 Goodman and Edson were strongly influenced by the use of American Indian culture by Ernest Thompson Seton in his Woodcraft Indians program . They decided to create an honor society of their own at camp that summer , in a manner befitting a boy 's interest and understanding . Goodman utilized the appeal of Indian lore and recognition by a Scout 's peers as motivational tools . He devised a program where troops chose , at the camp 's conclusion , those boys from among their number who best exemplified the ideals of Scouting . Those elected were acknowledged as having displayed , in the eyes of their fellow Scouts , a spirit of unselfish service and brotherhood . Edson helped Goodman research the traditions and language of the Lenni Lenape — also known as the Delaware — who had once inhabited Treasure Island . 
