Handbooks
Scoutmaster's Handbook
FIRST EDITION – 1914-1920 – “Handbook for Scout
Masters” This book was published under the supervision of the Editorial
Board Representing the National Council. The editorial board consisted of
Frank Presbrey, George D. Pratt and William D. Murray. The cover shows a
picture of a Scout holding a stave. Copies are either tan-colored hardbound
or red leather. It contains many black-and-white photographs. Even though
Baden-Powell recommended that drill not be part of Scouting, this edition
has pages on military drill. All printings refer to the position as Scout
Master.
SECOND EDITION – 1920-1936 – Title changed from
“Handbook for Scout Masters” to “Handbook for Scoutmasters”. Covers are all
leather in different colors (black, green, maroon) and have gold lettering
and a gold First Class badge. Author credit is again given to the editorial
board with the change of membership from George D. Pratt to Dr. Henry Van
Dyke. It was a thorough edition requiring very little updating in its 18
printings.
THIRD EDITION – 1936-1947 – This edition was unique in
being printed in two volumes. The covers are all tan hardbound. Both volumes
have the same picture of a Scoutmaster holding a stave and wearing a red
neckerchief. Volume 1 and volume 2 are indicated on the spine of the book.
Primary authorship is given to William Hillcourt, while stating that such a
book results from the efforts of many contributors. The two volumes were
usually not printed at the same time. Volume one involves general
administrative information, while volume 2 deals with program information.
FOURTH EDITION – 1947-1959 – All covers were blue and
brown with a drawing of a Scoutmaster talking with a Scout. Each is wearing
a red neckerchief and have on campaign hats in the first 6 printings and
overseas caps in the remaining printings. Author is listed as William
Hillcourt. Volume 2 of the previous edition has been changed to “The
Scoutmaster’s Tool Chest”. Military drill is finally removed while
introducing a minimum of formations and silent signals to arrange them.
FIFTH EDITION – 1959-1972 – Title had changed to
“Scoutmaster’s Handbook”. All covers are dark blue with Norman Rockwell’s
painting of the “Scoutmaster”. Author again was William Hillcourt. This was
a mild update of the fourth edition. One new tool was added on how to take
over an old troop.
SIXTH EDITION – 1972-1981 – Following the theme of this
period, the cover was a two-tone light green/dark green, with only the title
“Scoutmaster’s Handbook” and a small picture in the corner of a Scoutmaster
talking with a Scout. This book has no photos, which have been replaced by
cartoon-like drawings. Introducing the “Improved Scouting Program” the book
contained politically correct terminology such as “progress awards”,
“personal growth agreement conferences”, etc. The author is unknown.
SEVENTH EDITION – 1981-1990 – Title is “The Official
Scoutmaster Handbook”. Author is unknown. Cover is a full-color reproduction
of Joseph Csatari’s painting of
a Scoutmaster teaching first aid to three Scouts. Contents have not changed
much from the previous edition and simple line drawings have replaced the
cartoons.
EIGHTH EDITION – 1990-1998 – Title is “The Scoutmaster
Handbook”. Cover shows a Scoutmaster helping his Scouts over a rock while
hiking. Author is unknown. Contents inside contain full-color photographs
throughout. This is the last bound copy of the Scoutmaster’s Handbook.
NINTH EDITION – 1998-present – Title is “The
Scoutmaster Handbook”. Cover is a photo collection of Scoutmasters and
Scouts hiking. Author is unknown. It contains full-color photographs
throughout. This is an unbound edition that is to be placed in a ring
binder.