Act to Incorporate BSA June 15, 1916
That the purpose of this corporation shall be to promote the ability of boys to do
things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them
patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now
in common use by boy scouts.
WHAT IS A BOY SCOUT?
A SCOUT: He enjoys a hike through the woods more than he does a walk
over the city's streets. He can tell north or south or east or west by the
"signs." He can tie a knot that will hold, he can climb a tree which seems
impossible to others, he can swim a river, he can pitch a tent, he can mend a tear in his
trousers, he can tell you which fruits and seeds are poisonous and which are not, he can
sight nut-bearing trees from a distance; he can reef a sail or take his trick at the
wheel, and can pull an oar or use paddles and sculls; he knows the stars by name and can
find his way by them; he can identify birds and animals and fish and knows the ways and
habitat of each.
A scout walks through the woods with silent tread. No dry twigs snap
under his feet and no loose stones turn over and throw him off his balance. His eyes are
keen and he sees many things that others do not see. He sees tracks and signs which reveal
to him the nature and habits of the creatures that made them. He knows how to stalk birds
and animals and study them in their natural haunts. He sees much, but is little seen.
A scout, like an old frontiersman, does not shout his wisdom from the
housetops. He possesses the quiet power that comes from knowledge. He speaks softly and
answers questions modestly. He knows a braggart but he does not challenge him, allowing
the boaster to expose his ignorance by his own loosewagging tongue.
A scout holds his honor to be his most precious possession, and he
would die rather than have it stained. He knows what is his duty and all obligations
imposed by duty he fulfills of his own free will. His sense of honor is his only
taskmaster, and his honor he guards as jealously as did the knights of old. In this manner
a scout wins the confidence and respect of all people.
A scout can kindle a fire in the forest on the wettest day and he
seldom uses more than one match. When no matches can be bad he can still have a fire, for
he knows the secret of the rubbing sticks used by the Indians, and he knows how to start a
blaze with only his knife blade and a piece of flint. He knows, also, the danger of forest
fires, and he kindles a blaze that will not spread. The fire once started, what a meal he
can prepare out there in the open! just watch him and compare his appetite with that of a
boy who lounges at a lunch counter in a crowded city. He knows the unwritten rules of the
campfire and he contributes his share to the pleasures of the council. He also knows when
to sit silent before the ruddy embers and give his mind free play.
A scout practices self-control , for he knows that men who master
problems in the world must first master themselves. He keeps a close guard on his temper
and never makes a silly spectacle of himself by losing his head. He keeps a close guard on
his tongue, for he knows that loud speech is often a cloak to ignorance, that swearing is
a sign of weakness, and that untruthfulness shatters the confidence of others. He keeps a
close guard on his appetite and eats moderately of food which will make him strong; he
never uses alcoholic liquors because he does not wish to poison his body; he desires a
clear, active brain, so he avoids tobacco.
A scout never flinches in the face of danger, for he knows that at such
a time every faculty must be alert to preserve his safety and that of others. He knows
what to do in case of fire, or panic, or shipwreck; he trains his mind to direct and his
body to act. In all emergencies he sets an example of resourcefulness coolness, and
courage, and considers the safety of others before that of himself. He is especially
considerate of the helpless and weak.
A scout can make himself known to a brother scout wherever he may be by
a method which only scouts can know. He has brothers in every city in the land and in
every country in the world. Wherever he goes he can give his signs and be assured of a
friendly welcome. He can talk with a brother scout without making a sound or he can make
known his message by imitating the click of a telegraph key.
A scout is kind to everything that lives. He knows that horses, dogs,
and cats have their rights and he respects them. A scout prides himself upon doing
"good turns," and no day in his life is complete unless he has been of aid to
some person.
A scout does not run away or call for help when an accident occurs. If
a person is cut he knows how to stop the flow of blood and gently and carefully bind up
the wound. If a person is burned his knowledge tells him how to alleviate the suffering.
If any one is dragged from the water unconscious, a Scout at once sets to work to restore
respiration and circulation. He knows that not a minute can be lost.
A scout knows that people expect more of him than they do of other boys
and he governs his conduct so that no word of reproach can truthfully be brought against
the great brotherhood to which he has pledged his loyalty. He seeks always to make the
word " Scout" worthy of the respect of people whose opinions have value. He
wears his uniform worthily.
A scout knows his city as well as he knows the trails in the forest. He
can guide a stranger wherever he desires to go, and this knowledge of short-cuts saves him
many needless steps. He knows where the police stations are located, where the fire-alarm
boxes are placed, where the nearest doctor lives, where the hospitals are, and which is
the quickest way to reach them. He knows the names of the city officials and the nature of
their duties. A scout is proud of his city and freely offers his services when he can
help.
A scout is a patriot and is always ready to serve his country at a
minute's notice. He loves Old Glory and knows the proper forms of offering it respect. He
never permits its folds to touch the ground. He knows how his country is governed and who
are the men in high authority. He desires a strong body, an alert mind, and an
unconquerable spirit, so that he may serve his country in any need. He patterns his life
after those of great Americans who have had a high sense of duty and who have served the
nation well.
A scout chooses as his motto "Be Prepared," and he seeks to prepare himself
for anything-to rescue a companion, to ford a stream, to gather firewood, to help
strangers, to distinguish right from wrong, to serve his fellowmen, his country, and his
God -- always to "Be Prepared."
