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65-525: Scouts BSA Handbook is the official handbook of Scouts BSA , published by the Boy Scouts of America . It is a descendant publication of Baden-Powell 's original handbook, Scouting for Boys , which has been the basis for Scout handbooks in many countries, with some variations to the text of the book depending on each country's codes and customs. The handbook opens by introducing the Scout Oath,

130-406: A mass market paperback edition typeset in a more compact size and printed on thinner, less hardy paper. This is intended to, in part, prolong the life of the immediate buying boom that occurs for some best sellers: After the attention to the book has subsided, a lower-cost version in the paperback, is released to sell further copies. In the past the release of a paperback edition was one year after

195-547: A "jacketless" alternative has increased in popularity: these "paper-over-board" or "jacketless" hardcover bindings forgo the dust jacket in favor of printing the cover design directly onto the board binding. If brisk sales are anticipated, a hardcover edition of a book is typically released first, followed by a "trade" paperback edition (same format as hardcover) the next year. Some publishers publish paperback originals if slow hardback sales are anticipated. For very popular books these sales cycles may be extended, and followed by

260-580: A Board of Review. Scouts with a permanent mental or physical disability may use alternate requirements, based on their abilities and approved by the council. The second phase of Star , Life , and Eagle is designed to develop leadership skills and encourage the Scout to explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. These ranks require that the Scout serve in a position of responsibility and perform community service . The Eagle Scout rank requires, in addition to merit badges and

325-611: A Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, they typically stay in Scouting for at least three years. Scouts who do so are more likely to retain Scout values as an adult, thus achieving the BSA's primary mission. Ranks and other recognition are presented in a troop awards ceremony called the court of honor. The Eagle Scout rank is usually presented in a separate and special court of honor. Scouts BSA leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by

390-437: A common Troop Committee made up of adult leaders, parents of Scouts, and other interested parties that manage membership, finances, camping arrangements, and chartering organization relations among other responsibilities. Each troop is divided into patrols of about eight Scouts led by a patrol leader elected from within the patrol. Patrol meetings are generally held during the weekly troop meeting. The patrol's independence from

455-415: A higher price. Finally, the 13th edition was made available only in the coil-bound version, as is the current 14th edition. The Handbook has gone through 17 covers over the years: Four of these covers only were not full color: Original 1910, 1st Edition, early 8th and the 14th Boy and Girl editions. Various artists contributed to the artwork on the cover including Don Ross, the former BSA art director who

520-654: A nearby troop on a regular basis because of distance, weather, time, disability, or other difficulties. While the Lone Scout does not participate in troop or patrol activities, they may still participate in the values, and achievements of Scouting. The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a program of the Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts divisions of the BSA. It is the BSA's national honor society for experienced campers, based on Native American traditions, and dedicated to

585-464: A patrol leader who then appoints an assistant patrol leader and other positions within the patrol. Together, the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and patrol leaders make up the patrol leaders council (PLC), the group of Scouts that is responsible for developing the troop's program with the advice of the Scoutmaster. There are other youth positions of responsibility in a troop;

650-499: A position of responsibility, a community service project planned and led entirely by the Eagle Scout candidate. After attaining the rank of Eagle, a Scout may earn Eagle Palms for additional tenure and merit badges. Although Eagle is the highest rank Scouts may achieve, the number of Scouts achieving the rank of First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies have shown that if

715-627: A re-print of the First Edition was published by Dover Publications . The book contains all the original material in 448 pages. The Boy Scouting program began admitting girls in 2019 and was renamed Scouts BSA . The handbook was renamed the Scouts BSA Handbook for the 14th edition. It is available in two editions with identical content but one with photos of boys and one of girls. The board of directors wanted to make sure that male and female scouts alike would see themselves within

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780-427: A simple fleur-de-lis , which symbolizes a compass rose . The compass symbolically points the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward. The three points of the fleur-de-lis, along with the three-finger salute represent the three parts of the Scout Oath (duty to God and Country, duty to others, duty to oneself). The Tenderfoot badge utilizes the fleur-de-lis of the Scout badge and adds two stars and

845-476: A system of awards, often represented by "knots" on the uniform, for various accomplishments. One of the more intensive Scout leader training programs is Wood Badge , for which successful participants receive a special neckerchief , woggle and wooden beads on a thong. Adults may also earn Order of the Arrow ranks and awards in the same manner as Scouts. Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and are recognized by

