Interesting thought on getting the word out.

[fboisseau]

This idea came about from two sources, one I had just finished watching "Follow Me Boys" for the first time and noticed how Whitey got the Scouting bug by reading the hand book and second I recently purchased the new Field book from my Scout Shop. What do you think about a plan to encourage Councils/National to donate copies of the Field book to local libraries? The field book seems to be a good generic reference on how to plan and execute a wide range of high adventure trips. It also shows Scouting in a different light then the current un-cool view of Scouts and Scouting. The book may not fall in a lot of hands (given the lack of interest in reading by today's youth), but it may fall in the hands of the few that will spread the word. Keep in mind this is how the whole thing started, with a book falling into the hands of boys.

[Proud Eagle]

There are some far better posibilities:

 

Request the library aquire a copy for its collection. (It may be necessary to provide information on how to purchase a copy, since it probably wouldn't be available from their normal suppliers.)

 

Local Scouters and supporters of Scouting could purchase and donate copies for their local library collections. This is probably the best option since it saves both the library and the council time and money.

[Fuzzy Bear]

When I was young enough to read, I read the Scout Fieldbook. It held more interest to me than the Scout Handbook. Adventure was the topic and I was ready for the ride. It has been the staple companion for me ever since.

 

The first official one came out in 1948. The earlier ones were in the form of a small multi-holed notebook. Lefax and several other publishers printed pages that were inserted. There were also several booklets that could be collected. These early unoffical fieldbooks were not standard nor distributed widely but contained a world of information.

 

The SFB should be distributed to school and public libraries like the Gideon's distribute Bibles to hotel rooms.

 

FB

[frank10]

F.B.

I agree, but at the price most of my scouts will not own a copy.

[Laurie]

I like this idea and have been mulling it over the past couple days. The council I'm in is huge, so that could be a mighty big expense. However, to do this at the unit level could accomplish a couple of things. It would put the burden on the unit rather than on the council, and it would provide some contact information for the unit. For instance, if a unit were to buy some copies to donate to local libraries, the unit could put a book plate inside that would provide contact information for those who might be interested in joining.

 

One word of caution: I have learned that libraries cannot keep all books, that many have little space for many books and need to choose carefully. Donations may get turned down; it has happened to me, and this is the reason I was given. It is a common practice to go through the library inventory and clear out books that don't get used, are outdated, are multiples in order to make room for newer books. Before donating any book, make sure it will be kept in the library or local library system.

 

I will be presenting this idea (thanks for sharing it fboisseau!) to our pack committee to see if we will be able to donate some Field Books to the local libraries. I will present the idea at Roundtable too, for all units are looking for ways to promote Cubs and Scouts.

[Laurie]

Wingnut--do you have a troop library? Our troop does not have one that contains anything other than merit badge books, and it likes it that way (apparently keeping up with them is enough work). The pack keeps a library, and it's a great resource. Not one leader need ever buy a book of any kind, for all that is needed is found in our library. It has been a good investment, one that we bought bit by bit as we had funds available to use. I'd request books after each fundraiser this past summer. Also, my husband and I have a library of Scouting books and field guides that we love to use and that look loved (getting raggedy!), and our sons enjoy using them as well. We take them on hikes and outings, and the boys all seem to like the field guides. I'd encourage your unit and any unit to add books of interest to a unit library if able too; that does away with the individual's need for buying a book by making it available to borrow.

[ScoutNut]

Check with your local library first. They just might have a copy already. Our library keeps copies of all current scout (GSUSA & BSA) handbooks in the Youth section. I am not sure about the Fieldbook though.

 

 

[ozemu]

I like it - thanks. Will think on the how.

[aockbsa]

Unit libary manament system

 

[boomerscout]

I had better luck donating a Handbook & a Fieldbook to the school library. captive audience and all that on "get a book for book report" day

I donated a one year sub of Boy's Life to the local library. It became the least read of all the youth mags, so I did not renew the gift

[SSScout]

Never hurts to try.

Libraries are an untried resource for Scouts. For rank advancenment research. For community outreach.

Check with the Media Specialist (old title: Librarian) and see if the Cub Pack could sponsor a Pinewood Derby in the library lobby. Troop set up a demo campsite on the front lawn. Venturers sponsor a high adventure expo: Rock climbing demo, wwrafting, etc.

Service projects. Eagle and other...

 

Sure, offer to donate some books: a HB, a FB, set of MBbooks. Maybe a reprint of BP's stuff, or his biography.

Even if Boys' Life is not the most popular mag on the rack, it won't be there to consider if someone doesn't donate the subsription. Does your Troop or Pack have a better idea to use

Book? Make sure a small but tasteful plate is in the cover reading "donated by Troop XYZ, ABC Chuch, ph: 222.333.4444".

 

Our library sets up "special" tables, featuring books by a particular author or subject. Why not Scouting?

 

Library = Boring? Sez who...