1. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Though written for the young, it reminds adults of the spirit of adventure that the world is still full of treasure for those with the eyes to see it. Scouters must keep the spirit of boyhood alive within themselves, leading Scouts not merely by instruction but by example of joy, daring, and loyalty.
2. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville
A weightier book, indeed, suited to thoughtful minds. It teaches perseverance, leadership under trial, and respect for the forces greater than ourselves. A leader in Scouting must learn patience when storms come and show courage when the way seems uncertain, just as Captain Ahab (and better still, Starbuck) navigated tempestuous seas.
3. “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne
Here is a call to scientific curiosity and wonder. Adult leaders must ever encourage Scouts to look beneath the surface of nature, of people, of problems and discover the marvellous worlds hidden therein. Captain Nemo’s tragic tale also reminds us to lead with compassion, not bitterness.
4. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London
No better tale exists to remind the adult Scouter of the natural instincts and independent spirit that lie in every boy and girl. Buck’s journey from domesticated pet to noble leader mirrors the Scouting journey: awakening inner strength, resilience, and loyalty through trials and the call of nature.
5. “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George
A modern classic of self-reliance and simplicity. It echoes our aim to teach Scouts to fend for themselves, appreciate solitude, and live harmoniously with nature. For adults, it reignites the understanding that real richness is found not in things, but in skills, character, and the joy of the wild.
🏕️ Why Adult Scouters Should Read and Be Inspired by These Books
- To Keep the Flame of Adventure Alive
- A Scout leader must not be a dry instructor but a living torch of adventure, curiosity, and daring. These books rekindle that inner fire.
- To Grow in Wisdom and Leadership
- Characters such as Captain Nemo, the fathers of the Swiss Family Robinson, and the mentors found in these stories show that true leadership demands patience, foresight, and sacrifice.
- To Renew a Love of Nature and Simplicity
- In our modern, rushing world, it is easy to forget the profound lessons taught by the quiet forest, the open sea, or the starry night. These tales summon adults back to the simple truths that are the heart of Scouting.
- To Strengthen Moral Character
- The best leaders model integrity, resilience, loyalty, and compassion not only preaching these virtues but living them. Each of these books is a study in character under test.
- To Inspire the Imagination and Enrich the Spirit
- A Scout leader whose mind is rich with stories, images, and dreams can light a fire in the hearts of young people that no textbook ever could. Adventure of the mind leads to adventure of the spirit!
🧭 In Short:
“Scouting is a joyous game; if you keep the spirit of boyhood alive within you.”
These books, dear Scouters, are more than mere tales; they are maps to guide your spirit, compasses to direct your leadership, and songs to gladden your heart upon the long and winding trail of service.
May you read them not merely with the eyes, but with the heart; and may your Scouts, seeing the light in your eyes, be inspired to adventure boldly, live nobly, and serve cheerfully.
📚🔥 Scouter’s Reading Circle Discussion Guide
🎯 Purpose:
- To deepen our understanding of leadership, character, adventure, and service through timeless stories.
- To renew our enthusiasm for Scouting and personal growth.
📖 Format for Each Meeting:
- 📜 Opening Thought: (short reading of a quote from the book or a Scouting maxim)
- 🔥 Story Summary: (brief retelling of the book’s journey)
- 🧭 Discussion Questions: (reflect and share)
- 🎒 Action Step: (one small idea to apply in Scouting or life)
🌊 General Reflection Prompts (for any book):
- Adventure and Risk: How did the main character(s) respond to danger or uncertainty?
How can we better encourage appropriate adventure and “safe risks” in our Scouts? - Leadership and Loyalty: What examples of good (or poor) leadership stood out?
What qualities should we strive to model for our youth? - Nature and the Outdoors: How did the natural world shape the characters’ experiences?
How can we deepen our Scouts’ connection to nature? - Self-Reliance and Growth: Where did the character show growth in skill or spirit?
How do we help Scouts grow without doing too much for them? - Moral Challenges: Were there moments of tough moral choice?
How can we prepare Scouts to choose rightly when the “easy” way tempts them? - The Spirit of Service and Humility: Which characters showed service-mindedness or humility?
How do we keep “Service to Others” central in our Scouting program?
✨ Special Questions for Specific Books:
- “Treasure Island” How can we balance the excitement of adventure with wise mentorship, like Jim Hawkins learned?
- “Moby-Dick” What happens when passion outweighs wisdom in leadership?
- “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” What role does curiosity and learning play in good Scouting leadership?
- “The Call of the Wild” How do trials bring out the true character in a Scout and in us?
- “My Side of the Mountain” How can solitude and wilderness training foster resilience and self-confidence in modern youth?
🌟 Closing Challenge for Each Meeting:
- Name one small action you will take in your troop or life based on today’s discussion.
- End with a Scout Benediction or a simple “Good Campfire Spirit” reflection.
🏕️ Optional Fun Additions:
- Bring a simple “token” from the story (compass, piece of rope, seashell) as a talking piece.
- Meet outdoors around a real or symbolic campfire.
- Share a brief “Campfire Story” related to real Scouting adventures.
example email
⚓ Scouter’s Reading Circle
Set Sail for Adventure, Leadership, and Reflection!
Dear [Scouter’s Name],
The journey ahead is filled with discovery; not just for our Scouts, but for us, their leaders. In the spirit of camaraderie and lifelong learning, we are excited to invite you to join the first-ever Scouter’s Reading Circle!
This will be a time for reflection, inspiration, and fellowship, where we gather around the campfire (in mind, if not in body) to explore stories that have shaped Scouting and leadership through the ages.
📚 The Voyage Begins!
Our inaugural journey will be based on the adventure-filled books that have inspired generations of Scouts and explorers. Together, we’ll delve into tales of courage, leadership, moral challenges, and the great outdoors.
🌊 First Port of Call: “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson
In our first meeting, we will explore the classic “Treasure Island”, a story of adventure, treasure, and the leadership lessons found in the most perilous of voyages. We’ll reflect on how this tale of pirates and loyalty can inspire our leadership and deepen our connection to the values of Scouting.
🗓️ Meeting Details:
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Time: [Insert Time]
- Location: [Insert Location (or Virtual Platform if needed)]
- RSVP By: [Insert RSVP Date]
📜 What to Bring:
- A book copy of “Treasure Island” (digital or physical, whichever suits you!)
- A journal or notebook for reflections and notes.
- A heart open to adventure and a willingness to share your thoughts and experiences.
🔥 Agenda:
- Opening Thoughts on the adventure and leadership in “Treasure Island”.
- Guided Discussion we’ll dive into the themes of courage, mentorship, and loyalty.
- Sharing Reflections a chance to share your thoughts, insights, and perhaps even how we might apply these lessons to our Scouting practices.
- Action Step a small challenge or activity to inspire our next week of Scouting.
⚓ Why Join?
As Scouting leaders, we must never stop learning and growing. The world is vast, and the more we fill our sails with wisdom, the better we can guide our Scouts on their own journeys. By participating, you will:
- Rekindle your love of adventure.
- Be inspired to lead with greater insight and cheer.
- Form stronger bonds with fellow Scouters.
- Bring fresh ideas to your troop and Scouting family.
This will be a chance for us to inspire each other and grow together — as we reflect on the stories that have shaped us and continue to shape the future of Scouting.
Ready to set sail with us? Please reply by [RSVP Date] to confirm your place in the crew!
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 