The contents of a letter from a Winchester Scoutmaster in the Summer of 1918 so impressed Baden Powell, that in a number of speeches and guiding directives thereafter, he spoke of the ‘Spirit’ of Scouting as what really mattered – far more than the ‘form’. He noted that committees and meetings had taken the place of the free spirit intended for the development of character, and he became alarmed that the Movement would be so overtaken in organisation that it might lose its way.
When Gilwell Park was bought for the Movement in 1920, B.P saw an opportunity for a centre where those who understood young people could “guard the fountain head of the Scouting Spirit”. (from B.P’s report to HQ in 1920). Jeal (1989) records – “From the time of a first visit to Gilwell, Baden Powell wanted to make the place more important than Headquarters.”
For its first 50 years, under the gifted leadership of the Camp Chiefs, this spirit was deftly captured, nurtured, experimented on, and passed to the generations of Scouters through the Wood Badge training scheme. Gilwell became, by acceptance rather than any decree, the source and centre of the undoubted success of the magic of Scouting.
During the 1970’s, with the world wide Movement flourishing and expanding, John Huskins was appointed to follow the legendary John Thurman as Camp Chief of Gilwell Park. He was intellectually inclined, and very much a ‘Big Picture’ man who realised that the great vision of Scouting could only really be fully accomplished where all involved in the leadership – at every level – understood this vision well. He set out to ask the right question. This question became the mantra for thinking Scout leaders at any point of decision from then on, and still echoes through deliberations where effective Scouting takes place. This resonated with B.P’s comment in the foreword to the book ‘Aids to Scoutmastership’ (Baden Powell, 1944 edition)
"A man carries out suggestions the more wholeheartedly, when he understands their aim."
John Huskins asked – “What are we really trying to do?”
Many of us at the time were stopped very sharply in our tracks. What indeed were we really trying to do? What was important and central to the game of Scouting, and what was merely diverting fluff? Were we aiming for something or merely gaming.
We came to speculate if this is not a question all with the responsibility of leading others in the Movement should perhaps be asking all the time? Is this not one of the important questions indeed – right now - for South African Scouting and its contribution to the young evolving democracy which is South Africa in 2011?
Speaking at a Jamboree in 1922, Baden Powell offered this caution:
"Scouting is a medicine composed of various ingredients and, unless they are mixed in their proper proportions according to the prescription, the users must not blame the doctor if the effects on the patient are unsatisfactory."
What are we really trying to do? What are the ingredients to mix in their proper proportions? The world is changing exponentially, we realise that we now live in a global village more inter-connected with technology, and interdependent than ever in history. How should this informal educational movement conduct itself to achieve its goals?
If good character, contributory citizenship and the personal development of all members of our Movement truly remain our desired reason for being, should we not be thinking often about Scouting’s recognised ‘non-negotiables’ as we go about our business?
The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (1998) sets the following as fundamental to the method of Scouting:
The Scout Promise and Law (a set of values voluntarily subscribed to by the individual, framed as positive signposts to good living.)
The Patrol System (a system devised by the founder based on his astute observation and understanding of the boys of his day and their proclivity to assemble in ‘gangs’ and to ‘hunt’ for their boyish adventures in ‘wolf packs’.)
Learning by doing (Development through physical activity rather than cerebral theoretical instruction).
Personal progression (A Progressive scheme of learning in a natural outdoor environment.)
Scouting Symbolism (“By the term Scouting is meant the work and attributes of backwoodmen, explorers, hunters, seamen, airmen, pioneers and frontiersmen” (Baden Powell, 1944) – intended as inspiration.
Adult Support (This requires positive relationships with suitable role models who lead activities, educate and facilitate toward positive impact of the scouting process.)
If the above are accepted as non-negotiable, if the aims of scouting remain intact, it is necessary to examine the methods enunciated above in the light of their attempting to serve the developmental needs of both boys and girls. In a recent document,, our former South African Chief Scout, and Chairman of the World Scout Committee notes;
"Scout history shows that there is absolutely no need to meddle with the ‘Aims of Scouting’.” (De la Hunt, 2010)
Huskins suggested in his widely published article on the posed question, that where it was consciously applied, with effective leadership, to the achievement of the fundamental goals of Scouting the movement spectacularly accomplished growth in eight areas of human development – as it was designed to do. These include;
1. Physical development – fitness, health, outdoor activity and survival,
2. Mental development – interests and hobbies, creating resourcefulness.
3. Environmental awareness – conservation, mutual understanding of the needs of others.
4. Community awareness - sense of responsibility, career development, serving local communities, service to others (good turn)
5. Relationships – in families, with friends, learning and developing leadership.
6. Self Worth – a sense of identity, awareness of personal values, a striving toward goodness
7. Values – a set of values to live by, taking responsibility.
8. Spiritual development - A set of beliefs, an awareness of a Supreme Being, respect for
I think we do well if, amongst all the helter skelter of our busy day jobs, and the demands of Scouting with competition camps, district events, meetings, administrative demands, rules and regulations – if we pause every so often to remind ourselves of what is really important. That Scouting has a purpose, and that it is focussed on the young people and how they will grow.
The best of Scouting has always been about an adult leader who really cares, and a relationship with a young person who really matters.
Perhaps so much of the rest is not about what we are really trying to do.