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
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts
of America progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program.
Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Everything done to advance and earn these ranks should be designed to
help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience.
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.
- Patrol Method (click HERE)
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.
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.
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.
The uniform
makes the 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 Scout's
commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the
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.
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.