Scout’s Scrapbook (8-15-12): The Life of the Patrol

Today’s edition of The Scout’s Scrapbook is a quotation from John Thurman on the relationship between the Patrol and the Troop:

The picture that John Thurman gives here is quite different from the one that I have seen in many Troops. He paints the Patrols as small, almost independent units. Scouting, he says, is not Troop centered, but Patrol centered. This doesn’t mean that the Troop isn’t important, far from it! But nevertheless, this is a different paradigm than many of us may be used to.  

Keystones of a Scout: The 10 Virtues That Make a Scout | Self-Discipline

The name and fame of Jack Cornwell are known to every boy in Britain as the lad who in the great sea-fight off Jutland in 1916 stuck to his gun aboard the Chester when all the gun’s crew were killed or wounded and he might have got away under cover.

He was badly wounded himself – but in the responsible work of sight-setter his duty was to be at his post by the gun, and there he stayed for twenty minutes under heavy fire, in case he should be wanted.

At the end of the fight, after the Chester had come successfully through her tremendous contest with three German cruisers, the only unwounded man of the gun’s crew said to him, “Well done, lad. You stuck it out well. Lucky you weren’t wounded”.

“Well! I am wounded—here in the chest. But did we win?”

“Yes, my lad.”

The boy sank down fainting. He lingered a few days in a hospital and died of his wound, but satisfied – knowing that he had done his duty. He had “stuck to it”, as every Scout should.

 

This is Jack Cornwell, one of the youngest people to ever receive the Victoria Cross, the highest British award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. He was sixteen years old when he died for his country.

The quote printed above is from Scouting for Boys, by Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement. Yesterday, we opened up a new series on the 10 Keystones of a Scout. These are the ten character traits that make a Scout really a Scout. Yesterday we talked about Endurance, how Endurance and perseverance is necessary for a Scout to do what Scouts do.

Today, I’m going to discuss the next Keystone of a Scout: Self-Discipline. Throughout Scouting’s history, Self-Discipline has always been emphasized as being necessary to the character of a Scout. In fact, the quote above is from a chapter in Baden-Powell’s book entitled ‘Self-Discipline’.

So what is Self-Discipline? Why did I choose it to be a Scout Keystone? How does one get it? These are the questions I hope to answer in this post.

The Definition of Self-Discipline

In his chapter on Self-Discipline, Baden-Powell defines it by listing a series of character traits that result from Self-Discipline. Self-Discipline in a nutshell is being in complete control over oneself.

As you know, the first Law of a Scout is that a Scout is Trustworthy. In order for you to be trustworthy, you must be able to keep your cool and not lose your head in a difficult situation. This is part of Self-Discipline. You can tell when someone does not have self-discipline if they get angry over small things and are easily irritated.

That’s why we have the Scout Law: a Scout is cheerful. If you are cheerful even under difficult circumstances, then it is evident that you have acquired mastery over your own disposition. This is an import first step in self-discipline.

There are several other attributes of a self-disciplined Scout that Baden-Powell mentions. Among these are: Obedience, Duty, Loyalty, Honesty, Humility, and Courage. A lack of these things shows that a person has a lack of self-control, and therefore cannot be trusted.

A Scout must have Self-Discipline to be able to work with his fellow Scouts in accomplishing an objective.

What Makes Self-Discipline a Scout Keystone?

I chose Self-Discipline as one of the Scout Keystones for many reasons, some of which I alluded to above. In order to keep the Scout Law, a Scout must have Self-Discipline. A Scout cannot be Trustworthy, Loyal, or any of the twelve points if he hasn’t mastered control of himself.

If a Scout can’t concentrate when he has to, he won’t be able to learn the skills he needs to be a Scout. If a Scout can’t keep his own thoughts quiet and pay attention to others, then he won’t be able be mentored by anyone else. A Scout must have control over his own mind and body.

Most importantly, the core of what a Scout stands for is service to others. A Self-Disciplined Scout is able to put aside his own personal desires for others. True service does something for others without expecting anything in return. This is Self-Discipline at it’s finest. This is Scouting.

How to Cultivate Self-Discipline in Your Everyday Life

There are many different ways you can improve your self-discipline. The most important way is by practicing it in the little things throughout your day.

