The Boy Scouts of America is recognized throughout the nation as one of the assets in American life today. This was made possible through the efforts of Scoutmasters who through the years gave themselves splendidly in the cause of Scouting. The success of Scouting is dependent upon what happens to the boys in the Patrol and Troop. It is dependent upon the leadership of the individual Scoutmaster.

To enable Scoutmasters to be more effective in their leadership, this book has been developed out of the experience of thousands and thousands of Scout Leaders in all parts of the country. The Scout Program is a growing thing. It is a live and vital thing. Therefore, it is necessary that the text books be rewritten from time to time. This is the third Handbook for Scoutmasters. In accordance with custom, it is presented to the field only after a very painstaking and thorough procedure to make sure that it does represent the most effective practices in use today. This book has not been written quickly. It has been in the process of development over a period of several years. As has been the case in all Manuals, including the very first Handbook for Boys, after the manuscript had been reviewed by many persons in the National Office and in the field, it was sent out in galley proof to a large list of Scoutmasters, Scout Executives and others qualified to advise. Many fine suggestions were received which have been incorporated in this book. It is felt that now it is a publication which will effectively meet the needs of the thousands of Scoutmasters who are carrying on the Scout Program in Troops and Patrols.

May we make this plea in all earnestness to all those who will use this book-that you keep in mind that Scouting itself is very simple. It will help greatly if you look upon the organization and machinery of Scouting only as a means to an end. Scouting is a simple, joyous game based on certain fundamentals. Therefore, don't be overconcerned with the technicalities of Scouting overhead organization. After all, their only purpose is to make it possible for you to do your job as a Scoutmaster. Don't be overconcerned about all the different phases of the Scout Program which are optional. We must place emphasis on the simple fundamentals, the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, those things which are essential in building up the spirit and the character of the boy. After all, our primary concern must be the outcomes that follow from the experiences which a boy has in his participation in the Troop because of the leadership of the Scoutmaster. Will the boy, as a man, have the attitude of mind that insures the unselfish desire to cooperate and to serve as a socially-minded participating citizen?

This is the job of the Scoutmaster. Scouting can be effective with boys only as it is made effective by each individual Scoutmaster in his own Troop or Tribe or Neighborhood Patrol with his own Scouts.

While this book has been written primarily for Scoutmasters it will be of interest and service to many others holding positions of responsibility in the Boy Scouts of America. The manuscript was written and research conducted by Mr. William Hillcourt, Assistant to the Director of Publications.

Under the leadership of Mr. E. Urner Goodman, Director of the Program Division, assisted by Mr. Chester B. Eaton, the members of the staff of the Division of Program and indeed the other Divisional Directors and staff members, many Scout Commissioners, Scout Executives and a large number of Scoutmasters have contributed as critics of the various chapters as developed in manuscript form. Nearly every member of the Home Office Staff has had a part in the development of this book. The entire staff of the Editorial Service devoted hours and hours in the detail work involved in reviewing, editing and proof reading. Mr. Remington Schuyler, of the Editorial Service, was the artist and illustrator.

We believe that this Handbook for Scoutmasters is truly a representative book of the Boy Scouts of America and that it will furnish to Scout Leaders a helpful guide in making their leadership still more effective.

Chief Scout Executive