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About Boy Scouts
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 three membership divisions of the
BSA (the others are Cub Scouting and Venturing), 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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| Tenderfoot Rank |
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Second Class Rank
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| 1st Class Class Rank |
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| Star Rank |
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| Life Rank |
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AIMS AND METHODS OF THE SCOUTING PROGRAM
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 below in random order
to emphasize the equal importance of each.
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.
Patrols. 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.
Outdoor Programs. 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.
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.
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.
Leadership Development. 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.
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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Eagle Scout Rank |
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Local councils operate and maintain Scout camps. The National Council
operates high-adventure programs at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico;
Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs, Minnesota and Canada; and
Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. The BSA conducts a national Scout
jamboree every four years and participates in world Scout jamborees (also
held at four-year intervals). Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, was the site of the
1993 National Scout Jamboree. |
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