Take eating, for instance. So much of what most of us eat is simply for our pleasure, not to actually nourish us. Do you really need that extra coke? … or candy bar? Practice putting aside your cravings, this will not only improve your self-discipline, but also make you healthier too!

Also, practice what you say. Do you argue with your siblings? Or if you’re an only child, do you argue with your parents? So many disagreements that you have with your family members could be avoided if you did not retaliate with your words. Perhaps you feel that someone treated you unfairly, well is it really worth fighting about?

If you were to record everything you said and play it back at the end of the day, you probably would be surprised at everything you said. Practice thinking through what you’re going to say before you say it. This will help improve your self-discipline, and thereby help you become a better Scout.

Conclusion

In summary, Self-discipline is a very important aspect of being a Scout, and one we all need to work on. Start working on self-discipline in the little things throughout your day, this will build your self-discipline and raise your trustworthiness in the eyes of others. Then, when difficult times come, you will be ready to face them like a true Scout.

Thanks for reading this post. Do you have any comments, thoughts, or questions? I’d love to hear them!

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Thanks again! Scout on, my friends!

Lessons from War Scouts: The 28 Standing Orders of the Army Rangers

Peace Scouts helping out a War Scout

When Baden-Powell founded Scouting over 100 years ago, he modeled much of it after the branch of military Scouting that he helped develop in the British Army. However, when he wrote Scouting for Boys, he was careful to point out that Scouting was by no means a military or paramilitary organization. The aims of Scouting were different from military Scouting.

He made this distinction by describing the difference between ‘war Scouts’ and ‘peace Scouts’. War Scouts had the job of protecting and defending the military and country during war-time by using stealth to gather needed information; and, if necessary, use force in combat. Peace Scouts took a lot of the admirable characteristics of War Scouts and used them to a different purpose. The task of Peace Scouts is to protect and contribute to their Nation and Community, not by force or combat, but by actively improving themselves and actively contributing to and volunteering for the community.

Army Rangers performing a training exercise

As Peace Scouts, there is still much we can learn from War Scouts. To start with, the qualities of Courage and Loyalty that they must posses to do what they do. Some of the real-life War Scouts in America today are the 75th Ranger Regiment, commonly known as the Army Rangers.

The Army Rangers have a history that predates the Revolutionary War, and today, they are actively assigned to such missions as airborne, air assault, and direct action operations, raids, infiltration and exfiltration by air, recovery of personnel and special equipment, and support of general purpose forces.

The Rangers have a series of standing orders that they must always follow and abide by. These rules were originally drafted during the French and Indian War. From the perspective of a Scout, I find this list of rules very interesting, and wanted to share them with you. Besides lessons in Character, this list may also give you the advantage in any airsoft tournaments. Here they are [This list is copied from this Wikipedia article]:

