PACK ADMIN HELPS

Understanding Boys
Viking Council

To a boy, Scouting is a game, a magnificent game, full of play and full of laughter, keeping him busy, keeping him happy.  A boy becomes a Cub Scout for the sheer fun there is in it.  The action in Scouting appeals to the boy's impulse to do something.

The basic principle in Scouting is "learning by doing".  There is nothing negative in it.  There are no "don'ts."  Scouting doesn't say "Don't rob a bird's nest", but instead, "find out about birds."  It doesn't say, "Don't cut down trees," but instead, "Help save the trees."  That is talking boy language, stimulating, not prohibiting.

Boys like the adventure of Scouting.  They like the adventure of tackling a job, alone or with a den.  There is adventure in doing a good turn.  A boy finds companionship and fellowship in the den.  There is always present the urge to achieve, a higher rank looms ahead, there is no distinction to be gained.

Boys are alike in many ways.  They are part human, part angel, and part barbarian.  They want everything except soap and work.  They take the knocks of the world, stomachaches, injured toes and fingers, broken bones, and black eyes.  But at the same time, they absorb the good of the world.  And in a few short years, when they become men, they cast aside their boyish ways to battle against the stern reality of life, and generally make good, participating citizens.

Even though all boys are alike in some ways, each one is an individual and should be treated as such.  Balance is the thing.  Knowing where to draw the line is the thing.  For out of it all, a boy must learn that sometimes he must assert himself, and sometimes he must give in for the welfare of his fellow Cub Scouts.

Boys will be boys, no matter where you find them.  They play, run away, love to be outdoors, and do a host of things that are generally looked upon by their parents and leaders as a foolish waste of time.  Boys all have the same creed, to enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day.  A boy is like a puff of wind because he comes at the most unexpected time, hits in the most unexpected places, and leaves everything a wreck behind.  He has an impelling desire to exercise on all occasions; he pulls the cat's tail; he tangles Sis' curls; he shoots paper wads in Sunday School; and he possesses a perpetual appetite.  He has a dirty face, uncombed hair, and is ragged regardless of which side of the tract he lives on.  But the time comes when he becomes a loyal and true citizen of his country.  He lives his own life, makes up his own mind as to truth and honesty and best interest of others.  God Bless Him!

Character in a boy is a slow growing thing.  Every day of his life, everything he sees and does forms a small piece of his character.  Give him the right and opportunity to be proud of himself.  Teach him the value of helping other people.  A Cub Leader can help boys in some ways that no one else, not even their parents can.  Help them to learn to stand on their own two feet and be men you can be proud of, and what's more important, men they can be proud of.