*Intresting information on the religious parameters found in Boy Scouting. As to Scouting and the Jewish boy... It reflected insight into what Mitch Silvers and his Dad had *Assumed wrongly about Royal Rangers, and why there was some displeasure with Mitch's attendence. 32 years of distance leads to a differnt perspective<G> -=A=- http://www.jewishscouting.org/lit/scouting.html#chap4 -- ��ࡱ�Title: Scouting and the Jewish Boy
SCOUTING AND THE JEWISH BOY
Issued by the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, 1954
Current version updated by Bruce D. Nelson, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Second Draft, January, 1995
Table of Contents
- What is Scouting?
- The Whole Scout Family
- Organizing a Scout Unit
- The Religious Policy of the Boy Scouts of America
- Scouting and Religious Training
- The Religious Awards Program
- How the Boy Scout Movement is Organized
- The Jewish Committee on Scouting
Preface to the first draft
While rummaging around our troop's "Scout Room" (Troop 3, sponsored since 1917 by Temple Beth El, Rochester, NY), I came across a booklet, Scouting and the Jewish Boy, published by the National Jewish Committee on Scouting in 1954.
I believe there is still a need for such a booklet to aid the national, regional, and local Jewish Committees on Scouting in the recruitment of Jewish chartered partners. Given the aid of modern technology, I undertook the project to republish the booklet with appropriate updates. For instance, Tiger Cubs, B.S.A. certainly didn't exist, and dues have probably increased from a nickel a meeting. And unit committees are no longer limited to men, etc.
As I am sure there are still many facts in the booklet that can stand updating, I invite you to offer any corrections, additions, or comments to the undersigned.
Bruce D. Nelson
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
October, 1994
Second Draft - January 1995
The first draft was distributed at the NorthEast Region JCoS meeting in Washington, Twp, NJ, in October, 1994, and at the Troop 54 (Sharon, MA) Winter Conclave in December, 1994. The document was very well received.
Many thanks to Phyllis Stein of the Suffolk County JCoS for her careful reading and correction of the first draft.
January, 1995
What is Scouting?
Scouting is a game! In the eyes of boys, Scouting is fun, outdoor adventure, fellowship - in one word, a game.
Boys become Scouts because they like to hike, to camp, to play, to learn how to do things. They like to belong to a gang which, in Scouting, is a patrol. They like Scouting, too, because it's a man's life cut down to boy size, because they themselves are men in the making and are eager to grow up. From an adult viewpoint, therefore, Scouting is a game with a purpose - to help prepare boys for manhood.
Scouting develops character and health, mental alertness and manual skill, self-reliance, teamwork, and a desire and ability to help other people. Scouting has as its objective physical fitness, character building, and citizenship training.
In addition to being a game and lots of fun, Scouting also contains a code of honor - the Scout Oath or Promise by which a boy affirms his duty to God and his country, his obligation to help other people, and his aim to keep himself physically, mentally, and morally fit. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, once wrote: "Scouting aims to give the boy a practical idea of the responsibilities of life before him, and endeavors to inculcate the practice of his religion in his everyday life and doings." The late Rabbi Joshua Loth Liebman was an enthusiastic supporter of Scouting. In an address before the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America in l947 he said: "I know the meaning of Scouting because of what it has done in every synagogue with which I have been connected since I was ordained as a rabbi, in every community of which I have been a part, I think of the great blessings it confers upon American life and world life."
Ideals of Scouting
The aims and ideals of Scouting are in harmony with those which Jewish religious leaders are seeking to instill in the minds of Jewish boys. From the time the Cub Scout takes his Cub Promise, the boy is dedicated to ideals of reverence toward God and service to his fellow man. The heart of the Boy Scout program is the Scout Oath and Law.
The membership of the Boy Scouts of America represents a cross section of American life. Enrolled under the banner of Scouting are boys from large cities, villages and farms, from seaport towns and western plains. The Scout program speaks the universal language of boys. It rises above sects and creeds, social classes and racial backgrounds, to unite the boys of America on the ground of common ideals. Through Scouting, boys develop into integrated American citizens.
Is it any wonder, therefore, that more than a thousand Scout units - Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Explorer units - are sponsored by synagogues, Jewish community centers, B'nai B'rith lodges, and other Jewish institutions? The Boy Scouts of America offers a program to Jewish organizations to help them accomplish their aims with their boys, to help them grow into American citizens of the finest type and to make them loyal members of the Jewish faith.
During the long history of Scouting in America, rabbis and Jewish laymen have taken a keen interest in this program. In almost every community in America with a sizeable Jewish population, there will be found prominent Jewish laymen interested in the promotion of Scouting and helping to bring the benefits of Scouting to additional thousands of American boys of all faiths.
In 1951, at a national training conference of Scout executives held in East Lansing, Michigan, representatives of the major faiths participated in the convocation, Dr. Norman Salit, president of the Synagogue Council of America, said on that occasion: "The Boy Scouts of America represents one of the most potent, genuinely democratic forces in American life today, The spirit and aims of Scouting are close to those of the synagogues."
The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best:
To do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Law
1. A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout's honor is to be trusted. IF he were to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor, he may be directed to hand over his Scout badge.
2. A SCOUT IS LOYAL
He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due, his Scout leader, his home and parents and country,
3. A SCOUT IS HELPFUL
He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons, and share the home duties. He must do at least one Good Turn to somebody every day.
4. A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY
He is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.
