The Rotary Balita no. 709 (November 20, 1952)

"Our aim in scouting must be, to teach all Scouts to develop each individual, so that he may himself lead a full life, and make the greatest possible contribution to the welfare of his own people and his country," averred Dr. Mariano V. de los Santos. Dr. Santos traced the history of scouting which was conceived by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in the year 1907, on Brownsea Island in England, when the founder gathered for the first time some 20 boys, unknown to one another, coming from different parts of England and from different social and economic strata to train them in self-reliance, develop their skills and intelligence, strengthen their character as well as their bodies and invigorate their desire to serve God, country and fellowmen. This movement, Santos said, has spread over the four corners of the world, gained recognition in more than forty countries and more than five million boys and adults are in its active polls. He reasoned out that Boy Scouting has attracted to its folds young and old alike. because it has a universal appeal and that it satisfies the elemental urges while at the same time arouses the noblest and highest aspirations. He stated that scouting today is a world force. He claimed that no organization has been more active in the promotion of world understanding and the fellowship of men than the Boy Scouts. He said that world jamborees, Rover Moots, Indabas, meetings of International Commissioners and many others help a lot in bringing together men and youths of different nationalities, races, creeds and economic positions to fraternize, learn from one another, live as equals, respecting one another in the truest sense. In these gatherings, he continued, no axes are ground, no special interests are served, no gossips are circulated. "By these means," Dr. Santos said, "the rising generation is being brought into personal acquaintance and friendship. A systematic education in good will and cooperation is established in each country and is extended to international relationships," Dr. Santos, quoting the words of Lord Rowallan, Chief Scout of the United Kingdom and English Commonwealth of Nations who in 1951 gave the most inspiring speech in the 13th International Conference of Boy Scouts in Salzburg, Austria, said: "To achieve success three things are necessary; (1) to realize the need; (2) to understand the method; (3) to believe sincerely and enthusiastically in its efficacy. "(1) The need is clear to all who care to look around them. As I travel over the world I see the boys of Cub age upwards drifting into trouble, learning false doctrine. I see, too, the yearning in their faces as they watch Cubs and Scouts at work and play. If only we would find the leaders to give them the chance they ask; that is the constant cry. We must realize that there are two obstacles: the first is that we allow our present Scouters to devote too much time to Scouting, so that they cut themselves off from all social life and so lose touch with the community and frighten off those who might be willing to devote a limited time to helping them. How can a man help a boy to find his place in the community in which he himself has no place. Secondly, we accept and continue to retain too many men who are no advertisement to Scouting, some because they take it up as a duty, some who have never reached mental maturity and find among boys an opportunity for self assertion which they cannot find among men. "(2) Scouting is not, and never can be, a routine. A boy becomes a Scout to enjoy adventure and fun in the open air, to do things that he can't do in school. The Cub and Scout Law and Promises are the fundamental framework into which the details are fitted. The Scout Road is a continuous Road from Tenderfoot to responsible citizens. During the Scout years he passes from learning to look after himself to taking responsibility for others, the development of wide interests and skills, and above all the practice of leadership and self-reliance. With this background, he is ready to face with confidence whatever life may bring. "Let us go forward then, united by the Law and Promise, to spread among the peoples of the world the ideals and the spirit of Scouting strong in the faith that we are working for the Glory of God, and the making of men." Musical selections were contributed by the Batangas Boy Scout Brass Band. Schubert's Serenade was played by a Scout who used a leaf as his musical instrument, accompanied on the accordion by a fellow Scout. All the Boy Scouts present sang "Jamboreeleid." Earlier, two "Babies" were inducted. They were Minister Mirsha Rashid Ali Baig and Col. Jaime Velasquez, sponsored by Manoling Lim and President Hans Menzi, respectively. Leroy Young, finesmaster, fined President Hans ₱5.00 for stealing a part of his time. Hans was later fined, an additional sum of ₱100.00. All Rotarians who are ex Boy Scouts were each fined ₱5.00. Others fined were GE Eraña, ₱10.00; Quint Gomez, ₱10.00; Arsenic Luz, ₱20.00; Romy Gustilo, ₱50.00.