Section II

Purpose of The Boy Scouts of America


II.1 Purpose

It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to provide an effective program designed to instill within the youth desirable qualities of character; to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, to help develop their personal fitness, and provide this country with citizens who:

II.2 Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts Of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential.  The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

II.3 The Scout Oath or Promise

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.

II.4 The Scout Law

A Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal,
Helpful, Friendly,
Courteous, Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean,
And Reverent.
 

II.5 The Scout Motto

Be Prepared.

II.6 The Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily.

II.7 Aims and Methods of the Boy Scout Program

II.7.1 Aims

Boy Scouting works toward three aims.  First is growth in moral strength and character.  We define this as what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, and his outlook.  The second aim is participating citizenship.  Used broadly, citizenship means the boy's relationship to others.  He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, and to the government that presides over that society.  The third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness.  Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage, and self-respect).

II.7.2 Methods

The methods of Scouting are designed to accomplish these aims.