It develops the natural power in them of imitation, and of wit and imagination, all of which help in the development of character; and at the same time lessons of history and morality can be impressed on their minds far better by their assuming the characters and acting the incidents themselves than by any amount of preaching of the same on the part of the teacher.
The recent craze for historical pageants is, in reality, one of the best ideas, educationally, that has come over us of late years. In places where pageants have been held, both old and young have learnt—and learnt for the rest of their lives—something of the history of their forefathers, their town, and their country.
Instructors will similarly find it a genuinely useful practice to make their scouts act scenes from history or of incidents with which they desire to impress them. Such, for instance, as "Wilson's last Stand," "The Wreck of the Birkenhead," "The Sentry at Pompeii," and so on.
For this reason a few suggestions for pageants are given in the Appendix.
It is also easy to get up real plays, such as To Parents and Guardians (See Messrs. Samuel French's List), for which the organisation, rehearsals, and performance are all good, useful practice, especially in the long winter evenings. Begin with a small play first, such as Box and Cox or Area Belle.
When these performances attain some degree of merit they might be used as a means of gaining funds.
RESPONSIBILITY TO JUNIORS.
The great thing in this scheme is to delegate responsibility—mainly through the patrol leaders.
Have, if possible, a good Second in Command to yourself to ensure continuity of instruction should you be unable on occasions to be present yourself, and to relieve you of many minor details of administration.
Give full responsibility and show full confidence in your patrol leaders. Expect a great deal from them, and you will get it.