5. A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS
He is polite to all, especially to women, children, old people and the weak and helpless. He must not take pay for being helpful or courteous.
6. A SCOUT IS KIND
He is a friend to animals. He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will strive to save and protect all harmless life.
7. A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT
He obeys his parents, Scoutmaster, patrol leader, and all other duly constituted authorities.
8. A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL
He smiles whenever he can. His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery. He never shirks nor grumbles at hard ships.
9. A SCOUT IS THRIFTY
He does not wantonly destroy property. He works faith fully, wastes nothing, and makes the best use of his opportunities. He saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects. He may work for pay, but must not receive tips for courtesies or Good Turns.
10. A SCOUT IS BRAVE
He has the courage to face danger in spite of fear and to stand up for the right against the coaxings of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down him.
11. A SCOUT IS CLEAN
He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd.
12. A SCOUT IS REVERENT
He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties, and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.
Chapter 2
The Whole Scout Family
The Scouting program is based upon a sound understanding of boy nature. It is well thought out in its three stages - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Exploring - to help the physical and psychological development of the growing boy at different age levels.
These four phases of Scouting make it possible for a synagogue or Jewish center to give its boys a continuous "growing up" program. The boy of seven who joins Tiger Cubs and then a Cub Scout pack will graduate into the Scout troop when he reaches eleven. On their fourteenth birthday boys or girls can become an Explorer.
The Tiger Cub - Grade 1
Tiger Cubs, B.S.A., is for the first-grade boy and an adult member of his family. This part of the B.S.A. program calls for equal participation by the boy and the adult. Tiger Cubs, B.S.A. stresses fun, activities, and building the relationship between the boy and adult, as well as among the Tiger Cub group members.
The program is built around 17 different program themes called "Big Ideas" which include topics such as "Know Your Community", "Family Entertainment", and "Prepare for Emergencies".
The Tiger Cub group is associated with a regular Cub pack, but meets separately for activities or field trips. The Tiger Cub group is usually invited to attend one or two regular pack meetings before the Tiger Cubs graduate into the pack.
The Cub Scout - Grades 2-5
The fine thing about Cub Scouting is its adoption of the home as the base of activity, the family as the unit of membership, Parents have a big part in the program, helping their boy learn to do simple "achievements" in order to grow from a Bobcat into Wolf and right on up to Bear. A den is a small neighborhood group of Cub Scouts who normally play together, They have one regular weekly meeting with one of the adults (called the Den Leader) in charge, and the monthly pack meeting in which the several dens come together - all of the boys, their parents, the Cubmaster, and other leaders - for a big night of fun or perhaps a nice outdoor affair such as a picnic.
Boy Scouts - Grades 6 and up
When he joins a Scout troop the boy finds a new road to fun and adventure. Boy Scouting is a game - a game with a purpose. Hiking and camping are fun in themselves, but the hiker and the camper also learn much about the world they live in, how to take care of themselves on their own. The games and some of the projects at the weekly troop meeting are fun too, but they have underlying educational value.
In his patrol, a natural gang of buddies which is part of the troop, the Scout learns the importance of teamwork. He also has an opportunity to develop ability as a leader. The adult Scoutmaster stands by but he encourages Scouts to think and plan and act for themselves through the patrol leaders' council
Explorers - Age 14 and Older
Exploring is the young-adult division of the Boy Scouts of America. Explorers are both young men and women, aged 14 through 20, who join Explorer Posts sponsored by business, industries, religious groups, government agencies, civic clubs, labor unions, and other community organizations. The program of these Explorer posts matches the interests of youth with the adult expertise and program resources of the organization.
The program of each Explorer post is unique as it is developed around the interests and capabilities of adults in the organization. Explorer posts can specialize in a variety of subjects and plan programs that offer career, citizenship, social, service, outdoor, and fitness activities.
Exploring is a unique and flexible program designed to help community organizations serve youth. It can influence and enrich the lives of the next generation of citizens.
How to Use the Whole Scout Family
Any synagogue, Jewish community center, B'nai B'rith lodge, or other Jewish institution may adopt all or part of the Whole Scout Family. The head of the institution - the rabbi, the executive director or the Jewish center, or the B'nai B'rith lodge president - who desires to adopt any or all phases of the Scouting program, will be aided by the local council of the Boy Scouts of America in an effort to get started on the right foot. Consult your local telephone directory under "Boy Scouts of America" and call the Scout office for every assistance.
Chapter 3
Organizing a Scout Unit
Organizing a Scout unit in a synagogue, Jewish community center, B'nai B'rith lodge, or any other Jewish institution, is not a difficult task. The Jewish institution will be assisted in every step by the Boy Scout council in the community. This local Boy Scout council exists to help institutions organize and operate their units.
It is interesting to note that in 1955 the Boy Scouts of America had a membership of well over three and a half million Scouts and leaders. There were over a hundred thousand Scout units operated by parent institutions - synagogues, churches, schools, civic organizations, veteran groups, etc. The Boy Scouts of America is not a basic institution like the home, the synagogue, or the school. It is a movement with a program for boys, which it makes available to American institutions to use in achieving their own objectives in the character formation of youth. In keeping with its character as a movement, the Boy Scouts of America does not operate a single Boy Scout unit. Each unit is operated by the synagogue, Jewish center, or other institution that receives a charter from the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Minimum Requirements
The organization methods for all three branches of Scouting are similar. The following are basic requirements:
- A minimum of five boys.
