expression on
one face when, with a hiss and sputter of steam, his fire disappeared
into the water, leaving his hot dog dangling above floating charcoal.
One reason for emphasis on the bow saw, is that it does twice the work
with half the energy. Wood fills with frost in winter and axes bounce
instead of cut, no matter how sharp they may be.
In winter look for just the opposite type of campsite you would select
in summer. Instead of a shaded open knoll, seek low lands, if they are
frozen, where trees are thick and provide good windbreak. Places you
never visit in summer suddenly come into their own for winter camping.
A small roll of copper wire will come in handy for many things. One
fellow always carries about four wire pothooks of varying sizes. Oh yes,
he can make a wood pothook, but that takes time, and often when we have
made camp a little late because of a long trip or late start, his
pothooks come in mighty handy. He also added pot bags to our list.
Strange as it may seem, we don’t have one Scout who likes to wash the
black off pots; thus, if we are making only one camp, we just crush the
#10 cans and bury them. When we use a regular pot, we just wash the
inside, pack it full of other food and equipment, and slip on the pot
bag, which prevents it from dirtying up our pack.
[Illustration:
by Remington Schuyler
]
=Tents=
Tentage is a story in itself. We use the Tab tent (SCOUTING, December,
1947), which is a rectangular, suspended tent. It has thirty-seven tabs
which give us a chance to pitch it in many different ways, each
providing twenty-inch walls, which make for more room and efficient use
of the tent’s interior. For winter camping we pitch it with an open
front in either winter baker, forester, or explorer style, using
forty-penny nails or logs to anchor it on frozen ground, or logs or
sticks buried in deep snow. We like logs best; the same logs can be used
for bed logs with the Tab tent. We bank the tent well with grass,
leaves, or snow—for that wind can whistle under an open edge too easily.
We have a favorite tripod fire crane which works perfectly under any
conditions—frozen ground, in snow, or mud. It eliminates cutting
crotched sticks and pounding them into hard or frozen ground. The three
uprights may be dead or live wood fastened at the top with a small piece
of rope, wire, or even a neckerchief. The lug pole is green wood about
an inch in diameter. This rig can be easily moved as your fire changes,
and works well with any type of fire lay.
Don’t forget a small food cloth for keeping food and cooking equipment
off the ground. Keep one pot on the fire for a constant hot water
supply; it will come in handy in a dozen ways and is an excellent first
aid precaution. It is easier to melt snow in water than in a bare pot
where it must be stirred to keep from burning. Let each individual
prepare his own beverage with boiling water and the beverage powder he
prefers. This saves tying up another pot.
A good ground cloth is essential. Make it large enough to go under and
over your bedroll. Build your bed of dried leaves, grass, or boughs.
Don’t rely on that summer sleeping bag alone—extra blankets are
necessary. Newspapers are good insulation. Sleep with your head to the
highest part of the tent so that your breath won’t freeze and form a
hoarfrost on the tent and fall off onto your blankets.
One fellow hit on a good idea on our last trip. At night he prepared his
tinder, kindling, and firewood in three neat piles inside his tent. When
morning came, he extended one arm, in went the kindling, a match, and
it’s lighted, with him still in bed. A stick or two of wood and things
began to warm up. By the time he had to get up, he didn’t miss his warm
blankets ... well, not much.
We carry two pairs of long underwear. The one worn during the day is
taken off and dried at night when going to bed and when it is warm. The
next morning clothes are put on over the set of underwear worn during
the night, eliminating too much exposure of bare skin—an important
point, especially when you are inside that bare skin.
First aid precautions in cold weather differ from regular summer first
aid; shock is greatly intensified in cold weather. Blankets and canteen
hot water bottle are handy. How to treat for frostbite is required
knowledge. Make preparations against snow blindness in northern regions.
Temporary sunglasses may be made with cardboard, cloth, or wood with
slits cut through, fastened in place with adhesive tape. Watch out for
your feet. Wear several layers of light wool socks with large sized
waterproof shoes, shoe packs, or ski boots. Tight-fitting ski boots will
cause you trouble. Lay down boughs or branches around your fire; you can
walk on them and thus keep your feet out of wet snow or mud caused by
the fire’s heat.