910-876: A variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking. This also represented by the Outdoor Code . The local councils of the Boy Scouts of America operate several hundred local camps . The national organization operates several high-adventure bases . These include Philmont Scout Ranch , Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases , Florida National High Adventure Sea Base , and The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . Hardcover Hardcover books are often printed on acid-free paper , and they are much more durable than paperbacks , which have flexible, easily damaged paper covers. Hardcover books are marginally more costly to manufacture. Hardcovers are frequently protected by artistic dust jackets , but

975-622: A week-long session for troops that includes merit badge advancement and adventure activities. Camp facilities may include ranges for shooting sports (archery, rifle, and shotgun) or for climbing and rappelling. It is common for several troops within a district or council to gather at least once a year at a special weekend campout called a camporee . A camporee is a district- or council-wide event where several units camp and engage in activities, Scoutcraft competitions and learn specialized skills. The national Scout jamboree usually occurs every four years and draws more than 30,000 Scouts from across

1040-410: Is brought out of the classroom and into the field including on camping outings. Many copies did not survive these years of use in harsh environments and very few early examples have survived to this day in good conditions. The first Official Handbook , subtitled A Handbook of Woodcraft, Scouting, and Life-craft was published from July 1910 until March 1911 and appeared in eight distinct variations. It

1105-522: Is complete, leaders are recognized with the Wood Badge beads, neckerchief , and woggle . Powder Horn is a high adventure resource course designed to help Scout leaders to safely conduct outdoor activities of a fun and challenging nature, provide an introduction to the resources necessary to successfully lead their youth through a program of high adventure and to understand what is involved in different high adventure disciplines. "A week of camp life

1170-528: Is designed to teach Scoutcraft skills, teamwork, and self-reliance. Scout is the first rank, and requires demonstration of knowledge of Scouting's ideals, the process of rank advancement, troop and patrol structure, and some basic skills (e.g., knot-tying and knife safety). As with all other ranks, a Scoutmaster conference is also required. Further ranks have progressive requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit . These ranks also require participation in

1235-432: Is required for swimming activities. Boating activities require Safety Afloat and CPR training. Climb on Safely training and CPR certification are required for climbing and rappelling events. Wood Badge is advanced training for leadership skills for adults in the BSA. Wood Badge consists of five days of training (usually presented as two, nonconsecutive weekends) and an application phase of several months. When training

1300-527: Is responsible for both covers of the 5th edition and Norman Rockwell who painted the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 9th editions. However, only the 6th edition was painted specifically to be a Handbook cover. The other three were originally used on the Brown & Bigelow annual Scout calendars. The content of the Handbook has varied from year to year and covered a wide range of subjects essential for scouts. For example,

1365-587: Is responsible for lifesaving and meritorious awards. All Courts of Honor for Eagle Scout rank also are convened as National Courts of Honor. Every troop has two separate leadership structures: one consisting of Scouts and another consisting of adults. The adult leadership manages the logistics of troop activities, administers rank advancement and awards, maintains troop records and finance, and recruits new Scouts and adult leaders. The youth leadership keeps order and coordinates labor at activities. Scouts and adults cooperate to plan agendas for troop meetings, as well as

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1430-522: Is sponsored by a community organization such as a business, service organization, private school, labor group, or religious institution. The chartering organization is responsible for providing a meeting place and promoting a good program. A chartering organization representative manages the relationship between the troop, the chartering organization, and the BSA. While both boys and girls are members of Scouts BSA, as of 2024 individual troops are single gender. A boys' troop and girls' troop may however share

1495-542: Is used when giving the Scout Law or the Scout Oath and as a signal for silence. The Scout Salute is used when saluting the flag of the United States . The left-handed handshake is used as a token of friendship and forms connections between Scouts worldwide. Scouting uses a collection of medals and patches with emblems, which represent a Scout's specific achievements. The badge for the Scout rank consists of

1560-608: Is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room."— Baden-Powell Since its founding in 1907 by Baden-Powell , the Scouting movement has employed employs non-formal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities . Scouts see adventure in nature, and it is this adventure which draws them to learning. For its members, the Scout method is part of the program to instill typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through

1625-602: The Leave No Trace Coordinator ensures the Scouts are trained in and follow Leave No Trace Guidelines; the Order of the Arrow representative provides a line of communication between the Order of the Arrow and the troop; the bugler provides music as needed; the instructor teaches Scout skills. These troop positions are appointed by the senior patrol leader with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster, except for