- A unit committee composed of at least three adults.
- A unit leader and assistant.
- A program and policies approved by the chartered institution.
- An approved budget plan.
It should be emphasized that the unit is operated by the Jewish institution, and therefore belongs to the institution. The volunteer leaders should come from the institution; the program and policies of the unit are approved by the institution; the meeting place is in either the building of the institution or in a place approved by it. The whole organizational plan aims to tie the boy more closely with the Jewish agency that operates the Scouting unit, and makes him a loyal, devoted member of the Jewish group.
Plan of Organizing a Unit
Experience over the years has proved the effectiveness of standard organization methods. These steps include the essentials to produce a strong healthy unit - one that will last. Each of the steps is important. Short-cutting will weaken the end product. The organization process brings the parent institution into every phase of the work. When you are ready to organize your unit, contact your local council office. It is listed in your local telephone directory under "Boy Scouts of America." They will send a representative to meet with you to aid the organization of your new post, troop, or pack.
The Unit Committee
Each unit of the Boy Scouts of America is under the supervsion of a unit committee - pack committee, troop committee, or Explorer unit committee - as the case may be. The unit committee is composed of three or more adults, twenty-one years of age or older. They are selected by the parent institution. One member should, if possible, be a member of the governing board of the synagogue, Jewish center, B'nai B'rith lodge or any other Jewish institution. Parents of members of the unit, especially in Cub Scouting, are often members of the unit committee.
The success of the unit and the values the boys receive from their Scouting experience will depend largely upon the active interest and cooperation of the unit committee. All members of the Jewish institution, however, should take pride in their unit and feel responsibility for helping to bring a rich and happy experience into the lives of their boys.
What the Unit Committee Does
- Selects the unit leader and one or more assistants; helps them to secure adequate training.
- Provides proper facilities for meetings of the unit.
- Advises with the leader from time to time on questions of policy affecting the proper interpretation of Scouting, and the requirements of the institution with which the unit is connected.
- Observes the rules and regulations of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America. They will seek opportunity through literature and training courses to become familiar with the regulations and fundamental policies of Scouting, in order that they may render this service to the unit leader effectively.
- Encourages the leader and assistants and the members of the unit in carrying out the Scout program. The members of the unit committee will take pride in the appearance of the unit, and will cooperate with the leader in securing the proper use of uniform, badges, and insignia by members of the unit, and they will cooperate with the leader in developing opportunity whereby members of the unit may earn money to - secure the uniform and equipment and other expenses incidental to Scouting, and encourage a maximum number of boys to be fully and correctly uniformed.
- Operates the unit in such a way as to secure its permanency.
- Oversees the finances, including the securing of adequate support and the proper disbursement of funds on the basis of the unit budget plan, as approved by the National Council.
- Controls the unit property.
- Assumes active direction of the unit in case of the inability of the leader to serve, until a successor has been appointed and commissioned.
- Assures every Boy Scout the opportunity to have a year-round outdoor program totaling at least ten days and nights of hikes, overnight camp, camporee, and summer camp experiences, with adequate facilities and supervision,
Types of Units
Each parent institution determines the type of unit it will have. The closed unit is limited to boys who are members of the chartered institution, which administers the unit as one of the phases of its Youth program. This type of unit is more easily integrated into the total program of the institution. It may have a supplementary program of religious emphasis developed by the rabbi or troop chaplain. The open unit is a community unit, and is open to all boys regardless of religious or institutional affiliation Practically all Jewish sponsored units are of this type, Units of this kind offer a broader channel for community service and afford an opportunity for association with youths of various religious and social backgrounds. In the open unit, Scouts of different faiths should be encouraged by their Scoutmaster or troop chaplain to contact their own religious adviser for information on their respective religious awards program.
Financing the Unit
The Scout unit should require no great outlay of funds on the part of the chartered institution. There is a small charter application fee. Subsequently, the only fees are those paid by the leaders and boys actually registered with the unit.
Each boy and adult pays an annual registration fee of $7.00. Adults receive a subscription to Scouting magazine, which is mailed to his or her home each month. This magazine gives essential leadership guidance and training helps in all three programs, Unit leaders and assistants also receive a program quarterly. Registration fees help defray the essential expense of the Scouting organization and make possible the extension and maintenance of Scouting through out the United States.
Each unit has its own system of dues. Many units collect between fifty cents to a dollar a week from each boy, payable at the weekly unit meeting, or twenty to thirty dollars paid in a lump sum annually. This is used to defray the cost of insignia, registrations, and incidental unit expenses. A member of the unit committee serves as treasurer. In some cases the institution may wish to set up a revolving fund for its unit.
A financial record book is available from the local council. This book provides for individual records and explains clearly the budget system as applied to units. The budget is an application of simple business methods for unit finances. It is a good training program for boys by which the unit may be self-supporting. It makes available a fund for the payment of registration fees, Boys' Life ( the Scout magazine ), Good Turns, and other expenses.
Chapter 4
The Religious Policy of the Boy Scouts of America
The founders of Scouting recognized the importance of religion in the life of the boy and urged its practice. They did not assume, however, that Scouting would be an authority on religious instruction and it is not. Scouting is in partnership with the synagogue or church, and looks to it for the complete program of religious education.
