Scouts Dropping ‘Boy'

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31383, 31 May 1967, Page 3

Scouts Dropping ‘Boy'

(N.Z. Preu Association)

WELLINGTON, May 30. The word “boy” will be dropped from the title of the Boy Scouts Association as part of a proposed major facelift for the organisation, its national council announced today. Major changes in administration were plannedThe association’s chief exe-

cutive commissioner (Mr 3. 0. Field) said the proposed changes were part of a determined effort to create a for-ward-looking image and satisfy the needs of “the boy and the young man of tomorrow.”

The scout’s promise and laws have been rephrased to convey the fundamental code in simple, modem language.

Mr Field said the word “boy” would be dropped because the movement now involved “many thousands of young men and adult leaders.” Also involved in the face-

lift are the wolf cubs, whose "jungle atmosphere” will be modified by removal of the emphasis on “wolf” after the age of nine. The changes have been approved to take effect from February 1, but some will require changes in acts of Parliament, which must be presented to and approved by Parliament.

The proposed changes will be introduced to the movement at a meeting of scout commissioners at the national training centre, Tatum Park, during Queen's Birthday week-end.