Robert Baden-Powell the founder of the Boy Scout movement identified the Scout Patrol as a natural gang of 6 to 8 boys. The US Army and Marine Corps basic operational unit is the squad or a military gang of 6 to 8 men. The sports team is a gang of boys or girls who play against another team with the expressed purpose to win. Unfortunately the word gang had become a derogatory term because it is used to refer to a "Street Gang." As a society we are attempting to remove the "Street Gangs." But men and boys operate best with a small group of like minded individuals to accomplish a specific goal. Men and boys operate the best as "A Band of Brothers."
Therefore we need to return to Robert Baden-Powell's concept that the best way to solve the gang problem is not to attempt to eradicate gangs but to redirect the gang spirit into a positive and productive use. When one studies the early Boy Scout movement one realizes that it was all about using the gang to train the boy to become a responsible adult and leader in society. The Junior Chapter is not a Boy Scout Troop and should not attempt to appear like one but can use many of the same concepts.

1. Boys Lead with Adult Guidance.
The purpose of the Junior Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is to redirect the natural boy's gang spirit into forming a unit of God's Gang of men and boys. This unit must be trained in their relationship with God and society and expected to become leaders of the church in the future. It is important for boys to be trained by older boys. The older boys can be trained and coached by adults.

2. Trained by Doing and Example
Boys won't sit still and be lectured; therefore, one must return to Baden-Powell ideas and remember to "keep it simple and make it fun." Watching a baseball game, note that fielding of the ball is usually one player's responsibility, but to tag a person out is a team effort. It take's the gang on the field working together to play and win the game. The coach usually demonstrates to the boy how to accomplish the tasks more effectively. The coach also instructs the boys on how to cut down the show and to speed up the play. The same is true in a Junior Chapter. The adult leaders and old boys instruct the younger boys on how to do things quickly and efficiently whether it is driving a nail to help with a repair, sweeping the floor, serving food, or any other project.

3. Recognition
Afterwards a service project the adults and older boys need to be part of congratulating each other and part of the news story of the completed effort. With each project the boys become part of the team.

4. Recognized as Part of the Team
A Junior Chapter member wears the same pin as an adult member. As each adult is encouraged to wear the pin at all times so should each Junior Chapter member. When you see the pin acknowledge each other as a Brother Andrew.

5. Trained in Prayer
Prayer is an important aspect of a Junior Chapter. But prayer is too all encompassing to understand all at once. If every meeting, project, and effort begins and ends with prayer the boys are being told prayer is important and tantalized to seek the involvement. If an open atmosphere is fostered the boys will ask for prayer instruction when they are ready. As a baby doesn't begin with a steak dinner but with soft foods and gradually is promoted to more solid food, a boy must be provided instruction in small doses and eventually they will become a prayer warrior.

How to Get Started
For more information call the National Office and be directed to the Youth Committee. There is literature available to assist you in this effort.

For the "How To" on Junior Chapter Sponsorship