Page:Scouting for girls, adapted from Girl guiding.djvu/270

256 training for outward effect and appearance, an entire perversion of our aims and methods.

I have seen it suggested, even quite recently, that the girls in the Troop should be ranged for inspection in order of size so that they may please the eye of the inspector!

The up-to-date inspecting officer is not likely to be taken in by eye-wash. Her aim is to ascertain to what extent results have been attained by the Captain among the girls in each Patrol in her Troop in the four main branches of our training.


 * Character and Intelligence.
 * Skill and Handicraft.
 * Service for Others.
 * Physical Health and Health Knowledge.

She will generally take each Patrol separately, or if there is not time for this, one Patrol selected at random from each Troop.

She will then, by questioning the Patrol Leader and some of the Scouts, judge for herself to what extent the leader is capable of responsibility and leadership, and to what extent the girls are efficient, keen, and smart.

She can, by a few simple tests, soon see whether they have really earned their badges, and she can offer them simple personal advice which will sink in and be valued.

The Scout Spirit and Scout proficiency are to her the important points to look for.

Accurate drill, neat bandaging, quick and legible signalling, smart uniform, are excellent steps, but they are