1. All Rangers are subject to the rules of war.
2. In a small group, march in single file with enough space between so that one shot can’t pass through one man and kill a second.
3. Marching over soft ground should be done abreast, making tracking difficult. At night, keep half your force awake while half sleeps.
4. Before reaching your destination, send one or two men forward to scout the area and avoid traps.
5. If prisoners are taken, keep them separate and question them individually.
6. Marching in groups of three or four hundred should be done in three separate columns, within support distance, with a point and rear guard.
7. When attacked, fall or squat down to receive fire and rise to deliver. Keep your flanks as strong as the enemy’s flanking force, and if retreat is necessary, maintain the retreat fire drill.
8. When chasing an enemy, keep your flanks strong, and prevent them from gaining high ground where they could turn and fight.
9. When retreating, the rank facing the enemy must fire and retreat through the second rank, thus causing the enemy to advance into constant fire.
10. If the enemy is far superior, the whole squad must disperse and meet again at a designated location. This scatters the pursuit and allows for organized resistance.
11. If attacked from the rear, the ranks reverse order, so the rear rank now becomes the front. If attacked from the flank, the opposite flank now serves as the rear rank.
12. If a rally is used after a retreat, make it on the high ground to slow the enemy advance.
13. When laying in ambuscade, wait for the enemy to get close enough that your fire will be doubly frightening, and after firing, the enemy can be rushed with hatchets.
14. At a campsite, the sentries should be posted at a distance to protect the camp without revealing its location. Each sentry will consist of 6 men with two constantly awake at a time.
15. The entire detachment should be awake before dawn each morning as this is the usual time of enemy attack.
16. Upon discovering a superior enemy in the morning, you should wait until dark to attack, thus hiding your lack of numbers and using the night to aid your retreat.
17. Before leaving a camp, send out small parties to see if you have been observed during the night.
18. When stopping for water, place proper guards around the spot making sure the pathway you used is covered to avoid surprise from a following party.
19. Avoid using regular river fords as these are often watched by the enemy.
20. Avoid passing lakes too close to the edge, as the enemy could trap you against the water’s edge.
21. If an enemy is following your rear, circle back and attack him along the same path.
22. When returning from a scout, use a different path as the enemy may have seen you leave and will wait for your return to attack when you’re tired.
23. When following an enemy force, try not to use their path, but rather plan to cut them off and ambush them at a narrow place or when they least expect it.
24. When traveling by water, leave at night to avoid detection.
25. In rowing in a chain of boats, the one in front should keep contact with the one directly astern of it. This way they can help each other and the boats will not become lost in the night.
26. One man in each boat will be assigned to watch the shore for fires or movement.
27. If you are preparing an ambuscade near a river or lake, leave a force on the opposite side of the water so the enemy’s flight will lead them into your detachment.
28. When locating an enemy party of undetermined strength, send out a small scouting party to watch them. It may take all day to decide on your attack or withdrawal, so signs and countersigns should be established to determine your friends in the dark.
29. If you are attacked in rough or flat ground, it is best to scatter as if in rout. At a pre-picked place you can turn, allowing the enemy to close. Fire closely, then counterattack with hatchets. Flankers could then attack the enemy and rout him in return.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this post. What else do you think us Peace Scouts can learn from War Scouts? I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment, and, if you enjoyed it, share this article with your friends.

Scout On!

Scout’s Scrapbook (8-7-12): The Secret of Patrol Leaders

Today’s edition of The Scout’s Scrapbook is a quotation from the founder of Scouting, Baden-Powell, which I found particularly powerful:

In this quote, Baden-Powell is very clear on the importance in which he holds the Patrol Leaders. Since Patrols are real units with real responsibility, the Leaders that they elect are equally real and should be given true responsibility. There are many Troops that have Patrol Leaders who have responsibility in name only. The Troop might be constantly lauded for being a “Boy-led Troop”, but that doesn’t mean anything if the boys are simply leaning on the Scoutmaster for every decision.

In my experience, most Patrol Leaders fall into two categories: those who try to claim as much independence for themselves as they can, and those who prefer to lean on the Scoutmaster or an older Scout to make most of the important decisions. Although both extremes are to be avoided, I have seen Patrol Leaders leaning on the Scoutmaster to be much more common. The Scoutmaster has an extremely important role in Scouting, but so often Patrol Leaders, nervous about their new positions, will instinctively try to lean on the Scoutmaster for everything, without standing on their own two feet. The Scoutmaster, who naturally wants to help the Patrol and Patrol Leader, often lets this happen and ends up making most of the decisions through the Patrol Leader.

I know from personal experience how hard it can be to implement this in a real Troop rather than just on paper. And I recognize that it, like most things, is a process. As Patrol Leaders get elected, serve, and then move on, it will be a lot of constant work for the Scoutmaster to help teach the Patrol Leaders their role and how to handle their responsibility. Following this advice of Baden-Powell is difficult, no doubt, but seeing as how he constantly emphasized the importance of the Patrol System in Scouting, it is worth it to do our best.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Scout’s Scrapbook and that it gave you something to think about. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear them! If you like this post, please pass it along!

Scout’s Scrapbook (8-5-12): Scouting will die without this!

Today’s edition of The Scout’s Scrapbook comes from The Patrol Leaders’ Handbook by John Thurman, a very influential British Scout Leader:

I know that myself and many others habitually take Scouting as a movement and institution for granted. It was there before we were born, and we assume it will just continue on strong after we are gone. But after digging into Scouting a little deeper and reading from its past, I’ve come to know that this is not true. The truth is, Scouting as we know it could completely disappear in 7 years: one generation of Scouts.