Article IV of the Constitution of the Boy Scouts of America states the religious policy of the movement as follows:
"The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no boy can grow into the best kind of citizenship without recognizing his obligation to God. In the first part of the Boy Scout's Oath or Promise, the boy declares, 'On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law.' The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe, and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings, are necessary to the best type of citizenship, and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing boy. No matter what the boy may be - Catholic, Protestant, or Jew (or any other religion) - this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before him. The Boy Scouts of America therefore recognizes the religious element in the training of the boy, but it is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which the Boy Scout is connected shall give definite attention to his religious life.
"Only persons willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle shall be entitled to certificates of leadership in carrying out the Boy Scout Program.
"In no case where a Unit is connected with a church (or synagogue ) or other distinctively religious institution, shall boys of other denominations or faith be required, because of their membership in the Unit, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctly peculiar to that institution or church."
In 1945 the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America at its Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting strengthened its declaration of religious principle by adopting the following resolution concerning church [or synagogue] attendance at religious worship in Boy Scout camps:
"RESOLVED, That the National Council reaffirm the policy adopted at its Twelfth Annual Meeting, to wit: 'That the National Council records its disapproval of programs for week-end hikes or camps which preclude the attendance of Scouts from religious services, or which cause loss of credits for the individual or Patrol or Troop, if the Scout elects to remain at home to attend church [or synagogue].'
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Council urges that Local Councils plan meetings of Scouters so as not to conflict with church [or synagogue] attendance. If conditions make it expedient to have week-end Scout meetings which conflict with church [or synagogue] attendance, provision should be made for religious observance.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Council encourages local Councils to cooperate with recognized religious leaders to make provision in advance for religious worship, if groups of Scouts or Scouters in camp or engaged in other Council activities are unable to attend churches [or synagogues] of their own faiths."
The Rabbi as Chaplain
It is customary that the rabbi act as chaplain of Scout units in his synagogue. Even though a minority of the boys registered in the unit are members of his synagogue, his services as chaplain are important.
As chaplain of Scout units in his synagogue, the rabbi has a marvelous opportunity to be a friend to boys and to contribute to their spiritual welfare. His major responsibility is to see that each boy in the troop or pack has ample opportunity to live up to the spiritual ideals of the Scout movement. His encouragement and personal assistance can guide many of the boys to participate in the religious awards programs - the Maccabee Emblem, the Aleph Award, and the Ner Tamid Award.
Many synagogue units include boys of other religious faiths. In such units the rabbi as chaplain has the obligation to respect the religious convictions of these boys, They are not expected to participate in the religious program of the synagogue which administers the unit, Instead, they are aggressively encouraged by the chaplain to carry out the religious program of their own church. It is important that Scouts and leaders preserve the same loyalty to their own convictions as they show under standing for the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. Times may change, but there can be no shifting standards in the basic honor and integrity of the American people so long as they build upon the firm foundation of religious idealism.
Since he is officially recognized as one of those responsible for the proper conduct and permanency of the unit, the chaplain should be registered as a member of the unit committee. He should, accordingly, be present at the regular meetings of the unit committee and should symbolize the sustaining link between the synagogue and the unit. The rabbi, however, has final authority regarding participation of his unit in activities outside of the synagogue.
Religious Responsibility of the Scoutmaster
What can a Scoutmaster do to help Scouts be faithful in their religious duties and genuinely to respect the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion? This phase of the Scout program needs as careful attention by the Scoutmaster as any other part of the troop program.
The majority of Scout troops are affiliated with synagogues, churches, and similar institutions. Scoutmasters of these troops are selected by synagogue or church officials. These Scoutmasters have an unusual opportunity to integrate the Scout program with the total program of the religious institution. A sympathetic attitude of the Scoutmaster toward religious matters in spirit and by example can be one of the strongest influences in developing reverence and respect for the convictions of others. The wise Scoutmaster will avoid preaching, but will watch for situations which can be utilized in developing a personal attitude of reverence among his Scouts. Thus, by every possible means his spirit and influence in the Boy Scout movement will be in keeping with all that is expressed and implied in the twelfth point of the Scout Law - A Scout is reverent.
The following are specific suggestions to help guide the Scoutmaster in carrying out the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law in working with his boys:
- The Scoutmaster should develop with his rabbi a suitable program so that the troop will be actively related to the program of the synagogue, and there will be no conflict between the schedule of troop activities and the program of the Sunday religious school and Hebrew school.
- The Scoutmaster should carefully study Scouting literature and material issued by the National Jewish Committee on Scouting. Encouraging Scouts to work on their Ner Tamid Award requirements is one of the best ways of bringing them closer to the synagogue.
Many synagogue troops include boys of other religious institutions. The Scoutmaster, therefore, has an obligation to respect the religious conviction of these Scouts. He should know from which church or synagogue his Scouts come, and he should encourage them to attend the religious services of their respective institutions. When planning troop and patrol hikes and overnight camps, definite attention should be given to the religious obligations of the Scouts involved. If Sabbath or religious holidays are included during the camp season, provision should be made for Scouts to carry out their religious obligations. Care should be taken not to impose a denominational service upon Scouts of different faiths. Religious observances should be made a matter of natural performance respected by all.
