Purpose of the BSA
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.
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 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.
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.
Outdoor Activities
Local councils operate and maintain Scout camps (for example
Beaumont, S-F Scout Ranch, Lewellan and Pine Ridge). The National
Council operates high-adventure areas at Philmont Scout Ranch in New
Mexico, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program in Minnesota
and Canada, and the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the
Florida Keys. About 70 councils also operate high-adventure programs.
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, will be the site of the 2010
National Scout Jamboree.
For more information about Scouting, please visit Scouting.org.