Scout Handshake
Requirement number 1 of the Scout Rank has us learning and explaining how and when to use the Scout Handshake. The Scout Handbook says the following,” Extend your left hand to another Scout and firmly grasp them by the left hand. Made with the hand nearest to your heart, the Scout Handshake signifies friendship.” We use the right-hand shake when greeting others outside of scouting.
Why do we use the left hand shake when greeting fellow scouts?
“By agreement of the Scout Leaders throughout the world, Boy Scouts greet Brother Scouts with a left-hand clasp. This means of greeting is also used in connection with all Scout gatherings. It is intended to have this different method serve to remind Scouts that they belong to a world-wide brotherhood and that everywhere throughout the world Scouts are following this method of extending greetings as evidence of their interest in Scouts in all parts of the world.”
Pretty much the answer was: because that’s how it’s done within scouting around the world.
There is another story that has been passed down through time that tells us the following:
“The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, knew years ago in West Africa. He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, ‘In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection.’
“The Ashanti knew of Baden-Powell’s bravery for they had fought against him and with him, and were proud to offer him the left hand of bravery.”
The Scout Handshake symbolizes respect, courage, and friendship. This kind of sounds like some points of the Scout Law right? Start by offering your left hand and introducing yourself as you create friendships within your scouting adventures.
Difference Between Scout and Dog Minute
When you think about it, a dog can make a pretty good scout.
If treated right, they are trustworthy, loyal, and friendly.
Dogs are normally kind, not mean, and they are naturally cheerful.
If trained right, they can be helpful, obedient, courteous, and clean.
Dogs are rarely wasteful, especially with food, so definitely thrifty.
Service and rescue dogs risk their lives, so they are brave.
The one thing a dog can't be is reverent. Dogs have no concept of God.
We include Reverent in the Scout Law because it is an important thing.
When you go to bed tonight and think about your daily good turn, remember:
How did you do, even a dog can get 11 out of 12.