26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



As to the Boy Scouts of America 



People over the country have been asking on every hand what the Boy 

 Scouts of America will do in the event of war. This concerns every neigh- 

 borhood and more so because boys themselves are anxious to do something 

 to serve their country. 



Every organization has its particular function or activity as related to 

 the public or cause of humanity. The Boy Scout Organization has its 

 objects and to that end has developed and trained its boys for civic service. 

 One of the most outstanding accomplishments is its personal service. Doing 

 a good turn daily, courtesy, helping others, man or beast, in distress, are 

 the things that Boy Scouts are taught to do and practice. 



Service of this sort is therefore the function of the organization and 

 its individual members are always ready to offer their services. The Scout 

 motto, "Be Prepared" is indicative of the training and practice of Boy 

 Scouts. 



Newspaper articles and statements of uninformed persons are liable to be 

 inaccurate. The activities of a small military organization known as the 

 United States Boy Scouts should not be confused with those of the Boy 

 Scouts of America, whose policy is expressed in the following statement 

 by the National Council : 



"There must be no violation of the trust reposed in us by parents 

 who have permitted their boys to enroll with us for character and citizen- 

 ship training. No Scout Organization under our control may take part 

 in any military operations. Our program and policy which have been 

 followed since the foundation of Scouting will not be changed." 



Boys who are members of the Boy Scouts of America, as you doubtless 

 know, cannot be required by reason of his Scout membership to do any duty 

 whatever of a military character. 



It is possible however, that there may be ways in which the Scouts, 

 without interfering with home or school duties, can be of aid locally to 

 the nation. Definitely, Scouts might be asked to volunteer with the consent 

 of their parents for such work as : — 



Gathering statistical information as to supplies, etc. for the use of 

 civic or military authorities. 



Acting as messengers and orderlies, thereby releasing men needed for 

 military duties. 



Co-operating with the Red Cross Society and other proper agencies for 

 various kinds of relief work. 



r 



A Scout's first duty is his home. He may there take upon himself the 

 duties of an older brother or a father who has accepted the call to the 

 colors. A Scout is thus fulfilling his Scout Law of Loyalty in a double 

 sense, viz., to his home and his country. 



