The Objectives 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 below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.
The Eight Methods 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.
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 members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through 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. In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts 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.
Associations With Adults
Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.
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 as 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.
The Parents' Role
First and foremost, parents should familiarize themselves with the Boy Scout Handbook. They should make themselves knowledgeable about the Scouting program and its methods. If they have questions, they should ask the adult leadership to clarify the information. 90 years of tried and true methods are to dispute.
The success of a boy is more likely with parental involvement. Parents can support the program in a variety of ways including suggesting and planning activities, driving to activities, typing services, committee duties, merit badge counseling, fund raising, and assisting their boy in the duties of their leadership position and any other activities that benefit the troop.
Most of all, the parent's role is to support the boy in his involvement in Scouting and give appropriate respect to the adult volunteers who keep the troop running.
Scouting is not a babysitting service.
The Boy's Role
The boy's role is simple: Participate actively in the troop and adhere to the principles and methods of Boy Scouts of America
Most of all the boy should have fun.
Adult Leaders' Role:
The most important duty of all adult leaders is safety.
BSA has a Zero tolerance policy for:
Sexual or physical abuse (iniated by boy or adult)
Substance abuse (drug or accohol, boy or adult)
Interpersonal violence (by boy or adult)
Secondly, Adult leaders are teachers and counselors trained to provide quality opportunities for the development of character and knowledge. Good adult leaders are life long learners willing to provide their experience to the boys.
Council and District leaders are the representatives of Boy Scout of America whose mission is to provide quality control to the troop and to provide resources, and training to the troop leaders. They are invested with the responsibility to ensure that the methods and policies of Scouting are followed.
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scouting program. They serve in a variety of jobs - everything from unit leaders to chairmen of troop committees, committee members, merit badge counselors, and chartered organization representatives.
Like other phases of the program, Boy Scouting is made available to community organizations having similar interests and goals. Chartered organizations include professional organizations; governmental bodies; and religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and citizens' groups. Each organization appoints one of its members as the chartered organization representative. The organization is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and support for troop activities
Who Pays for It?
Several groups are responsible for supporting Boy Scouting: the boy and his parents, the troop, the chartered organization, and the community. Boys are encouraged to earn money whenever possible to pay their own expenses, and they also contribute dues to their troop treasuries to pay for budgeted items. Troops obtain additional income by working on approved money-earning projects. The community, including parents, Friends of Scouting campaigns, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This income provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other facilities, and professional service for units.
Scout dues do not go to this purpose.
Dues are used for registration fees, Boy's Life, Re-Chartering and other budgeted operating expenses.
Equipment is paid for by troop fundraising projects, grants and donations.
