Traditional Scouting

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scouting Portal

Traditional Scouting movement refers to a back to basics effort that returns Scouting to a scheme intentionally based on Baden-Powell's (BP) own model of Scouting; rejecting the world-wide trend to "modernize" Scouting in order to appeal to more youths. This movement is very popular in Canada and certain parts of America (BSA). The movement began in 1970 in Britain and is closely associated with the Baden-Powell Scouts; although not all Traditional Scouting units are members of the Baden-Powell Scouts. One other British group is the Pathfinder Scouts Association.

In America, the term Traditional Scouting can also refer to "old-fashioned" Scouting in some form; as opposed to the Traditional Scouting movement. ^[1]

1 Background
2 Differences
3 Footnotes
4 References

[edit] Background

Traditional Scouting is not historical reenactment, but for the most part an attempt to present Scouting as it was in the 1960s. For all practical purposes in most of the former British Empire (with minor national variations due to climate and the influence of native cultures), this was how it had been played by Scouting's inventor, Lord Baden-Powell, while he was still alive.

Traditional Scouting is based on Lord Baden-Powell's book Scouting for Boys, making changes only for advances in 1) Health and Safety practices, 2) Environmental concerns ("Leave No Trace"), and 3) Lightweight equipment. "Scouting for Boys" was heavily influenced by Ernest Thompson Seton's The Birch Bark Roll.^[2] Seton and Daniel Carter Beard's The Boy Pioneers: Sons of Daniel Boone^[3] and their books were also highly influential in the formation and beliefs of the BSA.

[edit] Differences

There are several differences between modern Scouting and the Traditional Scouting movement:

Scouting games, Patrol totems and calls, and advancement are based on standards rather than competition.
Advancement is based strictly on the mastery of Scoutcraft skills and Proficiency Badges: There are no Scout spirit, Scoutmaster conference, or Board of Review requirements. Traditional Scouting is analogous to a game played to teach Citizenship strictly through indirect methods.^[4]
Following Baden-Powell's advice, all leaders are volunteers, no one gets paid
The inexpensive uniform is designed to be used as an outdoor method, rather than as expensive indoor clothing for "formal occasions." The Uniform should be a joy to wear in the wilderness.^[5]^[6]