The Aims and Methods of Scouts BSA

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 Scouts BSA are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. Each Scout measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as each Scout reaches for them, they have some control over what and who they become.

Patrols

The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts 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

Scouts BSA 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 Scouts gain an appreciation for nature and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

Advancement

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Each Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge.  Scouts are rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help Scouts grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Association with Adults

Scouts learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to Scouts, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.

Personal Growth

As 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 Scouts BSA. Scouts 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 the troop's Scoutmaster help each Scout determine their own growth toward Scouting's aims.

Leadership Development

The Scouts BSA program encourages Scouts to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps Scouts accept the leadership role of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform

The uniform makes the Scouts BSA troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community.  Scouts BSA 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 community of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.