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Aims and Aims and MethodsMethods

of Scoutingof Scouting

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Participants will be able to -• understand the underlying principles of

Scouting

• realize how the aims of Scouting apply to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing

• relate the aims of Scouting to their own lives and BSA responsibilities

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An ExerciseAn Exercise• Think about young people you know

currently in Scouting

• Imagine them 10 years from now (Where will they be? What will they be doing?)

• Write down on the back of the Aims of Scouting work sheet some qualities they may possess that they gained from their Scouting experience

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Could The Qualities IncludeCould The Qualities Include• self-motivation• high expectations• focus• interest in the

outdoors• technical skills• leadership ability• citizenship

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Discuss: What Is Discuss: What Is Scouting?Scouting?

• Baden-Powell called it “a game with a purpose”• “Purpose” = Aims of Scouting: to help youth

– become better people– fully realize their potential

• “Game” = Methods of Scouting: eg, service, outdoor adventure, meetings, advancement

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Specific AimsSpecific Aims

• Character Development: personal qualities, values, and outlook

• Citizenship Training: living and working among others with rules based on the common good

• Mental and Physical Fitness

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Specific MethodsSpecific Methods

Cub Boy/Varsity Venturing Instilling the Ideals Instilling the Ideals Instilling the Ideals

Den Patrol/Squad Crew

Advancement Advancement Recognition

Family Involvement Adult Association Adult Association

Activities Outdoor Activities High Adventure

Home/Neighborhood Personal Growth Teaching Others

Uniform Uniform

Leadership Development

Leadership

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Why Similar, Why Similar, Yet Different, Methods?Yet Different, Methods?

• Learn and experience in age-appropriate ways

• Opportunities for increasing responsibilities and leadership development

• Allow youth to progress from dependence on adults for direction to independence

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The Foundation:The Foundation:Instilling the IdealsInstilling the Ideals

• Underlying the “Aims and Methods of Scouting” is a foundation of values – the ideals– Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack– Boy Scout Oath and Boy Scout Law– Varsity Scout Oath– Venturing Oath

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An ExerciseAn Exercise• List on your work sheet specific ways that

the BSA program has brought to life the aims, ideals, and methods of Scouting in the various programs, especially your own

• Discuss how do your ideas about aims, values, and methods relate back to youth– in the program– not in the program

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Do You / Can You . . .Do You / Can You . . .

• understand the underlying principles of Scouting?

• realize how the aims of Scouting apply to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing?

• relate the aims of Scouting to your own life and BSA responsibilities?

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