Throughout the last 100 years, Scouting has been responsible for an inestimable amount of good in America. Generations after generations of leaders have been trained through Scouting. Scouts have accomplish an uncountable number of community service hours. Through wars and through peace times Scouts have supported their nation and did all in their power to help it continue strong.

How did Scouting last for so long? How did it continue generation after generation? The culture in America has changed drastically since 1910, how is it that Scouts still pledge themselves to the same Oath that they did one hundred years ago? The answer is simple: the Scouts themselves have passed on the Spirit of Scouting to those who came after them. From the Patrol Leader welcoming the new Tenderfoot into the Troop to the Scoutmaster who teaches the Scouts in his Troop what he learned as a Scout, the torch of Scouting has been passed along one Scout at a time.

This is why I say that Scouting could disappear in 7 years. All it takes is one generation of Scouts who fail to pass on what they’ve learned to wipe away all that Scouting has stood for since its founding. I believe that this is what John Thurman was trying to communicate in this quote. And that is why I believe we should never forget this or take Scouting for granted.

Let’s not be that generation! Every Scout, every Scouter, makes a difference, a huge difference. If you value what Scouting is, you will pass on what you have learned so that the next generation will value it as well. It is only through this way that Scouting survived in the past, and it is only through this way that Scouting will live on in the future!

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Scout’s Scrapbook and that it gave you something to think about. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear them! If you like this post, please pass it along!

Military-like Discipline in Scouting?

The selection below comes from my book-in-progress, “Scouting Rediscovered”, in which I attempt to explore the numerous lessons I have learned about Scouting, the principles upon which it is built, and the great concepts behind it. Enjoy! And leave any questions or comments in the comment section.

You can follow me as I progress through the writing of this book on Twitter and Facebook!

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This difference, or individuality, was also very important to Baden-Powell. As a big supporter of the British military, he incorporated many of its useful aspects into Scouting. However, one aspect of the military that he spoke constantly against in Scouting, is that of military order and rigidity which stifled individuality. Some of the other Scouting organizations of the time followed this military way of discipline. Tents were pitched like barracks and schedules were rigidly predetermined. While he was very fond of discipline, Baden-Powell made it clear that this kind of military discipline had no place in Scouting. Here is a quote that I posted earlier in the book, but which I think would be valuable to bring up again:

“As the camping season is now upon us, I may say that one or two of the camps which I have already seen have been unfortunately on wrong lines, though others were very satisfactory. I strongly advise small camps of about half a dozen Patrols; each Patrol in a separate tent and on separate ground (as suggested in Scouting for Boys), so that the Scouts do not feel themselves to be part of a big herd, but members of independent responsible units.

Large camps prevent scout-work and necessitate military training; and one which I visited the other day, though exceedingly well carried out as a bit of Army organization, appealed to me very little, because not only was it entirely on military lines, but the Patrols — the essence of our system — were broken up to fit the members into the tents. Patrols should be kept intact under all circumstances. ”¹

Previously, I emphasized the importance of keeping the Patrols intact, but now I’d like to point out the emphasis in this quote on individuality and reducing herd mentality. You could, perhaps, trace this thinking back to the Renaissance and Enlightenment authors such as John Locke who wrote on individuality and humanism. Whatever its philosophical roots might be, however, Baden-Powell emphasized this individualism because he saw the negative aspects of herd mentality, and strongly believed that it stifled individual character.

1The Scouter Magazine (June 1910) – Baden-Powell

What’s the Patrol System Anyway? – Baden-Powell

Robert Baden-Powell (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations, and where the System is properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. It cannot help itself! 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 to the individual. This is immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his Patrol. It is up to him to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his Patrol. It sounds a big order, but in practice it works. Then, through emulation and competition between Patrols, you produce a Patrol spirit which is eminently satisfactory, since it raises the tone among the boys and develops a higher standard of efficiency all round. Each boy in the Patrol realizes that he is in himself a responsible unit and that the honor of his group depends in some degree on his own ability in playing the game.”

