Thursday, 10 January 2019
Brief Introduction to our founder BP
(i) Warington (1847–1921)
Henrietta Smyth, 28 Oct 1851 – 9 March 1854;
Arthur Robert Peter Baden Powell.
Robert Crause Baden-Powell (b. 1936) (later 3rd Baron Baden-Powell)
Michael Robert Hall King (1942–1966), who died in the sinking of SS Heraklion
Gillian Clay
Thursday, 6 September 2018
Bharat Scouts & Guides Prayer
Daya kar dann Bhakti ka
Hamain ParamatmaDena
Daya Karna Hamari Atma main
Shudhata Dena
Hamare Dyan main Auvo
Prabhu Ankho main Bas Jao
Andhere Dil main aakar Ke
Param Jyoti Jaga Dena
Bahado Prem Ki Ganga
Dilo main Prem Ka Sagar
Hamain Aapas main miljul Kar
Prabhu Rahana Sikha
Dena
Hamara Karma Ho
Seva
Hamara Dharma Ho Seva
Sada Eeman Ho Seva
Va Sevak Char Bana Dena
Vatan Kay Vaste Jeena
Vatan Kay Vaste Marna
Vatan Par Jaan Fida Karna
Prabhu Ham Ko Sikha Dena
Daya kar dann Bhakti ka
Hamain Paramatam Dena
Daya Karna Hamari
Atma main
Shudhata Dena.
Lord Baden Powell
(Act in Harmony for Harmony )
Lord Baden Powell’s foray to begin a movement for boys is well known. It is part of Scouting history that when serving as a British military officer who saw service in England, Afghanistan, Ghana, India, Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Lord Baden Powell received much recognition and fame. Of special significance is the never-tiring lore of the Siege of Mafeking in South Africa. While serving as Garrison Commander of Mafeking during the South African War, the town was besieged by the Boer Army for about seven months. It was lifted only when a British relief column came to their aid in the summer of May 1900.
It was at this moment of tiresome agony, that Lord Edward
Cecil – the son of the incumbent British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury – began
to assemble a ‘troop’ of youngsters aged 12-15. This was to make sure that
those adults, who could be allocated soldierly duties, would be able to take up
arms in case of necessity. These boys handpicked to be messengers,
errand-runners, lookouts, sentries, orderlies, scouts impressed Lord Baden
Powell, that he would later on in his handbook Scouting for Boys [1908, p.10]
recollect them as an efficient troop full of pluck and resilience, jolly, smart
and a useful lot.
A study published on Baden Powell’s life [Sharma 2003, p.90
and Jones 2004, pp.59-60] states that it was that war of 1900-01 that had
taught Baden Powell to further respect the worth of self-reliance, independence
of judgment, ability to live with nature, and using of one’s own strengths to
help one another. For Baden Powell, fitness was of prime importance, but not
the only characteristic needed. He believed firmly, thanks to his experience
with the young lads in the Boer War, that the exemplary resourcefulness of the
‘natural’ youths of South Africa could be promulgated for every young
lad/youth. He was convinced that the inherent virtues of a youth could be
developed through wise leadership and not through the imposition of blind
discipline. In effect, he is said to have exclaimed: “we teach not so much by
precept any instruction as by personal leadership and example.”
When one considers
Lord Baden Powell’s life, one cannot but ponder his zest to be able to equip
the young so as to create a better world. In his Scouting for Boys, Baden
Powell included the sub-title: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship.
Further on, in his Scoutmastership Baden Powell would describe Scouting as “a
game in which elder brothers [sisters] can give their younger brothers
[sisters] a healthy environment and encourage then to healthy activities such
as will help them to develop citizenship.” In the same book, Baden Powell
describes Scouting as an answer to newness, renewal and a building up of
physical selfdiscipline. He lists the national inefficiencies, stating that irreligion,
indiscipline, irresponsibility, want of patriotism, selfishness, corruption,
disregard of others, cruelty, crimes of violence, lunacy, thriftlessness,
loafing, showing off, shirking, low moral standards, gambling, illegitimacy,
and disease are remedied through physical health education [Scoutmastership
1920, p.23] This when read with his “our effort is not so much to discipline
the boys, as to teach them to discipline themselves,” is such an eye-opener for
any scout, guide or leader/trainer.
For Baden Powell, Scouting had immense possibilities,
especially in the field of international cooperation. He writes that Scouting
makes possible: “(a) The making of the individual into an efficient and happy
citizen, (b) The harnessing of the individual to work for the community, (c)
The promotion of International goodwill [...] as a practical step towards
permanent peace.” Of course, he was also concerned that the strengthening of
the bond of the British Commonwealth would happen through this movement of brotherhood.
