Brentmg
N a chance conversation the other day a man asked me to explain the word " Jamboree," and other apparently idiotic terms used in Scout language ; and I answered " Take any strange word that is not to be found.in a dictionary, give it a meaning, and y6u will find that it comes rapidly into acceptance. For instance," I said, " take Brent. You have never heard the word before. Nor have I. What shall it mean ? "
Let us say that a Brent is a small band of wandering minstrels who go on walking expeditions from village to village with a good object in view, such as cheering up other people.
Cheering up other people is one among many duties of a 'Boy Scout. So to Brenting further duties might be added, We might make it include, say, four objects, viz. :
To happify other people To healthify the Brenters themselves To beautify the country To magnify the Scout movement.
How can these objects be carried out ?
Ilappifying can be done by giving attractive and Original variety entertainments on village greens, or in hospitals, workhouses, cripple homes, slum alleys, &e. They can not only amuse the local inhabitants, but also by reviving old folk-songs and folk-dances can often Show thein how to do these for themselves, and so bring new happiness into their lives.
To healthifid themselves.—Iliking and camping takes the Brenters into the open air and provides them with health- giving outdoor exercise ; and, through the good object of their expedition, their minds as well as their bodies receive refreshment and a healthier tone.
For beautifying.—We have yet to study the practical possibilities in this direction ; but, realizing that the British Isles can show natural beauties comparable with those of almost any country, our people have yet to learn not to allow Nature to be marred, as it frequently is, where man is vile and leaves litter about, or commits the ugliness of big advertisements.
Our countryside is often disfigured by untidy waste spaces, ill-kempt gardens and rubbish heaps of old t Such things arc never seen in Sweden or in Germany.. Civic pride has yet to be developed in many of our rural districts. The seed, however, is generally there and willing to be trained if only the lead were given.
Much could be done by Scouts co-operating with the Society for the Preservation of Rural England ; and by practical example to the inhabitants of how to dispose• of their refuse ; and by acting as guides to beauty spots and points of interest in the neighbourhood.
Magnifying Scouting.—This means explaining to parents and others what the Scout Movement stands for ; that it is an entirely voluntary brotherhood for boys, non- military and non-political, which makes no distinction of class or creed or country among its members. Its aim is to develop character and health in the next generation and to prepare them to be healthy, happy, helpful citizens and good friends with those of other countries. This last has now' become a hopeful proposition, since the Brotherhood about the world numbers already some 2,034,000 (of whom 808,807 are British) and is increasing at the rate of a hundred thousand a year. Thousands more have to be refused admission because we have not as yet enough men to act as Scoutmasters to lead them.
Of officers we have over 27,000 for the British Scouts, and we are only too glad to welcome more into our very cheery company to spendtheir spare time in an occupation which is not only as engaging as golf or tennis, but has a more satisfactory value in that it is a service fur their country and their kind. Moreover, if it goes on developing the personal contacts between nations as it is now doing, supply a definite contribution towards that desired consummation of preserving peace on earth through good will among men.
So that is what is meant by " Brenting." It is (113V11 as an additional activity or object for a hike to Rover Scouts, ordinary Scouts, or those who are not Scouts at all for practice in the coming Easter holidays.
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