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Cover of The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital

The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital

Written by Robert Shaler

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Mystery and detective storiesMilitary hospitalsStrikes and lockoutsBoy Scouts of AmericaFirst aid in illness and injury

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About this book

"The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital" by Robert Shaler is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scouts, specifically the Oakvale Troop, as they embark on a summer camping trip and soon find themselves amidst burgeoning tensions due to a labor strike at a nearby cement works. With the absence of their scout master, the boys, led by Hugh Hardin, must navigate various challenges, including a potential riot and the responsibilities of first aid, highlighting themes of bravery, camaraderie, and community service. At the start of the narrative, the Scouts are setting up camp by the Hurricane River, excited about their summer ahead. However, their plans are interrupted by the news of a nearby strike and subsequent unrest, leading to a tight-knit group dynamic as they attempt to avoid trouble. The opening chapters introduce key characters, such as Hugh and Billy, and establish the setting of a summer camp fraught with danger. As the boys deal with their immediate concerns, including a near-drowning incident, they begin to realize the broader implications of the unrest around them, setting the stage for their bloom into leaders and rescuers in a time of need.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • inspirational
  • earnest

Robert Shaler's "The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital" is an early 20th-century children's adventure novel that chronicles the Oakvale Troop's transformation from summer campers to community heroes. Set against the backdrop of a volatile labor strike at a nearby cement works, the story sees the young Scouts, without their absent scout master and led by Hugh Hardin, rise to the occasion, utilizing their training in first aid and outdoor skills. They navigate the escalating tensions, a near-drowning incident, and the threat of riot, ultimately establishing a makeshift field hospital to serve their distressed community. The narrative champions themes of bravery, unwavering camaraderie, and the profound importance of community service, illustrating how young individuals can exhibit remarkable leadership and responsibility in times of crisis.

“"A Scout is prepared, not just for a hike in the woods, but for whatever life throws at him."”

Key themes

Community Service and Responsibility
Perhaps the most prominent theme, the novel is a testament to the Boy Scout ideal of 'doing a good turn daily.' The boys move beyond self-interest (their summer vacation) to embrace their civic duty, actively serving their community during a time of great need. Their establishment of the field hospital is the ultimate expression of their commitment to helping others.
Bravery and Courage
The theme of bravery is central, explored not just as physical courage in the face of potential violence from the strike, but also as moral courage. The boys exhibit bravery by stepping into a dangerous situation, taking responsibility, and acting as a neutral force of aid, rather than retreating from the conflict.
Camaraderie and Teamwork
The story strongly emphasizes the power of working together. The success of the Oakvale Troop in managing the crisis and running the field hospital is directly attributed to their ability to cooperate, support one another, and leverage their individual skills as a cohesive unit. This theme highlights the strength found in collective action.

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How does the absence of adult supervision impact the boys' development and their decisions throughout the story?

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