The Scout sign

[cballman]

ok I might not know everything but I have found out something I dont know but need to know ASAP. when scouting come over and was started in the US was the scout sign which we use today the same one that was in use back then? I need to know quickly. so if someone can help me. I need healp.

[riverwalk]

I think the answer is almost an absolute yes...that "it" came over with the Program. I'm sure others can assist too, but B-P already had boys using the Sign as I understand it. And some Scouters can cite examples of B-P's early writings, on the likely history of the Sign. Some will say it came from the use of Field or "silent" signals. In any case, I think what was implemented here, was borrowed from the British system. One possible difference, is that the Salute in each country varies slightly as to how the palm presents.

Other than that, I thought it was the same. And kinda sorta related, was the Cub Scout sign when that Program started. Now, since I went there....I'm trying to share some 75th Anniversary things with one of my Units. So, if anyone can help me with 1930ish Cub stuff, help.

[Eagle74]

Hope this isn't too late:

Baden Powell's Scouting for Boys, 1908 edition:

"While taking this oath the scout will stand, holding his right hand raised level with his shoulder, palm to the front, thumb resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other three fingers upright, pointing upwards . . . (shows a sketch of the scout sign) . . . This is the scout's salute and secret sign. When the hand is raised shoulder high it is clled the "Half Salute." When raised to the forehead it is the 'Full Salute'."

The three fingers, like the three points of the scout's badge represented 1. Honor God and King; 2. Help Others; 3. Obey the Scout Law.

[cballman]

Eagle no its not to late because I have about two or three weeks to get my scoutmaster minute prepared. I would like to thank everyone for this info.

[Eamonn]

OK, I have a question.
While the Scout Sign is as our good friend Eagle 74 has posted.
I have been told that the Cub Scout Sign, with two fingers is supposed to be done with the arm straight up.
Has anyone else heard this? I could go look in the CSL Book, but I'm a lazy toad!!
While I'm at it, there is a question in a quiz that is part of a course that many of us know and love!!
The question is about the American National Anthem and the Pledge, it asks what Scouts should do with their right hand?
I thought that the right hand was placed over the heart?
However the answer given states that the Scout Sign (Three fingers going across the heart) is correct.
I have never seen this written any place else other than in this guide.
I do remember back when I was a Scout in the UK, Patrol Leaders in the Troop had Scout staves and there was some kind of salute, where the Scout Sign was made across the stave. But that was a very long time back and I really was a young whipper-snapper

[riverwalk]

Yes, the Cub sign is the extended arm, but they two fingers are also used in the handshake and salute. And yes I've seen the same suggestion that a Scout sign hand should be over the heart (unless in Uniform of course). And I think there was some reference to the sign across the stave? I'll search my piles, I mean files and see, haha.

[Mrw]

If they are in uniform, the scouts are to salute during the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. Out of uniform, it is hand over the heart just like everybody else.

[Eagle74]

Have heard of the scout sign over the heart as "the scout sign of revervence" during the scout benediction. Have not been able to corroborate it anyplace else a way to "salute" when out of uniform, but had heard at one time that it was done that way elsewhere - outside of the US.

The Cub Scout sign is indeed with extended arm and has been that way for at least awhile. I don't remember it that way in my cubbing days (prehistoric) and don't have any of my cub books from way back then.