"In the majority of other programs for boys, the boy is treated as simply a member of a group. In Scouting each boy is treated as an individual.

Essential Elements In The Program Of Scouting

The Boy As An Individual

"In Scouting we insist that character building can be accomplished only after a study of each individual boy and his needs. It cannot be accomplished by placing the boy in the group and having him participate in mass activities-on the contrary, that is only the start. Each boy is encouraged to absorb in his life the ideals of Scouting, to learn for himself the particular skills of a Scout. The Program of Scouting does not consist of a meeting a week of a group of boys, but of things to do and things to be, which, if properly promoted and administered by a wise leader, may influence every waking hour of the boy's life, whether at home or in school or on the playground, whether alone or with others.

"Scouting caters to the capacities of each individual boy. The slow has as much chance for a full Scout life as the quick. The less gifted boy has as much chance of achieving - within his capacities - as the gifted boy. Thus every individual is aided in his growth toward becoming a happy, healthy, helpful citizen.

The Boy As A Member Of His Gang, His Patrol

"Boys want to be a vital part of a gang-their own gang, under their own leadership.

"Part of the genius of Scouting is that it has recognized this. The boy as he enters the Movement is accepted by fellow Scouts into a true boys' gang, the Scout Patrol. The members of the Patrol, under the leadership of a boy as Patrol Leader, are all-if wisely led-keenly alert for the things which are for the common good and ever watchful as to the welfare and well-being of each boy in the Patrol. The Patrol provides a peculiar leverage for making effective the ideals of Scouting, without preachment, merely through cooperative helpfulness on the part of one member toward another. It is a matter of 'All for one, one for all,' which spurs on each boy as he works with his fellow members toward reaching the goals of advancement and accomplishment which the Patrol as a whole has set itself.

The Boy As A Member Of The Troop

"Several Patrols form the Troop, under the leadership and guidance of an adult Scoutmaster. The Troop gives impetus and purpose to the work of the Patrols, provides supervision and coordination. The Troop belongs to its Scouts. Each boy, through his Patrol Leader, influences the program and the activities of the Troop; each boy has a chance to participate actively in its leadership.

"But also through the adult leadership of the Troop, the boy associates with a man-or men-of high character and thus has placed before him a standard he may aim toward attaining.

The Boy And His Uniform

"In Scouting the boy is provided with the opportunity, indeed almost the responsibility-although it is not a requirement-to wear a distinctive and distinguishing Uniform. This Uniform, with its broad-brimmed hat, its gay neckerchief, its khaki shirt and shorts, becomes a real influence to its wearer and greatly stimulates the Scouting spirit. It gives an opportunity for the wise leader to create a definite consciousness in the mind and heart of each boy that he 'belongs,' that he is truly a member of the Patrol and the Troop and a part of a large national organization and a great World Brotherhood. The Uniform not only provides the physical outward appearance of equality, but also the inward consciousness on the part of the boy that, no matter what his home conditions may be, he is on the same level with the other Scouts. It fosters true democracy within the Troop.

"The Uniform is definitely a part of the romance of Scouting.