1690-477: The Original Edition , many now-standard Scouting skills were passed over, including knife and axe use and map and compass work. The book describes many Scout-like virtues and qualifications. After a lengthy section on what a Scout should know, including chivalry, history, and national issues, it is noted that "in short, to be a good Scout is to be a well-developed, well-informed boy." On June 17, 2005,

1755-530: The Scout Slogan ), the patrol method of working in small groups, participation in outdoor programs , advancement and recognition for achievements , adult leaders , personal growth, leadership development , and the uniform . The participants, also known as Scouts, are organized into small groups called Scout troops , which are led by youth leaders given the title of senior patrol leaders (SPLs), as well as adult leaders, called Scouters. In February 2019,

1820-567: The Scout Slogan ); the patrol method ; advancement ; adult association ; participation in outdoor programs ; personal growth; leadership development , and the uniform . Troop programs and activities are determined by the senior patrol leader and a council of adults under the oversight of the Scoutmaster. Troops generally hold meetings weekly, although they can be irregular during the summer. Troop meeting activities can include training in Scout skills to planning camping trips or playing games . Troops may plan outings and activities outside

1885-409: The Scout uniform . It generally consists of a khaki button-up shirt, olive green pants or shorts , belt , socks, and optional neckerchief . The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and Scouting leaders on formal occasions. The scout troop is the fundamental unit of Scouts BSA. The troop size can vary from a minimum of five Scouts to over one hundred. Each troop

1950-578: The "Trained" emblem may be worn on the sleeve. The troop committee chairman and members should attend the Troop Committee Challenge for instruction in administering the program. This completes Basic Leader Training for these positions and the Trained emblem may be worn on the left sleeve. Supplemental training modules are designed to provide instruction beyond Basic Leader Training. These shorter training sessions are often provided at

2015-419: The "new Scout patrol" method may be used. The new Scouts are kept together as a group, elect their own patrol leader, and are assigned a troop guide—an older Scout who acts as a mentor. Some troops may have an older Scout patrol that experiences more autonomy from the troop and provides older Scouts with expanded social contact and physical challenges. The Lone Scout program serves youth who cannot take part in

Boy Scout Handbook - Misplaced Pages Continue

2080-568: The 1911 First Edition included the following content: The handbook has changed over time to reflect the evolution of the Boy Scouts of America program, including the implementation of the Youth Protection program and the admission of girls in the program. While many of the ressources are now available online, all youth involved in Scouts BSA today still uses the Scout BSA Handbook as a reference and to track their journey in

2145-469: The 6th, 7th, and 9th editions. Frederick L. Hines wrote the 8th, and Robert Birkby the 10th, 11th and 12th editions. Since its first edition, the Boy Scout Handbook was published to be the primary reference for scouts. It was used by scouts at a time when the internet was not available and included practical information a scout needed. It also was designed as a moral compass. It was and still

2210-425: The BSA policies on preventing child abuse , including types and signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosed abuse and how to report suspected abuse. YPT recertification is required every two years and may be completed online. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is another course that is required for Scoutmasters and Assistants Scoutmasters and furthers instruction in Scouting and outdoor skills. Once completed,

2275-479: The BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot. Other advancements and recognitions —such as the Nova (and Supernova) Awards, 50-miler award , BSA Aquatic Awards, Emergency Preparedness Award, Outdoor Ethics Award and World Conservation Award — are available to Scouts who show proficiency in special areas. These are all awarded at a Court of Honor . BSA's National Court of Honor

2340-696: The District/Council Roundtable, a monthly meeting of leaders from the district, at a University of Scouting event offered by the local councils, or at National Training Conferences held at the Philmont Training Center and the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base . Additional training events may be held at summer camps, Council events, and various BSA-sponsored events. At least one leader with current Safe Swim Defense training

2405-501: The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, who is appointed by the Scoutmaster. Some positions may also be determined by election. The Scouts BSA has a defined Youth Leadership Training Continuum to provide a growth path for youth leaders. The Scoutmaster provides Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) at the troop level. Youth leaders are encouraged to attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) at

2470-761: The Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan of BSA. There are currently two editions of the Scouts BSA Handbook, one for girls and one for boys, but other than photographs, the content is essentially the same. The original edition of the BSA handbook was based on Baden-Powell's work. Ernest Thompson Seton combined his Woodcraft manual, the Birch Bark Rolls , with Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys . Subsequent works were done by other authors. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt wrote

2535-410: The Scouts BSA gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. While BSA uniforms are similar in basic design, they do vary in color and detail to identify the different programs of Cub Scouts , Scouts BSA, Venturers , and Sea Scouts . The uniform is used to promote equality while showing individual achievement. Scouts BSA youth and adult leaders wear