You’ll pick up other ideas as you go along. It’s not difficult, and you
don’t need special equipment or skill. All you need is the spirit of
adventure—the spirit your Scouts have—and the desire to try something
different. It’s fun.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
=_THE EARLY SCOUT GETS THE BIRD_=
⚜ Killing two birds with one stone may have been satisfactory in the old
days, but in these days of inflation we figured we should be able to
knock off at least six birds, figuratively speaking of course.
It all started at a Committee meeting when we were looking around for a
Scout Week window display idea. A mass display of bluebird houses made
by the Scouts was suggested. But just making birdhouses as a craft
project did not seem too practical, unless we could put the houses to
use and get birds to nest in them. But why couldn’t we do that? We
could. We did. And this is how it worked:
[Illustration:
Boards were cut and kits were assembled in the basement workshops of
Committeemen and friends.
_Wolf Photo_
]
First of all, each Committeeman made one birdhouse, using the pattern
shown here and an old apple crate or scrap lumber. That was to prepare
the Committeeman to help the boys. It also gave us a start with ten
houses.
Then each Scout was given a copy of the pattern and asked to make a
house in the next week. Most of the fellows came through and we had
twenty more. Now we were ready for mass production.
We scouted the lumberyards in town, and the building projects for scrap
lumber—1″ thick boards in various lengths and widths. Everyone was
cooperative and we got all the wood we needed. We bought the nails, and
then looked around for a “basement shop” or woodworking hobbyist to help
us prefabricate the birdhouses. The power saw was easily found, and we
went to work sawing up the boards to the proper sizes.
[Illustration:
Birdhouses were used first in Scout Week window display and later were
placed out in orchard country.
_Frederick Avery Photo_
_Wolf Photo_
]
Then we tied up the boards into “kits,” each kit containing all the
makings of a house. In Patrol Meetings, the Scouts assembled the houses.
That gave us something over 150 more houses.
=Window Display=
When the houses were complete, just before Scout Week, we gathered them
all together and built our window display. The photo shows what it
looked like. But the photo doesn’t show all the interest it aroused.
=Mapping=
The craft work “bird” and the window display were knocked off—now for
setting up the houses. The Buffalo Ornithological Society helped us, and
we placed them along fifty miles of highways radiating out from town.
The houses were placed in orchard country, with the approval of the land
owners. Each group made a sketch map of the roads along which they set
up houses, and we put the segments together to make a large map showing
the location of all the houses.
[Illustration:
A map was made to show the location of each birdhouse so that
check-ups could be made during the nesting season.
_Wolf Photo_
]
=Bird Study=
Of course the chief purpose of the project was to attract birds and
provide nesting places for them. So two more “birds” fell before our
one stone. Weekly hikes, during the spring, gave Scouts a chance to
see how successful the housing development was. Every house was
checked and the tenants carefully observed. Landlords can’t be too
careful these days. We found that we housed more than 400 young birds.
_THE EARLY SCOUT GETS THE BIRD_
[Illustration:
_By H. B. Hammill, Jr._
Committeeman, Troop 64,
Williamsville, N.Y.
]
In the fall too, hikes were necessary, to check on the houses to see
how they were standing up, and also to clean them out. Bluebirds won’t
use a house that contains the remnants of a last year’s nest. So the
houses were all cleaned to be ready for the 1949 season.
=Community Service=
Of course there is one more “bird” that we haven’t mentioned yet—and
probably the most important. This was one of the best community
service projects we could try. For bluebirds are insect eating birds,
and one family in one season can destroy an unbelievable number of
harmful insects. Attracting the birds to orchard country should
certainly help to improve the apple crop—at the same time the birds
are among the first to arrive in spring and they stay all summer. They
are colorful, cheerful birds and their very presence should help to
make some people happier—just to see and listen to them.
So that’s our birdhouse story. It was a project that lasted for six
months. It is good Scouting all the way through, and it was not hard
to organize. We heartily recommend it to others. But remember! The
early Scouts get the bird! Start it now, so the houses are up by the
end of February. Bluebirds come early and prefer “weathered” houses.
You too, can “kill” six birds with one stone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR SCOUTCRAFT
_GAME FILE_
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: INDOOR OUTDOOR LARGE ACTIVE NO EQUIP.]
FUN HALF TROOP TEAMS FACING LINES
=CROWS AND CRANES=
_Equipment_: None.
