Page "Scouting in Vermont" Paragraph 22

" A beautiful Rock of Ages monument in front of the Baptist church on Washington Street in Barre now records the formation of that troop as the first in the country.

This was before the Boy Scouts were charted by the United States Congress, so Billy Milne was free to run he troop according to his own rules.

Fortunately, I was permitted to join even though I was only nine.

The minimum age for Boy Scouts was set at twelve soon after.

The Boy Scout movement was dedicated to teaching boys of immature years the basic principles of good conduct, good citizenship, crafts, the skills of outdoor life and self discipline.

It has been a great force for good in the past in this country, and Billy Milne was a born leader.

He understood boys, and we admired, respected and loved him.

In the basement of the Baptist church, he taught us the meaning of citizenship, patriotism, moral conduct, and the proper attitude toward others.