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Boy Scouts
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.
Boy Scout Program Membership
Boy Scouting, one of the traditional membership
divisions of the BSA, 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 . 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.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.
Ideas
The ideas 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.
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, was the site of the 2001
National Scout Jamboree.
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