_Method_: Divide Troop into two teams, lined up, facing each other in
center of room or cleared space. Teams 2-3 ft. apart, one called
“Crows,” the other “Cranes.” Leader calls out one of these names,
rolling “r,” as: “Cr-r-r-rows” or “Cr-r-r-ranes.” All on team named
must turn and run to wall or given line in back of them. If a player
is tagged by an opponent before reaching wall, he is captured and
becomes member of other team. This is kept up until all players are on
one side. Leader can add fun by giving occasional false alarms—for
example: “Cr-r-r-rabs” or “Cr-r-r-rash.” None may move, any so doing
are deemed caught and moved to opposite side.
_Scoring_: Last player captured wins.
VARIATION: As before, excepting when player violates leader’s call, he
drops out. Last remaining earns 20 points for his team.
─────────────
[Sidenote: INDOOR SMALL QUIET EQUIP.]
NATURE PATROL TEAMS INFORMAL
=MM! U SEE ’UM (Museum)=
_Equipment_: Collection of nature specimens that every Scout should
know, such as: pine cone, wood and leaf specimens, wasp nest, insects,
etc. Set of cards (file size is good) numbered from one to number of
specimens collected. Paper and pencils.
_Method_: Troop’s nature expert collects samples of many different
things. Each item is placed on or attached to a numbered card.
Collection is placed before Troop. Each Patrol is given sheet of paper
numbered from one to number of items displayed. Patrols write down
items they are able to identify.
_Scoring_: Lists are turned over to judge, who gives one point to each
correct answer.
VARIATION: Nature collection is viewed for designated time and each
Scout matches numbers to nature specimens he can identify. Papers are
handed in and each correct answer earns 1 point. Total points divided
with number of boys in the Patrol gives each Patrol standing.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: INDOOR SMALL QUIET EQUIP.]
BASIC SCOUTING PATROL CORNERS
=PATROL TEAMS NEWSPAPER STUDY=
_Equipment_: One issue of the same day’s newspaper for each Patrol.
Pencils.
_Method_: Patrols in Patrol corners, each with the same day’s issue of
a newspaper. On signal, Patrols start searching for articles or news
items which illustrate some Scout Law. Items are torn or cut out of
newspaper and Patrols write on the clipping the Scout Law involved
along with their Patrol name.
_Scoring_: Clippings are collected by the Troop leaders and the Patrol
with the most clippings in given time, wins.
VARIATION 1: Patrols cut out news items illustrating Scout Laws broken
and/or kept. First to find clippings for all twelve Scout Laws, wins.
VARIATION 2: Leaders select one of the more difficult laws to
illustrate. First Patrol to find specified law, wins.
* * * * *
Hap—py New Year! Heave Ho and away we go into 1949.
What’s new in your Troop? New faces, new games? Send them along,
games, that is; so that they might find their way to this page.
Remember, we would like to know YOUR favorite game.
Don’t suppose that 1949 will change that time-tested saying, “A friend
in need is a friend indeed.” We like to think of the Game File as
helping that Scoutmaster friend of ours. You know the fellow.... Scout
meeting scheduled for 7:30 o’clock; 7:50 and only a dozen fellows on
hand and the games are planned for three full Patrols of eight Scouts.
So rather than give way to complete frustration, the meeting goes on.
A quick shift must be made. So we tug on the sleeve of that
Scoutmaster friend of ours and steer him over to his file where he
keeps his Scoutcraft Game File. Thumbing quickly through the file
cards, he soon finds the games that will cover the situation.
How ’bout it Cubbers and Scouters.... Got your Game File up-to-date?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spotlight Scout Week
[Illustration]
for
SENIOR SCOUT LEADERS
⚜ <— FOLLOW THIS TRAIL SIGN STARTING EACH ARTICLE
[Illustration]
● Spotlight the adventure of Senior Scouting during Scout Week,
February 6-12. Scouting will be in the national news—newspapers,
magazines, newsreels, and radio. People will be especially aware of
Scouting. You can localize this priceless publicity by newsworthy
activities in your Senior Unit.
Select projects from the outline below, based on the theme
“Adventure—That’s Scouting!” Then put the spotlight on your Unit by
giving the facts to the local newspaper and radio editors.
In Senior Scouting there is Adventure in Fun and Fellowship. A
spotlight activity may be:
[Illustration]
_Honor Day!_
Honor an outstanding student, athlete, musician, teacher, hero, or
others deserving special tribute. This may be arranged as a school
assembly or chapel program or a special banquet given by the Unit.
