Another factor for the complete life of the boy- and a tremendously important one-is his church affiliation.

This is fully recognized by the Scout Movement. It is given expression in the twelfth point of its Law, "A Scout is Reverent," and in its statement of religious principles to which every Scout leader must subscribe.

Churches have long been conscious of the fact that their work for boys must not be limited to the boys' worship but must be related to all of the boys' activities. This is one of the reasons why the churches have so generously accepted Scouting, why such great numbers of Scout Troops throughout the country are sponsored by churches of all denominations and beliefs.

A Church As The Home For A Troop

There are many arguments favoring the church-sponsored Troop:

1. A church can mobilize man-power of high moral character and spiritual vision and has the facilities for providing a real home for the Troop.

When a school "gym" is opened to your Scouts for their meetings, have them help the janitor with his odd jobs.

2. A church has the confidence of the community as an institution of clean moral influence and an atmosphere in which boys should grow up.

3. A review of a number of old established Scout Troops shows that Troops connected with churches have a longer life, and a more constant leadership than any other type of Troop.

4. A church carries on with an individual from the cradle to the grave. Scouting serves the boy for a few years during a very vital period in his life; but what of his activities after he is through with Scouting?

5. A church must complete the program of religious education for its own Scouts. The Troop cannot do this; but it can be conducted in a way that will keep its Scouts close to the uplifting forces of the church.

Cooperation Between The Church And The Troop

To secure full cooperation of the Troop's sponsoring church, it is highly important that the Scoutmaster be thoroughly familiar with its organization and prescribed activities. Over-lapping and conflicting engagements should be avoided.

By keeping himself informed as to the needs of the church, the Scoutmaster will be able to devise many ways in which the Troop may actively come to the assistance of the church in carrying out its functions. The Scoutmaster of a Troop with Scouts from more than one religious group should see to it that each boy is given opportunity to fulfill his religious duties.

By working with the churches, Scoutmasters uphold the view expressed by Dr. West when he said: "We believe the history of the Boy Scouts of America justifies the contention that Scouting, when properly related to the church, presents a greater opportunity for the development of the boy religiously than does any other movement instituted solely for boys."

Ail Churches Cooperate

Scouting has been fortunate in the cooperation extended by all religious faiths-Catholic and Protestant, Jew and Gentile alike. The Church of Latter Day Saints was one of the first to take advantage of the program, and a majority of its boys are Scouts.

The following committees have been developed by major religious faiths to cooperate nationally with the Boy Scouts of America:

1. The Catholic Committee on Scouting, comprised of prominent clergymen and Catholic laymen, has developed helpful literature outlining the relationships between Scouting and the Catholic Church.

A "Scouts' Own" Service in a woodland chapel. Sitting in their rustic pews they learn of The Great Scoutmaster.

2. The Protestant Committee on Scouting, comprised of representatives from nearly all the Protestant Churches, has developed a program of correlating the Scout Troop activities with a larger program of religious education offered by the church.

3. The Jewish Committee on Scouting, comprised of representatives from twelve National Jewish Associations, has developed literature which relates Scouting to the activities of the Jewish Religious Institutions.

Denominational Boards of the Protestant Churches have produced their own literature on Scouting to promote the program among their respective churches.

Every Scoutmaster should familiarize himself with the special literature issued by the church with which his Troop may be affiliated, and should recognize his responsibility to cooperate with all churches whose boys are included in the Troop's membership.

Scouting And The State

The relationships of the Troop go far beyond its immediate surroundings. Since Scouting aims to train citizens, it is important that the Scouts get a true sense of citizenship and become actively related to their neighbors, their community, their state, their nation.

And how is that accomplished better than by placing a great deal of emphasis upon the Scout's pledge to "Help other people at all times." With the Daily Good Turn as the starting point, the boy and the Troop may together become a force in the life of their community.

The Daily Good Turn

The Good Turn is the surest way of making a boy realize that he is a part of a great world of great things, of many men and many conditions. The boy grows with the Good Turns he does. After a while he becomes unmindful of his individual self and remembers the other people with whom he has come in contact, singly or in groups.

The spirit in which the Scout carries out his obligations is all-important. He must be on the alert to discover opportunities for his Good Turn. He must serve unselfishly, without thought of personal gain. He must avoid comparison of his accomplishments with those of other Scouts.

The Scout will only grow to do his Good Turn as a part of his natural everyday life when he is led to do it, by his Scoutmaster who does it, and his Patrol Leader who does it. The example constantly shown, and reminders and suggestions subtly but persistently given, help to encourage the Good Turn. So does an emphasis on the Good Turn knot in the neckerchief or the idea of keeping the Scout Badge reversed until the day's Good Turn is done. But you must go further than that. You must demonstrate to the Scouts in your charge the essential character of the Good Turn by planning Troop Good Turns, Troop Civic Service-as you would a hike, attendance at camp or participation in a Council Camporee - and by encouraging the Patrols to plan and carry out similar service.

With well-manned and managed boats Sea Scouts rendered invaluable aid in the flood districts. They brought comfort to marooned people.