| 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.
The National Youth Leadership Training program is known as White Stag.
There are age and rank requirements, as well as, a Scoutmaster recommendation
that are necessary to participate in this program. Look under the
Advancement section of the website to learn more about this program.
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.
Click
here to see funny Boy Scout commercial.
|
Men who were Scouts are
more likely than those who have never been Scouts to have higher levels
of education, have higher earnings, and to own their own homes.
Ninety-one percent of men who were Scouts five or more years completed
high school, compared with 87 percent of men who were never Scouts. They
are also more likely than non-Scouts to earn a college degree (35
percent versus 19 percent). - 2005 research conducted by Harris
Interactive.
Click
here to see research done by Harris
Interactive on the effects on ethics and character of the scouting
program. |