(Scoutmastership 1920, pp.21-22)
Fundamental of Scouting
Fundamental of Scouting
Definition
The Bharat Scouts & Guides is a voluntary, non- political, educational Movement for young people, open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the founder Lord Baden Powell in 1907.
Purpose
The Purpose of the Movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible Citizens and as members of the local, national and international communities.
Principles
The Scout/Guides Movement is based on the following principles
Duty to God
Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefore.
Note : The word “Dharma” may be substituted for the word “God” if so desired.
Duty to Others
Loyalty to ones country in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international peace, understanding, Co-operation. Participation in the development of society with reorganization and respects for the dignity of ones fellowmen and for the integrity of the natural world.
Duty to Self. Responsibility for the development of oneself.
The Scout/Guide Method is a system of progressive self-education through :
- A Promise and Law
- Learning by doing
- Membership of small groups under adult leadership involving progressive discovery and acceptance of responsibility and training towards self- government directed towards the development of character and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance, dependability and capacities both to co-operate and lead.
- Progressive and stimulating programmes of various activities based on the interests of the participants including games, useful skills and services to the community taking place largely in an outdoor setting in contact with nature.
Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom & foresight
LORD BADEN POWELL
(1857-1941)
Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom & foresight wanted the Boy Scouts to be true to themselves & to God. Is it any wonder then that the Scout Promise has as its driving motivation, the words “On my honour, I will do my duty to God” as its starting phrase? Perhaps, the Chief Scout understood the value of our actions stemming from our attitude to God.
God is love & if we understand this concept then perhaps it is easier to gauge the immense visionary foresight of Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom to place emphasis on God. God is love & every action oriented towards our fellow-beings, our brothers & sisters is an outpouring of our love of God. The working of the ‘divine’ in each of our lives is evident through our personal experiences.
If having understood well that God is indeed love, we will experience the working of God
in our own lives & the consequent actions that we perform daily to emphasize the fact that all our
actions are born out of love. When we understand that God or the Divine is at work in us, then all our thoughts, words, deeds are an outpouring of that love from within our hearts. In such a scenario, each person that we encounter in our daily lives reminds us to relate or interact with them as an image of God. The workings of God in our own lives & in the lives of those around us, invite us all to be holy. This holiness then is part & part of our character formation. It is a reminder that though each of us is unique in our own way, together all of us can be heralds of a society that is morally upright, virtuous & holy in our being & doing. Holiness is then, in the Chief Scout’s understanding not just for the sake of an individual. It has to pay dividends for the transformation of society as a whole. Though we may be belonging to different faith persuasions – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, etc. we are all members of one
body, the human family.
Scouting inspires selfless service, yet this spirit of service & self-sacrifice arises out of our
deep conviction & belief in the Divine Being or God who loves us & invites each of us to share this love with others. “Selfishness is almost a universal evil. However, in & through Scouting, it is transformed into selflessness, being based upon the development of service for others, and the Daily Good Turn is an important factor in the development of a habit of service and attitude of mind which offset a tendency to selfishness.”
Scouting’s focus on doing a good turn fits so well
with the ideals of service taught by so many religions. Service truly is the gateway to happiness
and friendship. Cheerful service associated with the Scout & Guide movement is a sure sign of
the call to holiness that each of us has to respond to!Monday, 15 July 2013
CAMPFIRE
CAMPFIRE
What is a Campfire?
It is an atmosphere as much as an occasion. It is generally the last part of the day’s programme in a Camp. It is a special feature of Scouting/Guiding born with Scouting/Guiding. It is Campfire, not Camp on fire.
Importance of Campfire in Scout/Guide Training
- B.P. called the Chapters of “Scouting for boy/girl s as “Campfire Yarns. This shows that the philosophy and techniques of Scouting/Guiding can be taught in Campfires.
- A place of inspiration and understanding each other.
- A brotherhood/sisterhood circles that foster Troop/Company /Group spirit 3rd point of Scout/Guide Law has its roots here.
- Patrol system works well and leadership qualities develop;
- Boys express themselves very freely in a Campfire and the Scout/Guide can see them in their true Colours.
- A taste for music and art and histrionic talents developed.
- Campfire lets off the steam of boy/girls and fills them with fun, laughter and enjoyment.
- Best place for the moral and spiritual Part of Scout/Guide Training.
- It is a ceremony and even Investiture of Patrol Leaders and Seconds and Presentation of other awards and badges can be done during the Campfire to better effects.
Physical Arrangements: -
- The Campfire place must be dry and free from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Notice the prevailing winds-let nobody “gulp” the smoke.
- Have a good supply of wood in the centre of the fire.
- Torch or Mashal is more effective to light fire than a match stick-clear the dry grass in the circle before lighting.
- Good seating arrangements to protect from the ground chill. Stones, not a bad idea-Let not Physical discomfort spoil the spirit of the show.
