Scouting, Volume 18, Number 4, April 1930 Page: 91
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Romance for the Older Boy
The Buckskin Badge Honor Society fty Georg
ID you know Dad Shuman? All of
us here called him the Grand Old
Man of Scouting.
Scoutmaster,
Akron,
Troop 17,
Ohio.
He was an artist and poet by nature, with
a great love of the outdoors, and of folks, especially boys.
Out of this background of romance and poetry, he fashioned
the Buckskin Badge Honor Society for older boys which we
have copied practically without change. The Honor Society
is open only to First Class Scouts of the Staff which includes
Patrol Leaders, and is used as a special recognition for boys
of more than average leadership ability. It is hedged about
with a great deal of secrecy and the badge, which is the only
visible evidence of membership, stirs up enough curiosity to
whet interest.
The awarding of the badge takes place not oftener than twice
a year; usually in June and October. An over-night hike to
camp is arranged for the staff only. As the date approaches
the candidates for the badge begin to have qualms of spirit
for the initiates have been busy with mock sympathies and veiled
remarks as to what takes place at the mystic hour of midnight.
Prayers for a bright moonlight night are met by the information
that a night has been selected on which there is no moon. The
result is that the candidates approach the date with a mixture
of keen anticipation and apprehension.
Finally the great day arrives. After a good supper, an
evening of fun and stories around the camp fire (some of them
pretty bloodthirsty) at about eleven o'clock the Scoutmaster
arises and calls the group to their feet. Then the spirit of the
occasion changes. Funny remarks by the candidates are squelched
by the older members. The Scoutmaster speaks: "The time of
testing has arrived. Knights of old performed deeds of valor
to win their spurs; the Indian youth underwent an ordeal to
prove his fitness to become a warrior ; and it is fitting that you
should undergo a test of courage and Scoutcraft that you may
join this group of Honor Scouts. Take this letter to the place
designated, there open and read the contents by the light of this
candle (hands candle to Scout) and follow instructions."
THE sealed envelope is addressed to some of the well known
but distant spots in camp. Each candidate is sent to a
separate place.
Upon reaching his destination, the Scout opens the envelope
and reads the following:
"Scout Earl Rich,
Leader—Mohican Patrol,
Troop 17, Akron, Ohio:
"Your obedience to the following orders will prove to your
Scoutmaster that you have the courage to enter the depths of
the forest alone, follow a lonesome trail under the cover of
C Evans darkness, and that you know, also, how to
obey commands witnout murmur or complaint.
"After reading this message, you will hide
the envelope at the place to which you have
been sent, put the message in your pocket,
md retrace your trail to camp, walking
with the stealth of an Indian.
"When you reach camp, you will stand motionless before the
camp fire with arms folded, and silently await the coming of
your Scoutmaster.
"When every Scout has returned, the Scoutmaster will ad-
vance, making the Scout Sign as he approaches. As soon as
you see him you will also make the Scout Sign.
"The Scoutmaster will then give you the Scout Handclasp
and speak the one word, 'Scout.' If you can promise, down
deep in your heart, to love Scouting always, honor your Scout-
master by being one of his absolutely trustworthy and loyal
Patrol Leaders, you will reply with the one word, 'Scout-
master.'
"Chief Flying Eagle,
"Scoutmaster, Troop 17."
Of course, if a candidate, on his return trip, should hear a
hair-raising cry, dying away to a gurgle in the throat, that
only adds to the adventure. There is no horse play, however,
as the whole affair is kept very solemn.
rHEN the first boy returns, he finds a deserted camp fire.
One by one the other candidates arrive in silence. After
all have assembled, the Scoutmaster enters the camp fire circle
and exchanges greetings as given in the letter. Then two
Assistant Scoutmasters enter. The first presents the badge
somewhat after this fashion: "I, Chief Red Bird, present you
with the badge of the Honor Society. Wear it next to your
heart and let it always be a reminder of the high responsi-
bilities you hold in Troop 17." The Second Assistant then pre-
sents each candidate with his Indian name: "I, Chief Moccasin-
lace, gives you the name of 'Little Beaver' by which you will
be known to fellow members."
Then at Scout Sign, all repeat the Scout Oath, followed by
a curt "Turn in" from the Scoutmaster.
The Order of
the Black
Arrow
WHILE the
Honor Soci-
ety has a very defi-
nite use and fills a
{Continued on
Page 110)
ISiililMii!
n
■BBJi
Above.—The ar-
rows arc shot in-
to the shield, with
many "hurrahs"
and "ho-las" as
each shaft speeds
true.
To the Left. —
Members of the
order of the Black
A r r o'w gather
around the camp
fire.
Page 91
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Boy Scouts of America. Scouting, Volume 18, Number 4, April 1930, periodical, April 1930; New York, New York. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth310831/m1/11/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Museum.