2600-575: The ages of typically 11 and 17. It provides youth training in character , citizenship , personal fitness , and leadership, and aims to develop the skills necessary to become successful adults. To foster these skills, Scouting utilizes eight methods of Scouting to guide their educational programing: scouting ideals (as exemplified by the Scout Oath , the Scout Law , the Scout Motto , and

2665-456: The aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Varsity Scouts were organized into teams, which were separate chartered units from a Boy Scout troop. Varsity Scouts participated in the standard Boy Scouting advancement program along with programs unique to Varsity Scouting. Scouts BSA has seven ranks that can be earned, grouped into two phases. The first phase of Scout , Tenderfoot , Second Class , and First Class

Boy Scout Handbook - Misplaced Pages Continue

2730-419: The boards, and it too is covered by the cloth. A paper wrapper, or dust jacket, is usually put over the binding, folding over each horizontal end of the boards. Dust jackets serve to protect the underlying cover from wear. On the folded part, or flap, over the front cover is generally a blurb , or a summary of the book. The back flap is where the biography of the author can be found. Reviews are often placed on

2795-447: The council level and a select few may progress to National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at the national level. New adult leaders are required to attend training for their position. This training provides the essential information they need to provide a safe and successful quality program. In addition to position-specific training, all adults are required to complete Youth Protection Training (YPT). This program covers

2860-543: The country and the world. Since 2013, Jamborees have been held at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia, which is a new high-adventure base and intended to be a more permanent home for the Jamboree. Several written elements are cornerstones of the program. The goal of the Scouting program is for Scouts to embody these ideals, as well as memorize and understand them. The Scout Sign

2925-467: The eagle and shield from the Great Seal of the United States . The stars symbolize truth and knowledge; the eagle and shield symbolize freedom and readiness to defend it. The Second Class badge features a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot is intended to remind each Scout to remember the Scout slogan and the upturned ends of

2990-476: The first-aid and health-related merit badges that the rank required. Now it signifies that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character. In the United States, the Boy Scouts of America functions as a licensor and distributor of official Scout uniforms, camping gear, and other items since the 1920s. These include backpacks, pocket knives , belt knives , tents, sleeping bags, canteens , and mess gear . The uniform and insignia of

3055-404: The general public are usually printed in hardback only for authors who are expected to be successful, or as a precursor to the paperback to predict sale levels; however, many academic books are often only published in hardcover editions. Hardcovers usually consist of a page block, two boards, and a cloth or heavy paper covering. The pages are sewn together and glued onto a flexible spine between

3120-425: The handbook were Coca-Cola , Life Savers , Mercurochrome , Kodak , Wrigley Gum , Harley-Davidson and Aunt Jemima . Early prints only Late prints only International Handshake Boy Scouts of America Handshake Scouts BSA Scouts BSA (Known as Boy Scouts until 2019) is the flagship program and membership level of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for coeducational young people between

3185-406: The handbooks were soft cover usually made of heavy paper. However, some very limited runs also used leather, vinyl and oilcloth. The paper used was always off-white with black ink with the exception of the 3rd edition that was printed using green ink. The first editions were printed in black and white. Later on, full color printing was used in the handbook itself. The binding used until around 1970

3250-468: The hardback, but by the early 21st century paperbacks were released six months after the hardback by some publishers. It is very unusual for a book that was first published in paperback to be followed by a hardback. One example is the novel The Judgment of Paris by Gore Vidal , which had its revised edition of 1961 first published in paperback, and later in hardcover. Hardcover books are usually sold at higher prices than comparable paperbacks. Books for

3315-494: The ideal of cheerful service. Scouts and Scouters must belong to a troop, crew, or ship to become OA members. The OA is run by youth under the age of 21 with adult Scouters serving as advisers. From 1984 to 2017, Varsity Scouting was a part of the Scouts BSA division of the BSA. It was an alternative available to boys ages fourteen through seventeen that took basic Boy Scouting and adds high adventure, sporting, and other elements that are more appealing to older youth to accomplish

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3380-505: The librarian maintains the troop library; the chaplain aide works with the troop chaplain and promotes the religious program in the troop; the troop historian maintains photos and records of troop functions, meetings and outings; a den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts , assisting the den leaders and helps retain Cub Scouts when they cross over into Scouts BSA; the troop guide is a senior Scout who provides guidance to new Scout patrols;