-Baden-Powell in ‘Aids to Scoutmastership’

Living the Scout Oath! – William Hillcourt

 

William Hillcourt
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     ”What kind of person do you want to be? There is a simple way to find the answer. You do it by first answering another question: ‘What kind of person do I most admire?’
Sit down quietly and alone with a piece of paper. Then ask yourself, “Which Americans -past and present- do I look up to?” Put their names down. “Why do I admire them? What do I like about them?” Write down the whys and the whats.
High on your list may be your mother and father. And perhaps the names of relatives, your Scoutmaster, your religious leader, your best friends.
Your list may include Washington because of his loyalty to his country … Lincoln for his simplicity and steadfastness … Theodore Roosevelt for his enthusiasm and fighting spirit … Edison for his energy and perseverance … heroes from our wars for their daring and self-sacrifice … athletes for their endurance and sportsmanship … men of science and arts for their accomplishments.
You have made your list. There before you in black and white are the qualities you admire most in others.Study those qualities closely. Then notice how they add up until they cover each part of the Scout Oath.
      The Scout Oath Your Guide. They are bound to come out that way, because in the Scout Oath you have the qualities that make men fine and great.
     On My Honor … Heroes have died rather than betray their honor. As a Scout, you count your honor one of your most valuable possession.
     … I Will Do My Best … No person who has accomplished anything worthwhile did this by doing his second best – or his third or fourth best. He gave the very best that was in him – his best thoughts, his best work.
     … To Do My Duty to God and My Country … The kind of man you will be depends on your ability to know your duty and to do your utmost to live up to your obligations.
     … And To Obey the Scout Law; … That law fits you as a boy. It will fit you just as well when you become a man – for a real man is everything the Scout Law stands for.
     … To Help Other People at All Times; … It is not enough to have the willingness to help other people – you need to have the ability as well. You develop this ability as you advance in Scouting and learn how to act in an emergency.
     … To Keep Myself Physically Strong, Mentally Awake, and Morally Straight. You owe it to yourself, your country, and your God to develop your body, to train your mind, to strive to be a boy and man of high character.
In all these things Scouting helps you. By taking part enthusiastically in all activities of patrol and troop, by learning the skills that Scouting has to offer, by living up to the ideals of Scouting, you will become the man you want to be.”

– William Hillcourt, Boy Scout Handbook, 9th edition.

A Scout is Clean!

“A Scout is Clean. A Scout keep his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
The simplest way to be clean is not to get dirty in the first place. That goes not just for your clothes and your body. It also goes for your thoughts and words and deeds.
You never need to be ashamed of the dirt that will wash off. If you play hard and work hard you can’t help getting dirty. But when the game is over or the work done, that kind of dirt gives way to soap and water.
But there’s another kind of dirt that won’t come off by washing. It is the kind that enters your mind. An important part of your battle against that kind of dirt is selecting the right friends. Keep away from fellows who seem to get a kick out of swearing and telling dirty stories. Get in with a clean crowd where you will hear clean speech, and find clean sportsmanship, and get a clean outlook on life.”

-William Hillcourt, Boy Scout Handbook, 9th edition

The Art of Concentration

William Hillcourt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Art of Concentration.

Does your mind jump from one thing to another like a flea? Or does it stick to the job at hand? You have to keep your mind constantly alert if you expect to keep it from drifting. Are you able to do it?

Some fellows seem to accomplish as much in one hour as others do in two. They can finish their studies more quickly. They have ample time for all sorts of other interests – hobbies, athletics, reading. Often this is not so much because of superior ability. It’s because they have learned to keep their minds on what they are doing. They know how to concentrate.

Concentration is made up of will power and self-control.

During an exciting baseball game you often become so absorbed in the play that you are unaware of anything around you except the ball and players. No difficulty about concentration here. Bring that same intense quality to your work and see how much more you can get done.

Give yourself a definite lengthy of time to accomplish a certain amount of work – say, tomorrow’s algebra or the next day’s English composition. Force yourself to keep your attention on the job you are doing. Then finish on time.

Don’t put off a job that has to be done until you feel like doing it. Do it and get it over with!

Do things often enough in this determined way for it to become a habit. After that you’ll be sitting pretty while someone who hasn’t learned to concentrate struggles along, never quite making the grade.

– William Hillcourt, Boy Scout Handbook 9th edition.