Aims of Scouting
Scouting has specific objectives, these are the “Aims of Scouting.” They are:
character development, leadership development, active citizenship, and personal fitness. These are the goals we have for our Scouts.
Leadership development is also one of Scouting’s eight methods contributing to both good character and good citizenship.
Methods of Scouting
There are eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are are achieved. These are the tools we use to build toward our goals. Each is equally important.
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. 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 and sense of stewardship for it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation.
Advancement
The advancement method provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them. 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 seeing how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. A Scoutmaster or ASM who listens to the Scouts, encourages them, and takes 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. 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
Scouting is an action program, 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 brother- and sisterhood 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.
A Note on Advancement
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of this philosophy is that advancement is simply one of the many methods used to deliver on the aims of Scouting.
Ranks are not a hierarchy the way they are in a military setting. They do not indicate status the way titles do in a corporate or academic setting. They are mementos of personal achievement. Beyond First Class, there is no expectation that a Scout advance to a particular rank. A Scout who demonstrates good character, is an engaged citizen, is physically fit, and practices the qualities of servant leadership has had a successful Scouting career, regardless of what rank they attain.