Adventure, strong Patrols and the ingredients of a memorable Scout night
Mike Downes opens with the story of a successful roadside hamburger seller who cuts quality after his college-educated son warns of a recession. Customers leave. Downes uses the story to argue that Scouting must keep the ingredients young people value: adventure, excitement, camping, hiking, bushcraft, Patrol activities and the Patrol system.
He asks leaders to restore status and responsibility to Patrol Leaders, hold Patrol-in-Council meetings, run Troop Councils and give young people a voice in their program. A checklist asks whether each Patrol meets, owns equipment, manages funds, shares responsibility and has fun.
Downes then asks leaders to reduce direct Award Scheme work. He argues that most activities should let Scouts laugh, play, camp, serve their community and return home saying that Scouts was great. The address closes by asking district leaders to support training, camping and joint activities with energy and a smile.
By Mike Downes. First published in The Victorian Scout, March 1978. Archive copy supplied by Scout Heritage Victoria.
Original archive scans
