Chapter I: Foreword: For Instructor

[_N.B.--Remarks printed in italics are, throughout the book,
addressed to the Instructor._]

_By the term "Instructor" I mean any man or lad who takes up the training of either a Patrol_ (i.e., _six to eight boys_), _or a Troop_ i.e., (_several Patrols joined together_).

_By means of this book I hope that anyone, even without previous knowledge of scouting, may be able to teach it to boys--in town just as well as in the country._

_The system is applicable to existing organisations such as schools, boys' brigades, cadet corps, etc., or can supply a simple organisation of its own where these do not exist. But in all cases I would strongly commend the "Patrol" system: that is, small permanent groups, each under responsible charge of a leading boy, as the great step to success._

_The reasons for this, the objects of the training and full hints to Instructors I have already published in a pamphlet called "The Boy Scouts Scheme." Price Twopence. Published by Bradbury, Agnew, Bouverie Street, London, E.C. They will be further set forth in Part VI. of the present book._

_I recommend the Instructor to begin with a Patrol of eight boys if possible, and when these have qualified as "First-class Scouts" to select the best five or six to raise each a patrol of his own and instruct it under his (the Instructor's) supervision._

_A great step is to obtain, if possible, a room, barn, or school to serve as a Club, especially for work on long winter evenings. It must be well-lit and warmed. And to have a camp-out in the summer._

_There need be no great expense in working a troop of Boy Scouts._

_Finance must largely depend on the efforts of the Scouts themselves. Methods for making money will be indicated in Part IV. I do not hold with begging for funds if it can possibly be avoided._

_Any further information or advice will readily be given on application, and I shall be glad to have any suggestions or informal reports of progress and numbers trained. But I have no desire to trouble Instructors with red-tape returns, and so on._

_Scouts' Badges, Medals, Patrol Flags, and Crests, Tracking Irons, and such articles of scouts' equipment, can be obtained at low rates on application here._

_All communications should be addressed, not to me by name, but to:_

_THE MANAGER,_
_Boy Scouts,_
_Goschen Buildings,_
_Henrietta Street,_
_London, E.C._

_R. S. S. B.-P.
January, 1908._

PART I.--CONTENTS.

SCOUTCRAFT.

NOTES FOR INSTRUCTOR.

CAMP FIRE YARNS.

1.--SCOUTS' WORK: The Mafeking Cadets. "Kim."

2.--SUMMARY OF COURSE OF INSTRUCTION: The Elsdon Murder.

3.--BOY SCOUTS' ORGANISATION: Officers; Test for Scouts; Scout's
Badges, Medals, etc.; Scout's Oath; Secret Signs and Calls; Dress.

4.--SCOUT LAW.

GAMES AND PRACTICES.

BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT.