The facts and the proposed remedies for troop loss in general apply to losses of scouts-except that the unheeded loss of individual scouts is probably much higher.

The facts of the loss of boys is clearly brought home by the following circle indicating the relative percentages of scouts of each age year from 12-19.

The figures have been compiled directly from 100 Councils (October 1920).

These figures do not indicate the losses and replacements within the 13 year group for example.

The following commission Summary is an initial study-preliminary to a more extended investigation.

REPORT OF COMMISSION ON SCOUT TURNOVER, NATIONAL CONFERENCE SCOUT

EXECUTIVES

1. We regard turnover as a net loss in troops and scouts.

2. Causes of turnover.

A. Individual failure to register.

la) Failure on the part of the scoutmaster to properly interpret and work the Scouting program, resulting in a lack of interest on the part of scouts.

2a) Single leadership.

3a) Failing to start the Tenderfoot right. 4a) Parental ignorance and indifference. 5a) Influence of street gang.

6a) Logical turnover to be expected. B. Troop failure to reregister.

1b) Failure of institution to discharge its responsibility.

3. Remedies to reduce turnover.

A. Better selection, more careful training and systematic supervision and inspiration of scout leaders with greater emphasis on the out-of-door program.

B. Sell the institution and troop Committee their responsibility.

C. Commission finds a deplorable lack of effort at follow-up and a lack of information as

to facts regarding turnover.

Estimated inevitable turnover 20%-Basis of scouts staying 3 years at least in movement.

It will be of interest for Council to see how far below 20% loss, they can bring their individual turnover of scouts.

Any thorough study of loss involves the following facts:

HOW OLD WAS THE LOST SCOUT?

WHAT RANK HAD HE ATTAINED?

HOW LONG HAD HE BEEN IN THE MOVEMENT?

WHY DID HE DROP OUT?

Exec. Jameson of Detroit investigated 166 scouts dropped and found

100 Tenderfoot, 60 Second Class, 6 First Classwhile 80% of the group had been in scouting less than two years.

He says: "If we could keep a boy long enough to be a first class scout, presumably two years or longer, that we had him for keeps'."

Such facts covering each loss would soon enable Scoutmaster and Scout Executive to find the leaks and stop them.

Facts like the above may be summarized on an

AGE-RANK-SERVICE table like the one on page 495, which will show one at once when the losses come.

TO COUNTERACT THE ALL TOO HEAVY TURNOVER

BE A FULL TIME EXECUTIVE