BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Genre: home movie

Year Published: 1968

Description:

This amateur home movie from 1968 shows activities of a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop in the year 1968. Whoever shot it -- one suspects it was the father of a Scout -- apparently hoped to show some of the troop's activities including preparing for a camp-out, camping out, cooking in the field, knot-tying and first aid.

This film shows a day in the life of an unknown Boy Scout troop's adult and youth members; including how to tie knots as well as how to cook meals out in the wilderness. The film opens with shots of tracks in the snow (:15). The Boy Scout master or leader appears (:20). Scouts learn how to tie knots (:27). The end of the rope; which has been burnt so as not to fray, is noted (:41). Adult Boy Scout leaders go over the activity board (1:07). The insides of the scout’s packs are opened and explored (1:45). A scout changes his socks (2:06). Another clips his nails (2:09) from clippers found within the Scout's pack. Various tools are noted for survival in the wilderness including an axe (2:22). The axe is sharpened (2:59). A small knife is also sharpened (3:26). Shaved piles of wood are designated per type of wood (3:55). Hot dogs are folded up in foil and heated over the flame (4:31). Another foil is opened to show a cooked burger patty within (4:45). A Scout with dark sunglasses enjoys the burger (4:49). Scouts prepare delicious carmel apples in the snow (5:11). A thick teepee tent is set up outside (5:37). A circle is drawn in the snow around a compass and set of match sticks (7:09). The Scouts hold a meeting inside (7:41). A close shot follows of the program outline (7:48). How to treat wounds is explored (8:00) beginning with the wrapping of an index finger (8:00). Ointment is added to a wounded hand (8:22). A cut lay across the surface of a hand (8:35). Scouts enjoy an evening dinner at a long table (8:55). A chart closes out the film with monthly activities outlined (9:12). 

The USA's version of Scouts were modeled after the British version founded in 1908 by Robert Baden Powell. In 1968 the Boy Scouts of America elected Irving Fiest as president of the organization and the BOYPOWER program was instilled. Adult membership fees were raised to $2 and youth membership fees were to $1.