Boys like to sing! Singing in the Patrol or in the Troop makes them feel of and with the group. The right songs at the right time can tone them down if they are too exhuberant or pep them up if they are feeling low. Singing is a great builder of morale, of unity, of tradition even, and only a singing Troop is a truly "complete" Troop.

So sing! Sing at the Troop meeting-at least ten minutes during each camp fire period-sing on the hike, sing at special get-together with parents and friends of the Troop, and climax your singing around the camp fire.

Who Should Load?

The boys, if possible! There are Scoutmasters of non-singing Troops who give for their alibi: "I can't carry a tune to the corner!" They don't have to. In most cases there are boys right within their Troops who can. Anyway, you don't have to be a Caruso to lead boys in singing. It is more important that you sing with a will. But get the boys to lead the Troop in singing. Call on the Patrol Leaders and the Patrol Cheermasters and see what they can do. You are apt to get the surprise of your life.

The right song at the right time cen tone them down or pep them up. A great builder of morale. So sing some songs at each meeting.

Further Suggestions

For the technique of song leadership and for other helps see the opening pages of the official Scout song book, Songs Scouts Sing.

Choosing The Songs

The vigor and sprightliness associated with youth and Scouting should characterize Scout singing. Let us add to the present public reputation of Scouts that they are singers; that they sing worth while songs; that they can always be counted upon to know and if necessary to lead in the singing of any of the old standard songs-not merely for the first verse and chorus, but all the way through.

Select your songs from Songs Scouts Sing, which contains a wealth of songs Scouts do sing (have each boy get a copy), and adopt some good standard song as your special Troop song, one that can mean something to the Troop, one that can be used whether for closing a camp fire, for following the investiture of a new boy, or for bidding good-bye to a Scout who is leaving.

Have the boys systematically memorize all the old standard songs they like to sing. Have them learn new songs frequently. Have song contests between the Patrols.

Set out to create for the Troop a treasury of songs from which may be drawn fun and laughter, fellowship and great memories.

Suggestions For Your Repertoire

The following titles-mostly from Songs Scouts Sing-are worth considering for your repertoire:

Songs Of Patriotism

"The Star-Spangled Banner" "America"

"America the Beautiful" "God Bless America"

Songs For Inspiration

"Hail! Hail! Scouting Spirit" "Trail the Eagle" "Forever True Scouts" "The Torch of Scouting" "A Scout Leader's Prayer" "Leader's Song"

Songs For Hiking

"Trek Cart Song" "Hi Ho for Scouting, Oh!" "The Far Northland" "Alouette"

"Good Old Open Trail"

"There's a Long, Long Trail Awinding"

"Three Good Turns"

"Pack Up Your Duffle"

"Scout Marching Song"

"Sling Your Pack Across Your Back"

"Young America on Parade"

"As We Swing Down the Trail"

"Scouts of the U. S. Hiking"

"Swinging Along"

Songs For Fun

"Climbing up the Ladder" "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" "The Tree in the Wood" "Jamboree" "Indian Love Song" "There Were Three Jolly Fishermen"

"Yon Yonsen"

"John Brown's Body"

"Three Wood Pigeons"

"Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree"

"The More We Camp Together"

"Johnny Schmoker"

Songs For Soft Moods

"The Cowboy's Sweet Bye and Bye" "When You Come to the End of a Boy Scout Day" "Scout Vesper" "Camp Fire Song"

"By the Blazing Council Fire's Light" "Home on the Range" "Good-Night Song" "Taps"

And the many old familiar songs.