Design of the Campfire: -
- Always a Circle – a symbol of oneness and brotherhood/sisterhood– Leaders and Guests will also be on the circumference of the circle.
- Fire is at the centre. Extra firewood can be well kept around the fire to mark the fire zone. The participants do not enter this.
Laying the Fire: -
Fires may be laid either on the ground or in a pit. Cone fire is preferred – Log Cabin fire and Pagoda fire can also be used. Star fire is also worth trying. This is prearrangement.
Lighting the Fire and Opening Ceremony:
- Appropriate to the occasion.
- Backwoods methods like –
- In huge gatherings-fireballs, fire smokes, other crackers may add to the thrill.
- After tthe fire is lit (as the ceremony demands) the SM/GC/Chief Guest ceremonially declares the Campfire open.
(a) Camp fire Dress: -
Boys/Girls like it very much – adds to the fun and jollity-Protects from chill – Bed sheets, Dhuppata can be well improvised. Scouters/Guiders (and Commissioners) can also were the Campfire robes (campfire cape) – The badges they earned previously may also be stitched on the garb. This is a source of pride to the Scouter/Guider and inspiration to Scout/Guides.
Boys/Girls like it very much – adds to the fun and jollity-Protects from chill – Bed sheets, Dhuppata can be well improvised. Scouters/Guiders (and Commissioners) can also were the Campfire robes (campfire cape) – The badges they earned previously may also be stitched on the garb. This is a source of pride to the Scouter/Guider and inspiration to Scout/Guides.
(b) The Beginning Part of it: -
The Campfire leader of the Troop/Company will be in charge. He/She assembles the Troop/Company in campfire circle. Patrols take positions – Fire is lit – Troop/Company brought to attention and then S.M./G.C. is reported and requested to open the Campfire – No harm if at times he in turn requests the ASM/AGC to do it – This may add to the healthy spirit of the Troop/Company. Scouter/Guide captain need not run the campfire but he is responsible to control it.
(c) Learning the Campfires: -
Patrol items always to be preferred. Normally 5 minutes maximum for an item. See that all members of the Patrol are involved. The first song has to make every one participating in both singing and good fellowship. Announce the next item and the item to follow. Encourage participants by cheering them with yells whenever an item is over. Look for originality. A yell of appreciation after every item is meaningless. Change the items to suit to the mood. If necessary be resourceful in creating the new items and keeping the Troop/Company in the mood. Begin with brief, popular items fairly boisterous. Towards the end, the items should be a simple and effective-right place for a short and interesting yarn by SM/GC. Campfire will be enjoyable only when proper order is maintained-on talking during the time of items.
(d) Closing the Campfire: -
Closing time can be little elastic but close it when all feel to go on. Announcements, if any, should be very brief and quick. Closing can also be made ceremonious – serene and serious atmosphere to be created-either Taps or silent prayer will be effective. The Patrol responsible for putting off the fire should be alerted after the dismissal of the Troop/Company.
What items can be presented at a Campfire
Please remember that a Campfire item does not have to be funny always or to do with Singing only.
Some of the following can be tried: -
1. Stories (short but funny)
2. Quiet games or singing games.
3. Group Singing.
4. Group dances
5. Folk dances
6. Jungle/Tribal dances.
7. Devotional or Patriotic Songs.
8. Action Songs.
9. Bhajans
10. Comics
11. Small Playlets
12. Dialogues
13. Mimicries
14. Physical displays
15. Occasional Foreign Songs
16. Puppetry.
17. Classical music
18. Dumb Shows
19. Melodies
20. Yells
21. Mono actions
22. Charades
23. Rounds
24. Shadow graphs
25. Midget acts
26. Scoutcraft skills
27. Imitations
28. Quiz.
29. Book reading
30. Surprise items.
31. Instrumental music and so on.
What items to be avoided: -
1. Vulgar items
2. Religiously objectionable items
3. Fearful scenes – like Ghosts etc.
4. Mean things and destructive criticisms
5. Things like dead bodies and dreadful cries
6. Anything belittling any class or creed
7. Anything against the Government or law of the Country
8. Anything un-scouting and purposeless.
In Rallies and other Functions: -
These can partly be publicity-oriented. Any V.I.P. or Commissioner can be requested to open the Campfire. The opening ceremony should be thrilling – rehearsal essential. Involve audience also. Better to include items of good standard. Take extra care about uniform; cleanliness and orderliness.
Beware of overdoing in the Campfire:
There will always be over-enthusiastic boy/girls who may, at a time just by little act, spoil the sanctity of the campfire. Your individual efficiency will go a long way. When necessary don’t hesitate to use your whistle sharply but sparingly.
There will always be over-enthusiastic boy/girls who may, at a time just by little act, spoil the sanctity of the campfire. Your individual efficiency will go a long way. When necessary don’t hesitate to use your whistle sharply but sparingly.
