The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers character, and citizenship building along with personal fitness for youth. The BSA strives to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. It strives to strengthen self-reliance and develop courage and resourcefulness. It strives to develop young men who have personal values based on a religious concept and the desire and skill to help others.
The BSA endeavours to instill in young men a sense of pride in their American heritage and have a keen respect for the world around them.
Boy Scouting is one of three divisions of the BSA , the other two being Cub Scouting and Venturing,(which I will cover in the next article.) Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light award or have completed the fifth grade and who subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law.
METHODS
*IDEALS: These are spelled out in the SCOUT OATH, the SCOUT LAW, the SCOUT MOTTO, and the SCOUT SLOGAN. A boy will continually measure himself and continually try to improve.
*PATROLS: This is the method by which the boy experiences working and living in a group and participating in the decision-making of that group. It is a method of placing responsibility. The troop elects representatives and and activities are determined through them.
*OUTDOOR PROGRAMS: Boy Scouting is designed to be outdoors. Outdoors, the boys share responisbilities and learn to live with each other. Skills, practiced at meetings take on meaning. Being outdoors the Scout gains an appreciation for God's handiwork. The outdoors is a labratory for experiments and for practicing conservation.
*ADVANCEMENT: Scouting provides obstacles and the means to get over them through advancement. The scout charts his own progress and is awarded for each achievement.
*PERSONAL GROWTH: For a scout the "Good Turn" concept is a major part. Scouts participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for each other. The religious emblems program is also a tool for measuring personal growth. Personal confrences with the Scoutmaster help keep each boy on track toward his goal.
*LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: The program encourages practice of leadership skills which they carry on to other parts of their life.
*UNIFORM: The uniform makes the scout a visible force for good and creates a positive image for the community. The uniform gives the scout identity. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way to wear the badges earned and show what they have accomplished.
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