2023-12 The Scout Handshake

As we start on the trail of scouting, 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. 

A young scout back in 1929 asked Daniel Carter Beard the question of “why do we use the left hand shake when greeting fellow scouts.” Here is Uncle Dan’s response, “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.

The story that has been passed down through time 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?  Soon it will be time for week-long scout camps and jamborees where we may need to muster up some bravery to talk with new people we have never met.  Start by offering your left hand and introducing yourself as you create friendships within your scouting adventures.