"But, naturally, when you bring boys together under adult leadership, something must happen.

What Does Happen In Scouting? Plenty

"The very word 'scouting' with its tang of the out-of-doors suggests its activities of hiking and camping. 'By the term Scouting,' explains Baden-Powell, 'is meant the work and attributes of backwoodsmen, explorers and frontiersmen.' Many of the attributes are implicit in the Scout Law, while the work and the dexterities called for are promoted through out-door living involving the Scout Requirements, of which the Chief Scout says: 'The Requirements for First Class Scouts were laid down with the idea that a boy who proved himself equipped to that extent might reasonably be considered as grounded in the qualities which go to make a good, manly citizen.' The activities implied in the Scout Requirements are the activities of Scouting.

"The founder of the Scout Movement knew well what he was doing when he chose these particular subjects as the basis of a boy's Scout life. He knew they would fascinate the boy; that all sorts of doings could be built upon them-hiking through the woods or over the mountains, camping primitively in the wilderness, games and stories around the camp fire, projects, handicrafts, stunts, and hours of leisurely stalking and trailing. So, since hiking and camping and related activities-and preparation for them-are the natural program of Scouting, the natural theatre for Scouting is the out-of-doors where these activities can be most enjoyed.

Be Prepared

"Scan the list: Knot-tying for pioneering work. Tracking, signaling, nature lore to bring out the powers of observation. Dexterity with axe and knife, knowledge of fire building and cooking to develop the camper. Compass reading, judging, map making, fourteen-mile hiking for the explorer. Scout's Pace and swimming. All of these help the boy to become strong and self-reliant-and prepare him to help others.

"For 'helping himself is only a part of the picture; 'helping others' is the rest. It is in the Oath and Law, it is in First Aid and Safety, it is in Thrift-'so that he may be generous to those in need'-it is in loyalty to The Flag and to all for which it stands.

" 'Be Prepared' is the motto of Scouts. The Requirements are so designed that by meeting them a boy will be truly prepared to be helpful to others-to render service as a Scout.

Achievement With Recognition

"And then, as the boy masters the skills of a Scout, his achievement is recognized. He qualifies as a Tenderfoot, as a Second Class Scout, as a First Class Scout. He continues his climb toward the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle Scout. And all the way every effort is made by the Scoutmaster to promote this advancement and have it carried through in such a manner that it will contribute to the character growth of the individual. To this end the Scouting standards must be kept high.