In addition to a well prepared sincere tribute, your Unit may give the
honored guest a lasting token in the form of a certificate or plaque
prepared by members of the Unit.
More than one person may be honored if care is taken not to cheapen
the recognition by giving it indiscriminately or by allowing any
possible criticism of the Unit making an award for political reasons
or to secure privilege.
The type of achievement recognized may vary from year to year to
insure honor for someone who greatly deserves it but may otherwise be
overlooked. This may include honoring the outstanding youth leader of
the community, a minister, an all-round Scout, or all-round girl
student.
This acid test must be applied to every recipient if a Senior Scout
Unit is to be justified in giving recognition:
1. Is the person a good citizen, recognizing his responsibility in a
democracy?
2. Does the person to the best of his ability exemplify the virtues
expressed in the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life?
In Senior Scouting there is Adventure in the Outdoors. A spotlight
activity may be:
[Illustration]
_Field and Sports Day!_
Run it on an inter-Crew or inter-Unit basis. Let each group invite a
guest (prospective member) to take part. Provide coaching for everyone
before each competition or demonstration. Give each man a score card
so he may keep a record of his proficiency in sports. Crews or Units
may alternate as coaches and judges for the various events. The
following list suggests enough to make up either a long or a short
program:
_Emergency Service training._
Mile run—run a mile in 7½ minutes or less. Score 10 for 7½ minutes;
add 2 for each half-minute less; deduct 2 for each half-minute more.
Rope work—secure boat to piling (clove hitch or two half hitches),
lower man from wall (bowline on bight), secure line to corner of sail
or tent where grommet has pulled out (sheet bend), secure rope to tent
stake (taut line hitch), throw rope with knot for rescue (bowline).
Score 2 for each correct knot.
_Rowing demonstration._
Row 50 feet to buoy, turn, and return. Show proper entry, feathering,
and stroke of oars; turning boat; holding it on course. Score 10 for
perfect demonstration; deduct 1 for each mistake.
_Archery contest._
Place shooting line at 15 yards from 48-inch target. Allow 3 arrows
for sighting in, and 6 for scoring. Score according to standard
archery target points; divide total by 5.
_Skish (bait casting) contest._
If floating skish rings are not available, lay out 4 concentric rope
rings on ground, 3, 5, 7, and 9 feet in diameter. Place center of
target 15 yards from casting line. Allow 5 casts for instruction, and
5 for scoring. Score 20 for cast in or on skish ring or center rope
ring, 15 for cast within 2 feet or less (in second ring), 10 for
within 4 feet (in third ring), and 5 for within 6 feet (in third
ring); divide total by 10.
_Rifle shooting._
In prone position shoot 3 rounds for sighting in, and 5 rounds for
scoring. Score according to standard target points; divide total by 5.
In the next three events the basic timing of 20, 5, and 3 minutes may
not be appropriate for your group. Try each event a few times and
determine the average time to use as a base.
_Compass racing._
Lay out a course that will take about 20 minutes on the average (see
SCOUTING Magazine, September, 1948). Score 10 for 20 minutes; add 1
for each half-minute less; deduct 1 for each half-minute more.
_Canoe carrying._
Lift a canoe from the ground (with aid of tree or rack to lean it on),
make portage carry 25 yards and return, and lower canoe to ground.
Score 10 for 5 minutes; add 2 for each half-minute less; deduct 2 for
each half-minute more. Disqualify for rough handling of canoe.
_Axemanship._
Chop 10-12-inch log in two, using long-handled axe and taking all
safety precautions. Score 10 for 3 minutes; add 2 for each half-minute
less; deduct 2 for each half-minute more.
_Bucksawmanship._
Place 6-inch log on sawbuck. With bucksaw cut off as many sections
(about 2 inches thick) as possible in 5 minutes. Score 1 for each
section cut.
The following are demonstrations for which you can work out your own
scoring system.
_Rope rescue._
Rescue a man marooned across a ravine or stream 20 feet wide. Use
ropes, vines, temporary bridge, or raft (see SCOUTING Magazine, March,
1947).
_Wild foods._
Find as many wild foods as possible, and prepare enough for tasting by
the whole group.
_Overnight camp._
Set up a Crew camp with proper shelter, beds, sanitation, water
supply, and fires.
_Breeches buoy rescue._
Rescue a man from a mast 40-50 feet away (see _Sea Scout Manual_