3445-428: The pages of the Handbook. The text however is identical in both version including the requirements and program elements remaining unchanged from the 13th edition. The boys' version has a green with lettering and First Class Rank Emblem in metallic gold cover, while the girls' version is tan with the same lettering and First Class Rank Emblem in metallic green cover. Dates and names of the various editions are: Most of

3510-400: The program began admitting girls as well as boys, and the name of the program was changed from "Boy Scouts" to "Scouts BSA". Scouts BSA is focused on developing four skills: Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, and Leadership. These qualities are promoted through the eight methods of Scouting : scouting ideals (as exemplified by the Scout Oath , the Scout Law , the Scout Motto , and

3575-709: The program. The following subjects were first addressed in the following editions: From 1911 to 1964, advertising was found in the Handbook and helped subsidize the cost of production. The advertising stopped after 1964 with the exception of the 1975/1976 printing of the 8th Edition that also contained advertising. Advertising was provided by companies primarily focused on categories that appealed to boys including camping-related goods, sports equipment, clothing and food products. Food products included chewing gum , canned sardines , pancakes , shredded wheat , chocolate ,and baked beans . However, most ads were for rifles and ammunition . Among well-known brands that advertised in

3640-422: The religious emblems program. The youth leader of the troop is the senior patrol leader (SPL), elected by the Scouts in the troop. The SPL is responsible for the overall performance of the troop, runs troop meetings and ensures that the program for troop meetings and other activities is carried out and is advised by the Scoutmaster. There may also be one or more assistant senior patrol leaders. Each patrol elects

3705-489: The scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The First Class badge combines the elements of the Scout, Tenderfoot and Second Class badges. For years, the First Class badge was used as the emblem of the BSA. The Star rank has a First Class symbol on a five-pointed yellow star, which initially indicated the five merit badges required to earn the rank. Life has a First Class emblem on a red heart, and initially symbolized

3770-472: The selection of the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster must be at least twenty-one and is directly responsible for training and guiding the youth leaders, working with other adults to bring Scouting to youth, and for using the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. A troop may have a chaplain who helps to provide a spiritual element in the unit program, provides spiritual counseling as needed, and encourage Scouts to participate in

3835-420: The troop meeting, potentially involving outdoor programs such as camping , backpacking , hiking , canoeing , rafting , climbing , caving , or rappelling . These outings are intended to allow Scouts to work on skills and rank advancement, and have fun. Most councils own and operate one or more permanent camps, that often host a variety of activities throughout the year. The BSA summer camp program provides

3900-427: The troop varies among troops and between activities. Patrols' autonomy becomes more visible at campouts, where each patrol may set up its own camping and cooking area. Divisions between patrols may disappear during an event which only a small part of the troop attends. Patrols may hold meetings and even excursions separately from the rest of the troop. When a Cub Scout group crosses over from Cub Scouting to Scouts BSA,

3965-404: The troop's schedule of outings. The troop committee is made up of responsible adults who are approved by the local council and the chartered organization. The committee chair leads the committee and appoints its members to specific tasks such as treasurer, secretary, advancement, activities, equipment, and membership. The committee and the chartered organization representative are responsible for

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4030-417: The use of these positions is dependent on the size of the troop and the program. The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) is a 16- or 17-year-old Scout who performs the same duties as an assistant Scoutmaster; the scribe takes minutes at patrol leaders council meetings and troop meetings and is often responsible for taking attendance and collecting money or dues; the quartermaster maintains the troop's equipment;

4095-589: Was intended solely as a temporary guide until an authoritative handbook could be made, it is now known as the 1910 Original Edition Handbook . The cover art was an illustration by Baden-Powell. There were about 28,000 copies printed, not 68,900 as previously thought. The Official Handbook for Boys was published in June 1911. In this edition, the American Scouting program was standardized, albeit with many omissions and mistakes (cf. external links). As with

4160-400: Was stitched signatures (as seen in most hardcover books). Starting at the end of the 7th edition, the cheaper perfect binding was used where each page is glued to the spin (as in a paper pad). This resulted in most Handbooks falling apart even faster, especially with the abuse scouts put them through in the field. Some coil-bound versions were introduced to resolve this issue but were sold at

4225-400: Was written by Ernest Seton and drew greatly on Baden-Powell 's Scouting for Boys , it included information on the organization of Scouting, signs and signaling, and camping, as well as Scouting games and a description of several Scouting honours. Notably, this book did not place emphasis on first aid, knife and axe use, or map and compass work, as later editions would. Because this edition

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