The Scout Method

Scouting uses the Scout Method to achieve its goals, which founder Baden-Powell states as for Scouts to become "healthy, happy, helpful citizens." Today 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.

The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. The 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.

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.

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 Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world that God created for us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the Advancement method. The Scout plans his Advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the Advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Adult 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.

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. Scouts 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 Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

The Scout program 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 helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

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.

See Also

• Scouting Ideals
• Patrol Method
• Outdoor Program
• Advancement Program
• Leading By Example
• A Good Turn
• Youth Leadership
• Troop Uniform
• Parent Responsibilities