Chapter 5
Scouting and Religious Training
Scouting enjoys the cooperation of practically every religious group in America. This is due in large part to the fact that the Scout movement recognizes religion as an integral part of the character building process, and encourages boys to adhere to the beliefs and practices of their own faith. When a boy goes to Scout camp, he takes with him the spiritual values that have been developed in him by his home, his synagogue, and his religious school, At camp every effort is made by the camp director and staff to help the Scout to be faithful in his religious duties. The general spirit of the camp is such that the spiritual life of the Scout is strengthened, with the result that the Scout returns home with a deeper sense of reverence and a firmer desire to be faithful in his religious duties.
Religious Services at Camp
Religious services are arranged at camp for Scouts of all faiths. One of the major functions of the Jewish Committee on Scouting in the local council is to help the camp director provide religious services for Scouts of Jewish faith. Whenever possible, the committee will arrange for a rabbi to visit the camp over the weekend to conduct Sabbath services. When a rabbi is not available, a Jewish layman conducts the services.
In some councils, the committee provides prayer books and any other necessary religious articles.
At the Ten Mile River Scout Camps which serve the Boy Scouts and Explorers of the five boroughs of New York City, there is a staff of rabbis in residence all summer. They are engaged by the Greater New York Jewish Committee on Scouting and serve as camp chaplains. In addition to conducting Sabbath and daily services, these chaplains instill in the Scouts an interest in their Jewish faith and a deep love of Jewish tradition. The religious services are held in beautiful outdoor rustic chapels provided by the Jewish Committee on Scouting.
Jewish Dietary Observances at Camp
Everything possible is done by the Boy Scouts of America to help Jewish boys observe dietary laws (kashrus) while camping, if they are accustomed to do so by religious training. The camp facilities of Camp Kunatah at the Ten Mile River Reservation mentioned above include a dining hall where kosher food is served. Food and supplies meet orthodox standards as established by the Kashrut Commission of the Rabbinical Council of America. In communities near New York City Scouts who also wish to observe the dietary laws may register through the Greater New York Councils, B.S.A. to camp at Camp Kunatah.
The kosher dining hall in a Scout camp does not imply that the Jewish boy is isolated from the rest of the camp. Separation occurs only at mealtime. In fact, non-Jewish boys sometimes partake of the Jewish meals, either as permanent residents of the unit of the camp, or as guests for one or more meals. In all other activities, the Jewish boys are an integral part of the Scout camp.
Most camps have facilities for camping by troops. This means that the troop is responsible for cooking its own meals. Therefore the troop observing dietary laws brings its own cooking utensils and does its own cooking. Every four years the Boy Scouts of America holds a national jamboree - a gathering of Scouts from all over America. Eighty thousand Scouts and leaders attended the last jamboree in 1993 in Virginia cooking was done by patrols - groups of ten boys. Those patrols which indicated that they wished to observe the dietary laws were provided with kosher food for cooking.
Keeping the Sabbath While Camping
Can Scouts observe the Sabbath while camping? Yes! Experience has shown that Jewish youth in Scouting who wish to observe the traditional laws of the Sabbath can do so and at the same time participate in their unit's camping program. It should be emphasized at this point that the religious policy of the unit is determined by the chartered institution. When a troop is sponsored by a synagogue all Scouting activities should be in accordance with the religious policy of the synagogue. Therefore, in planning any Scouting activities such as weekend hikes and camporees which might conflict with the observance of the holidays, the Scout leader should consult the rabbi and obtain his guidance. Reports from rabbis and Scout leaders indicate that when there is careful planning and cooperation on the part of the rabbi, the troop committee, the Scouts and parents of the Scouts, it is possible for a Scout unit to have a good camping experience and observe the Sabbath at the same time. The following pattern has been used successfully by a number of Scout units sponsored by orthodox synagogues:
1. Transportation
Obtain permission from local council to arrive at camp site in time to pitch camp before sundown on Friday.
2. Meals
a) Prepare Friday evening meal upon arrival at camp cooking completed before sundown.
b) Saturday meals - precooked food brought from home, or "bean hole" cooking started on Friday.
c) Use of paper plates and cups and disposable eating utensils to solve problem of kosher dishes.
3. Saturday Program
Sabbath services. A leisurely program consisting of nature hikes, etc.
4. Sunday Program
Scouts bring own prayer books and tephillin for Sunday. A program of full Scout participation.
5. Further Suggestions
The Scout leader plans to hold some of his patrol and troop camping activities on such holidays as Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Lincoln's and Washington's birth days, Memorial Day, winter and spring vacations.
Boy Scout Sabbath
Each year, one week in February is set aside by the Boy Scouts of America to celebrate the anniversary of its founding. During Boy Scout Week, Scouts throughout the country are urged to rededicate themselves to the ideals and principles of the Scout Oath and Law, and above all, the twelfth point of the Law, "A Scout is reverent." A most helpful pamphlet, Suggestions for Boy Scout Sabbath is available to rabbis and Scout leaders. The presentation of the Maccabee Emblem, Aleph Award, and Ner Tamid Award to qualified Scouts has become one of the highlights of Scout Sabbath services.
The Religious Awards for Scouts
The religious awards program was designed to give Scout practical guidance in achieving the spiritual pledges made in the Scout Oath and Law, and especially the twelfth point of the Scout Law, "A Scout is reverent." This program has been highly acclaimed by religious educators and Scout leaders as filling a long-felt need. There is an award for Scouts of each of the major faiths. Full details regarding the Maccabee, Aleph, and Ner Tamid Awards for Jewish boys in Scouting will be found in the following chapter.
