THE Constitution and By-Laws of the Boy Scouts of America, adopted February 26th, 1917, and amended subsequently, constitute the approved statement of the policies of the organization. From time to time interpretations of mooted points have been made, and it is believed that a statement of some important Scout policies together with interpretations of others will be helpful to Scoutmasters. The variety of the material presented precludes a logical or sequential arrangement, wherefore the topics are arranged alphabetically under general heads. It is hoped that this presentation may prove most satisfactory to the Scoutmaster who is seeking the interpretation of a particular policy, even though the arrangement destroys whatever element of continuity was existent in the several topics treated. Many of these policies and other policies of the organization have been covered also in the Chats to which they are logically related.

Adherence To Scout Oath And Law Declaration Of Religious Principle

The Constitution of the Boy Scouts of America states:

Article III-Principles and Policies, Section 1-The Boy Scouts of America maintain that no boy can grow into the best kind of citizenship without recognizing his obligation to God. In the first part of the Boy Scout's Oath or pledge the boy promises, "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law." The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe, and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings, are necessary to the best type of citizenship, and are wholesome things in the education of the growing boy. No matter what the boy may be-Catholic or Protestant or Jew-this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before him. The Boy Scouts of America therefore recognizes the religious element in the training of a boy, but it is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which the Boy Scout is connected shall give definite attention to his religious life.

Only men willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle shall be entitled to certificates of leadership in carrying out the Boy Scout Program.

The activities of the members of the Boy Scouts of '

Affiliation with Outside Organizations 471

America shall be carried on under conditions which show respect for the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion, as required by the twelfth Scout Law, reading, "A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion."

In no case where a Troop is connected with a church or other distinctively religious institution, shall Scouts of other denominations or faith be required, because of their membership in the Scout Troop, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctively peculiar to that institution or church.

"All Scouts and Scouters must know and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law." By-Laws, Article VI, Section 2.

Affiliation Of Scouts With Outside Organizations

The general policy of affiliation with outside organizations is reflected in the following letter of the Chief Scout Executive, written May 25th, 1917:

"At the meeting of our Executive Board Monday, Mr. Livingstone brought up the question as to the advisability of the acceptance of your Troop of the honorary membership in the Grand Army Post, and it was agreed, after discussion, that I should write and suggest that you politely decline this invitation, on the theory that we are making it a rule not to have the Boy Scouts of America affiliated officially as such, with any outside organization.

"Certainly this should not mean that there will not be the closest kind of cooperation between the G. A. R. and the Scouts. We want the Scouts to show them every courtesy, and to be helpful to the fullest degree possible."

By-Laws, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 3, provides for a Committee on Relationships, consisting of three or more members. The duties of this committee are denned in By-Laws, Article IV, Section 4, Clause 8, Part 2, as follows:

Committee on Relationships: The references to the Committee on Relationships shall be on questions pertaining to relationships with other organizations, with a view to making available the Boy Scout Program to supplement their work for boys.

It would seem, therefore, that official affiliation of the Boy Scouts of America, or any unit of it, with an outside organization is only to be considered when through such affiliation the program of the B. S. A. can be made available for boys working under said outside organization.

In any case where the procedure is doubtful, the case should be referred to the Relationships Service, National Office, 2 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y.

Age Requirement-Scouts

The language of the By-Laws upon this point is unequivocal. "Only boys who have passed the twelfth anniversary of their birthday shall be eligible for membership." By-Laws, Article VI, Section 1.

Boys under twelve years of age are not mentally capable of properly understanding the requirements of the Scout Program, nor are they physically capable of the hikes and endurance tests. The underlying principle of Scouting is the development of community interest. Community interest awakens with adolescence. It would therefore limit the effectiveness of the organization to enroll boys under twelve years of age. This limitation of membership to boys of twelve years, or older, was determined after much consideration covering a period of years. No deviation from it is possible, and the Scoutmaster is placed upon his honor not to violate this fundamental requirement.

This Eagle Scout is pinning a miniature of his Badge of Rank on his Mother. He is proving himself a worthy son.

Age Requirement-Scoutmasters And Other Scout Officials

The age of the commissioned leadership of the Boy Scouts of America, with the single exception of the Scoutmaster's Assistant, is fixed by the By-Laws

Article XII, Section 2, as at least 21 years. No modification of this requirement is permissible. The Assistant Scoutmaster must be at least eighteen years of age. See By-Laws, Article XII, Section 3.

Associate Scouts

By-Laws, Article X, Section 3, provides for the class of Associate Scouts. Older boys who are unable to continue as active members of a Troop, should become Associate Scouts. For full exposition of requirements for this class, consult Handbook for Boys.

Through the use of this class of membership, the Scoutmaster may be able to hold many boys who might otherwise be prevented from remaining in the organization. Any Scout who for good reasons feels that he must resign from a Troop should be given an honorable discharge.