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Show IJOY SCOUT ANMVEliSAHY On February 8, 1910, an organization called the Boy Scouts of America was chartered under the laws of the District of Columbia. This society was originally a combination of the "Woodcraft Indans" and the "Sons of Danie Boone," which had been formed to build up the character of boys, instructing them in good morals and useful occupations. These movements have represented many years of study of the boy problem. How to appeal to boys is a question that has vexed countless teachers and leaders. lea-ders. The boys heart is a secret place, and you can't quite tell what goes on inside that inscrutable face. There are often thoughts that would greatly surprise the parents of these restless kids. One trouble in the old days with working for boys was that people were too apt to give them things to do that the old folks liked, but which did not appeal to the boys. The old folks wanted instruction and information, in-formation, but the boys wanted fun and amusement. The two ideals did not mix, and the kids were often very restive under such leadership. The Boy Scout movement, which is now 32 years old, was founded on a thorough study of the boy mind. It took advantage of the fact that boys like out door life, camping, marching and countless stunts by which they can develop their powers. It gave them the pleasures pleas-ures they liked, and in return secured such power over the boy mind that kids would listen to good talk about their future careers, about life and duty and their country and good citizenship. The result has been marvellous. A great army of boys has grown up who will never give the country any trouble. Scout experience has created a foundation founda-tion of good character. |