Chapter 6
The Religious Awards Program
Learning by doing is a basic principle of Scouting. Just as a Scout keeps himself physically strong by camping, hiking, and other healthful outdoor activities, so he is encouraged to build himself spiritually and morally by practicing his religion. The religious award program is designed to help a Scout practice "duty to God," to be "reverent," and to be "faithful" in his religious duties. Requirements for the various religious awards have been developed by the respective Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish committees on Scouting. All Scouts are eligible to work for the distinctive religious award of their faith. Every Scout is proud to achieve this high honor. A religious award is not a Scouting award. It is conferred on a Scout by his own synagogue. The Scout learns his specific duties from his own rabbi (or Hebrew School or Religious School teacher, or Ner Tamid Counselor), no matter where he has his Scouting affiliations.
Ner Tamid Award for Boy Scouts
Significance of the Ner Tamid Award representing the Eternal Light which may be seen above the Holy Ark in every synagogue. It is attached to a blue and white ribbon and a bronze bar pin which carries the inscription in Hebrew letters, "Ner Tamid," and in English, "Eternal Light."
The Ner Tamid of the synagogue of our day goes back to the seven-branched Menorah (candelabra) of the ancient Temple of Solomon. Day and night the seven flames of the Menorah burned unceasingly before the altar, symbolizing Israel's eternal zeal in the service of God.
The Boy Scouts of America have authorized the Ner Tamid Award to be worn over the left breast pocket of the Scout shirt, at the left of the Eagle Scout badge or when the Eagle badge is not worn, centered above the flap of the left breast pocket.
Requirements for the Award
The requirements for the Ner Tamid Award were developed by the Jewish Committee on Scouting of the Boy Scouts of America. They have been approved by the Synagogue Council of America, which represents the three branches of Judaism Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. The requirements, found in the Ner Tamid Record Book, involve a general knowledge of the Bible, history, customs, and the religion of the Jewish people. Faithful attendance at synagogue on the Sabbath and holidays is also required. In addition, the Scout renders service to the synagogue, the community, and his Scout unit. The requirements are quite flexible, and any Scout who has had a good religious education will find it possible to achieve the award if he earnestly applies himself.
The Ner Tamid Committee
The Scout works on the Ner Tamid requirements under the guidance of his rabbi (or Hebrew School or Religious School teacher), who serves as his Ner Tamid counselor. When the rabbi/counselor feels that the Scout has fulfilled all the requirements satisfactorily, the Scout's Ner Tamid Record Book is approved, and arrangements are made for him to meet with the local Ner Tamid committee.
The Ner Tamid committee is usually composed of rabbis, educators and leading Jewish laymen It serves as a Ner Tamid board of review, meeting periodically to review the record of the candidate for the award, and recommends to the National Jewish Committee on Scouting those who are worthy to receive it. The Ner Tamid committee sees that high standards for the award are maintained. It vigorously promotes the Ner Tamid program in the community.
In communities where there is no Ner Tamid committee, the Scout's achievements for the award are reviewed by his rabbi and two synagogue officials, or by his rabbi and two unit committee members.
Enthusiastic Reception of Ner Tamid Award
Introduced in 1947, the Ner Tamid Award program has been enthusiastically received throughout the United States by rabbis, educators, Scouters, and Scouts as an answer to a long felt need. Several thousand Ner Tamid medals have been awarded to qualified Scouts. The following are samplings of the scores of comments received from rabbis concerning the Ner Tamid Award:
"I am becoming more and more convinced that through the Ner Tamid Award the Boy Scout movement has potentialities in the realm of Jewish education that cannot be found elsewhere and that deserve our special cooperation." Rabbi Uri Miller, Baltimore, Maryland.
"The Ner Tamid Award is a most valuable contribution toward the dissemination of Jewish knowledge among our youth because it represents a new and dynamic motivation for Jewish study." Rabbi Robert Gordis, Rockaway Park, New York.
"There is a touch of genius in the Ner Tamid program. I commend it highly as a practical program for Scouts to put into practice the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law." Rabbi Philip D. Bookstaber, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Aleph Award for Cub Scouts
The Aleph Award program was for Cub Scouts to further their knowledge of Judaism through requirements in the areas of the Torah, prayer, religious holidays, Bible heroes, famous American Jews, the Synagogue, the Jewish Home, and the Land of Israel. The Cub Scout works along with the assistance of rabbi or religious school teacher as a counselor.
Maccabee Emblem for Tiger Cubs
The Maccabee Emblem program was recently introduced to give the Tiger Cub, working along with his parents, an opportunity to learn more about Judaism. The requirements are divided into six categories - Jewish names, holidays, terms, symbols and objects, community helpers, and heroes.
Chapter 7
How the Boy Scout Movement is Organized
As a result of a Good Turn rendered by a Boy Scout to an American visitor in England, Scouting was brought to America. In 1910 the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated. Congress granted it a federal charter and protection to its uniform, insignia, and terms peculiar to Scouting. The practice of doing a Good Turn daily has remained in Scouting as a constant motivation of service to others.
The Boy Scouts of America was chartered by Congress to "promote, through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self- reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts."
Local Council Organization
To help bring Scouting to every area of America, there are over 400 local councils or Boy Scout offices. Scouting is administered locally by these councils. The majority of the members of the local council are representatives of institutions operating Scout units. Thus each synagogue or Jewish center has a direct share in making policies, planning programs, and administering Scouting through all the units in the council.
