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:
- Are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit.
- Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
- Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
- Have the desire and skills to help others.
- Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and government systems.
- Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
- Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
- Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating—in and giving leadership to—American society and in other forums of the world.
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.
- Advancement - Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to over come them through the advancement process. Your Scout will plan his advancement and progress at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge.
- Adult Association - Young men learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female and association with these adults of high character is an essential part of developing a young man's character.
- Personal Growth - As your Scout plans his activity, and progresses toward his personal goals, he experiences personal growth. The "good turn" concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Young men grow in character as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others.
- Ideals - The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan. Your Scout will measure himself against these ideals and continually try to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he controls what he becomes.
- Patrols - The patrol method gives your Scout an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on his shoulders and teaches him how to accept it. The patrol method allows your Scouts to act in small groups where he can easily relate to others. These small groups determine Troop activities through their elected leaders.
- Outdoors - Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that your Scout will share responsibilities and learn to live with others. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at Troop meetings come alive!
- Leadership Development - Boy Scouting encourages boys 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 will help your Scout accept the leadership role of others and guide him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
- Uniform - The uniform makes your Scout Troop visible as a force of good will and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform proudly and properly is an action that shows your Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives your Scout identity in a world brotherhood of young men who believe in the same ideals and are guided by a common set of principles. See Section VIII, Uniform Rules, for specifics on the Troop uniform policy.