February 2024 – The Aims & Methods of Scouting
Written by: Adam Riedel, Scoutmaster Troop 899
After posting the last blog I received some questions about my mention of the Aims & Methods of Scouting. Since they don’t seem to be common knowledge, I wanted to shed some light on the governing principles of running a Troop in the Scouts BSA.
I think it is also important that our families know what the Mission and Vision statements of the Boy Scouts of America are as well.
The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The Vision of the Boys Scouts of America is to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
The Aims of Scouting are the four pillars on which the entire program is based. These are:
Character Development – Scouting wishes to teach young people how to develop a positive personality, how to develop a depth to their personality and how to define positive personal motivations that will propel them through their life story. Of course a story will change over time just as their character will change over time. Our hope is that the values we project through Scouting help to guide that development in a positive way. Some of the key words we look for when describing a Scouts’ Character are Trustworthy, Loyal, helpful, etc.
Leadership Development – Scouting helps young people learn how to be leaders through a set of activities that prepare them through experience. It allows and enables them to improve their skills in social influence, decision making, project management and many others. Scouts in Troop 899 have the opportunity to take training that will guide them, learn from those before them, and work with adults who have experience to show them the way. Scouts in Troop 899 learn how to be reliable, diplomatic, kind, and other important aspects when leading a group. Scouting believes in this core tenant so much that it is also one of the ways we focus on delivering the program.
Citizenship Training – Scouting puts such a major emphasis on citizenship training that they are required to complete 4 merit badges specifically targeting citizenship education. The Scouts BSA program is designed to allow the Scouts to practice good citizenship by living and working among others in a Troop with rules based on the common good. Scouts are encouraged to learn about and take pride in their national heritage. While typically we avoid politics, we do strive to teach the Scouts the knowledge and skills to understand, challenge and engage with democratic society including the media, civil society, the economy and the law.
Personal Fitness – each of the primary ranks in Scouting have fitness requirements. In order to complete all the requirements for the Eagle Scout Rank, Scouts must also complete the Personal Fitness merit badge which requires the Scouts to partake in 12 weeks of regular exercise. Personal Fitness is even part of one of the promises we make when reciting the Scout Oath. We promise to be physically strong. The research on this topic is exhaustive and always leads in the same direction. We must encourage our Scouts to understand this component is an individual effort and desire to be the best one can be.
The Methods of Scouting are the ways we work to achieve the Aims as explained above. Read about the Methods below. They are listed in a random order so that one does not overshadow another. Each of the Methods shares equal importance.
Ideals – The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Scout measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as they reach 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 – Scouting 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 God’s handiwork 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. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout 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 the 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 Scouting. Young people 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 their Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine their growth toward Scouting’s aims.
Leadership Development – The Scouting 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 and becoming a servant leader helps a Scout accept the leadership role of others and guides them towards participating citizenship and character development.
Uniform – The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. 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 Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
Troop 899 is focused on promoting the Mission, Vision, Aims & Methods, Scout Oath and Scout Law in every aspect of our meetings, events, and activities. We know how impactful these can be in the positive shaping of young people and work hard to make sure the lessons are learned in a positive way.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent
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