The local council, through its professional and volunteer staff, is prepared to help the synagogue, Jewish center, B'nai B'rith lodge, or other organization organize its units, train its leaders, provide a camp site and varied program of events and service projects for the boys. The local council is chartered by the National Council for this purpose.
Regional Organization
For convenience of administration the country is divided into four regions. Each region serves the councils within its area from a regional office with a professional staff. There is a regional committee, composed of volunteer leaders who are members of the National Council in the area. They have responsibility for the extension and supervision of Scouting in the region.
National Council
The Boy Scouts of America is administered nationally by a National Council composed of a majority of representatives of local councils, together with members at large. The National Council operates principally through the National Executive Board. The national office gives administrative guidance to the Scout movement through a trained professional staff. The National Council charters the local councils and units, establishes policies, provides program materials, literature and visual aids, and is responsible for maintaining cooperative relations with all national agencies that use the Scout program - religious, educational, labor, civic, and fraternal. The National Jewish Committee on Scouting is one of the advisory committees of the Boy Scouts of America.
Chapter 8
The Jewish Committee on Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America is nonsectarian and welcomes into its membership boys of all faiths, creeds, and races. The Boy Scout movement, however, strongly upholds the spiritual view of life. Duty to God and faithfulness in religious obligations are keystones in its program of building character and training for citizenship. It is for this reason that Scouting welcomes the cooperation of its religious advisory committees Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Mormon. The Boy Scouts of America looks to these committees for guidance in helping Scouts of various faiths understand the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law.
The National Committee
The national Jewish Committee on Scouting is one of the advisory committees on relationships of the Boy Scouts of America. Other committees include the following: Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, School, Civic, Interracial, and Rural. The national Jewish Committee on Scouting came into being in 1926 when twenty rabbis and prominent Jewish laymen met at the invitation of the late Dr. Cyrus Adler and Mortimer L. Schiff, then Vice President and International Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America. A plan was developed for promoting closer cooperation between the Boy Scouts of America and Jewish organizations engaged in work with boys - such as synagogues, Jewish community centers, and B'nai B'rith lodges. The membership of the national Jewish Committee on Scouting is today composed of representatives of many affiliated religious and national organizations. In addition, the national Jewish Committee on Scouting elects to membership, from time to time, representative community leaders who serve as members at large on the committee.
The national committee meets annually, in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Among the function of the national Jewish Committee on Scouting are the following:
- Advise the Boy Scouts of America in all matters concerning Jewish religious policy.
- Provide for the religious needs of Jewish boys at national and world Scout jamborees.
- Promote the Ner Tamid Scout Award as a means of giving Scouts a better understanding of the twelfth point of the Scout Law, "A Scout is reverent."
- Prepare program material for synagogues, Jewish centers, B'nai B'rith lodges, and other organizations for use in observing Boy Scout Week.
- Assist local councils in organizing Jewish committees on Scouting in their communities, if needed.
The Jewish Committee in a Local Council
Scout officials in cities with a large Jewish population (over 10,000) have found it desirable to organize a local Jewish committee on Scouting which serves as an advisory committee to the local council. This committee usually consists of representative rabbis and prominent Jewish laymen in the community. Wherever possible, there should be at least one rabbi from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform synagogues or the community. The local Jewish community center and B'nai B'rith lodge should be asked to appoint a representative to the committee. The chairman of the local Jewish committee or Scouting is selected by the council in consultation with the chairman of the national Jewish Committee on Scouting.
The local Jewish committee on Scouting looks to the national committee for authority and leadership, and integrates its activities as much as possible with the local council by having some of its members serve on the six operating committees of the council, which are: organization and extension; leadership training; health and safety; camping and activities; finance; and advancement. The Scout executive or a member of his staff usually serves as secretary to this committee.
Functions of a Jewish Committee an Scouting in a Local Council
- Advise the local council on questions pertaining to religious policy in relation to the Jewish boy in Scouting.
- Promote and administer the Maccabbe Emblem, Aleph Award, and Ner Tamid Award. The committee encourages Scouts to work for the award by pointing out that fulfilling the requirements helps them put into practice the spiritual pledges in the Scout Oath and Law.
- Promote observance of Scout Sabbath services in local synagogues.
- Help local council provide for the religious needs of Jewish boys at Scout camps and camporees. The committee arranges for a rabbi or layman to conduct religious services, provide prayer books, religious articles, etc.
- Provide, where needed, a simple rustic Scout chapel for worship at camp. The committee encourages local Jewish organizations like the B'nai B'rith or J. W. V. Post to adopt the project of building a Scout chapel at camp.
- The committee becomes a clearinghouse on all matters pertaining to the relationship of Scouting to the synagogue, Jewish centers, B'nai B'rith lodge, etc., by helping the organization and extension committee in its survey of potential Jewish sponsoring groups in the council (available meeting places, key men, unit leadership). It also helps the local council handle any problems such as weekend camporees and jamborees that may arise between synagogues and Scouting. It harmonizes major dates on the religious and local council calendars to avoid any conflicts.
It is recommended that a Jewish committee on Scouting be organized only in those councils with a large Jewish population (1,000 or over). Where there is no need for a Jewish committee, then the local Ner Tamid committee, consisting of representative rabbis and laymen, can also serve as an advisory committee to the local council.
When Should the Jewish Committee on Scouting Meet?
The committee should meet at least three times a year.
