| Purpose |
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program
for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship,
and personal fitness training for youth. Specifically, the BSA
endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and
emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such
qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal
values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help
others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and
governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their
American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a
keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to
participate in and give leadership to American society. Boy Scouting, one
of four membership divisions of the BSA (the others are Cub Scouting,
Exploring, and Learning for Life), is available to boys who have earned
the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11
through 17 years old, and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. The program
achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and
personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program
of outdoor activities.
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| Aims of
Scouting |
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred
to as the ''Aims of Scouting.'' They are character development,
citizenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which
the aims are achieved are listed in random order to emphasize the equal
importance of each: Scouting Ideals; the Patrol Method; Outdoor
Activities; Advancement; Personal Growth; Leadership; and the Uniform.
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| Scouting
Ideals |
The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the
Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures
himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals
are high, and, as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and
who he becomes.
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| Patrol Method |
The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and
participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and
teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact
in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small
groups determine troop activities through their elected
representatives.
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| Outdoor
Activities |
Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor
setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one
another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop
meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts
gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The
outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice
conservation of nature's resources.
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| Advancement |
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in
overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his
advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The
Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain
self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow
in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
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| Personal
Growth |
As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their
goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major
part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they
participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others.
Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal
growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a
large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences
with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward
Scouting's aims.
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| Leadership |
The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership
skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared
and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership
helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the
citizenship aim of Scouting.
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| Uniform |
The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and
creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action
program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's
commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy
Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same
ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and
provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have
accomplished.
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| National Activities |
Boy Scouts have many special activities available to them, such as
camporees, summer camps, Scouting shows, and national jamborees. The Order
of the Arrow, the national brotherhood of honor campers, recognizes those
Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily
lives, and it has local lodge, section, and national meetings. Those who
have become Eagle Scouts, the highest advancement award in Scouting, may
join the National Eagle Scout Association. Scouting Anniversary
celebrations, during February, include observance of the BSA's February 8
birthday, Scout Sabbath, and Scout Sunday. Unit activities feature blue
and gold banquets, courts of honor, and open house meetings. Older Boy
Scouts have a wide variety of exciting outdoor experiences available at
the three national high-adventure areas, located in Minnesota, Florida,
and New Mexico.
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