Improvisation in Campfires:
In many of the items like play – acting, Dramatization, Fancy dress etc., improvisation or making up with readily available material in the surrounding may be essential. Here are a few suggestions for improvisation.
1. Grey hair and moustache Ashes, paste, paint, cotton, maize, hairs etc.
2. Face powder Ashes
3. Lipstick etc Red ink, flower juice
4. Musical instruments Hand-sticks, plates, mugs tumblers, empty tins etc.
5. Long teeth Pieces of cardboard and palm leaves.
6. Garlands Scout ropes, paper balls etc.
7. Curtains etc. Duppatties and bed sheets
8. Crown etc. Green leaves, flowers etc.
Strictly speaking, make-up like the professionals when acting on stages with cakes etc. is not required in campfire. boy/girl s should be inquisitive and imaginative.
Friday, 7 June 2013
PHOTOS
A FEW HINTS ON
HOW TO TAKE A SESSION ON B.P.EXERCIES
1. First of all, say a few words about 6 exercises suggested by B.P. while doing so include the following points also:
a) They cover all parts of body
b) They are very slow moving exercises (as slow as possible) synchronizing with deep breathing.
c) It is a continuous process of inhaling and exhaling with a short pause in between.
d) Do the exercise taking individuals own time (and not like mass P.L)
2. Sequence of Instruction for each exercise:
a) Give a pukka demonstration of exercise using proper word of commands without any explanation (vide item 3 below)
b) Explain:
(i) About the position of leg, hand and body
(ii) For which part of the body the exercise is meant and it’s meaning as given in Scouting for Boys.
c) Demonstration with explanation
d) Clear doubts, if any.
e) Ask the "Course " to do it as suggested in 1(b), (e) & (d)
f) Give corrections (The instructor should not do the exercise along with the participants) and remind participants to do as slowly as possible taking their own time.
3 Word of commands for demonstration:
English
a) Commands is for me
b) Attention
c) (E.g.) No. 2 exercise position ready
d) Exercise begin
e) Course-halt (comes to original position i.e. as in 3 above)
f) Course rest
4. While giving commands for the participants to use the words of command 3 (b) to (f). On the word of command 'Course - halt participants may complete the exercise taking their own time. The give the command (course - rest).
NOTE: Please remember that while taking a practical session, especially P.T. and Drill, it is essential that talk should be minimum.
Before taking session read thoroughly the explanation given by B.P. in Campfire Yarn No. 17 of Scouting for Boys.
Before starting exercise in a course it is better to warm up by running one or two rounds for one or two minutes and set the course in proper formatting (Half circle, patrol formation, in therefore fours with double arm length in between the two persons) and turn them to half / turn or half right turn, according to convenience.
For daily exercise,
only about 10 minutes are needed for all the six exercises. It should form part of daily life.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
My journey in Scouting
It was the Summer time , I was a Student of Class 6th standard in Don Bosco High School, in Amguri a small town of Sivasagar District of Assam.
A group of Scout Master Came from DBYES, Dimapur, Nagaland for conducting a scout camp at our School. I was very new to this movement as the time passed I grew up as an Emerging Scout in my Small Town.
I Still remember when I had attended the first Camporee (24th to 30th December’2004) of my life at Don Bosco School Bakchung, jorhat, Assam where more than thousand of Scouts and guides from all over north east india were there to participate the Scouting Activities.
During the Camporee I experienced so many things which I had never had in my life.
I experienced such activities which is useful in our real life, as we know that each and every field needs discipline so I think this is the Elevating movement.
After gaining Scouting knowledge from the camporee I went back to my School and Started the Scout activities under the Leadership of Bro. Anoop……………..
I had keen interest in Scouting so every time I asked with my Principal that was there any Camp to attend or not, but I always got the answer which made me like pulling away from the Scouting.
One evening I was roaming near the park of LP School I heard some Boys talking something which I couldn’t hear properly but I heard a word Scout and I was in affix that weather I should ask them which I had hear from there mouth I slowly skip towards them and after a discussion I got a Interested group, I decided to conduct a meeting in next month. It was July 2006 when I meet a Tritiya Sopan Boy scout from Twensung Open Scout group of Twensung district, Nagaland. I invited him in the meeting and after some month we started a Open Scout group namely “Amguri Open Troop” on 6th October 2006.
After passing matriculation in 2008 my Uncle asked me to come to Arunachal Pradesh for my higher studies where Scouting was in full swing as I was interested in Scouting I asked a Scout of my Senior Secondary School to give me admission in there troop.
Mr. B. Sharma Scout master of that scout group asked me some question and enrolled in the troop, after a few months I was promoted as a Troop Leader and was send for attending testing camp for Rajya Puraskar and was awarded in 2009.
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