- In September or early October the meeting should be devoted to laying plans for vigorous promotion of the religious awards program. This is done by sending letters and the Ner Tamid Record Books, and Maccabee Emblem and Aleph Award pamphlets to rabbis, Scoutmasters, and institutional representatives of Jewish organizations that have Scout units. The committee sets the date for a Ner Tamid board of review in January and advises rabbis and counselors to put this date on their calendars. The committee also reviews reports on religious services held at camps during the summer.
- In December or early January another meeting is held at which time candidates for the Ner Tamid Award are reviewed and plans made for Boy Scout Sabbath services.
- In March or April a meeting is held to arrange for religious services at camporees and summer camps. A rabbi or qualified Jewish layman is invited to conduct religious service at Scout camp. Ner Tamid candidates are reviewed.
Glossary
Age, Minimum - First grade boys can join Tiger Cubs. Boys in grades 2 through 5 may join Cub Scouts. Those in grades 4 and 5 are Webelos Cub Scouts. Boys who are 11 or in 6th grade may join Boy Scouts. Explorers is open to all who are 14 through 21 years old.
Age, Official's - must be twenty-one years of age, with exception of assistant troop and Explorer unit leaders, who may be eighteen.
Aleph Award - a religious award for Jewish Cub Scouts.
Associate Scout - a boy who is not able to continue as an active member of a troop, but is carried on its roll, He must register annually and must attend at least one meeting a year.
Baden-Powell, Lord ( 1857-1941 ) - founder of Boy Scout idea, first Chief Scout of the World.
Boy Scout Week - held annually during the month of February, so as to include February 8, date of original incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America.
Boys' Life - monthly magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America for all boys.
Camporee - a short-term camp conducted by troop, district, or council on a patrol basis, demonstrating established patrol camp standards.
Commissioner - a volunteer leader in Boy Scout organization commissioned for service to units.
Council, Local - agency of leadership and supervision of Scouting in each distinctive community, town, city, or county, chartered annually by the National Council.
Council, National - agency in which certain important phases of Scouting are vested exclusively, such as issuance of charters, commissions and certificates of member ship establishment of Scout requirements, etc.; deals with Scout units through local council. Operates under federal charter.
Cub Scout - a boy in grades 1 through 5, a member of a Cub Scout pack and a neighborhood den.
Den - a small group of Cub Scouts forming part of a pack.
Den Chief - Boy Scout who helps in the Cub Scout den.
Eagle Scout - a Scout of the highest rank in the Scout advancement program.
Executive, Scout; national, regional, local - a trained professional employed as executive officer in capacity indicated by title.
Insignia, Scout - all official badges, etc., protected by act of Congress.
Jamboree - national or international gathering of Scouts from various troops at some special location for purpose of interchange of ideas and to strengthen spirit of Scouting.
Maccabee Award - a religious award for Jewish Tiger Cubs.
National Office - located at Irving, Texas.
Ner Tamid Award - a religious award for Jewish Boy Scouts.
Patrol - a division of the Boy Scout troop consisting of eight boys or fewer, one of whom acts as patrol leader.
Patrol Leader - boy leader of a patrol.
Patrol Leader, Assistant - Scout second in leadership of a patrol.
Patrol Leader, Senior - the ranking boy leader of a troop head of the patrol leaders' council.
Patrol System - method of conducting a troop by its division into patrols, each a unit within the troop.
Purpose of Scouting - ". . . to promote, through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts," (Const. B.S.A., Art. 11), The Scouting objectives also include character development, citizenship training, and physical fitness.
Region - division of the Scout field under a regional executive, including several states.
Registration - individual Scouts are registered in units through the local council, or directly with the local council for a Lone Scout. Units are registered with the National Council through the local council. Application for reregistration must be made by a unit annually in the month in which the unit charter expires. Application blanks are usually sent to the unit in advance.
Sabbath, Scout - the Friday night and Saturday during Boy Scout Week in February, dedicated in a special way to the twelfth point of the Law.
Scouter - a volunteer adult Scouting leader.
Scout, Veteran - one having at least ten years service a Scout or as a Scouter, available for service in case of any emergency.
Scouting - a monthly magazine sent from national head quarters to each Scout leader.
Scribe - Scout detailed to keep troop records under direction of the Scoutmaster.
Sign, Cub Scout - a special hand signal used by Cub Scouts - the two fingers of the right hand joined, held up, palm front, the thumb resting on the nail of the little finger. Used while Scout repeats the Cub Scout Promise and Law and as a recognition sign between Scouts.
Sign, Boy Scout - a special hand signal used by Boy Scouts - the three fingers of the right hand joined, held up, palm front, the thumb resting on the nail of the little finger. Used while Scout repeats the Scout Oath and Law and as a recognition sign between Scouts.
Silver Beaver - an award made for exceptional service to boyhood to registered Scouters within the territory under the jurisdiction of a local council.
Transfer - a form showing that a Scout in good standing has, with permission of his unit leader, changed to another unit and been received by the other leader into that unit.
Troop Charter - a document received from the National Council, B.S.A., usually through the local council, giving right and privilege of using the name and program, including the uniform of the Boy Scouts of America.
Uniform, Scout - specifically authorized by an act of Congress and protected by provisions of federal charter, June 15, 1916, It may be purchased from authorized distributors only on presentation of certificate of membership or other wise identifying oneself as a Scout or Scouter.
Unit, Scout - term used to cover a Cub Scout pack, Scout troop, or an Explorer unit.
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Last updated: June 22, 2000
