As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is based on the principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and use their potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Boy Scouting doesn't emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of doing one's best.

When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow boys to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want boys to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a boy to learn the value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him.

 

 

Boy Scouting Is Fun

Boys join Boy Scouting because they want to have fun. For boys, however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. "Fun" is a boy's code word for the satisfaction he gets from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling good about himself, and feeling he is important to other people. While the boys are having fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence, and develop strong friendships.

 

Boy Scouting Has Ideals

Boy Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character growth, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan focus on

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your FAMILY and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.

Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country's good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you're needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.

DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.

Symbols, such as the Boy Scout sign, Boy Scout salute, and the Living Circle, help boys feel a part of a distinct group and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected organization.

Boy Scouting Strengthens Families

The family is an important influence on our nation's youth. There are many different types of family structures in today's world. Scouting is a support to all types of families as well as to organizations to which families belong. We believe in involving families in the training of youth, and we are sensitive to the needs of present-day families. Boy Scouting provides opportunities for family members to work and play together, to have fun together, and to get to know each other a little better.

Boy Scouting Helps Boys Develop Interests and Skills

In Boy Scouting, boys participate in a broad array of activities. Boy Scouts develop ability and dexterity, and they learn to use tools and to follow directions. Boy Scouts work toward being "Trained" in leadership through learning as a elected Patrol Leader, elected to Patrol Leader Council (senior leadership of Troop like Senior Patrol Leader) and participating in semi-annual Junior Leadership Training conducted by Troop Adult Leadership.  Recognition and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety, physical fitness, community awareness, academic subjects, sports, and religious activities. These interests might become a hobby or even a career later in life.

Boy Scouting Provides Adventure

Boy Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for adventure and allows him to use his vivid imagination while taking part in skill training, presentations, games, camp outings, service projects, outdoor activities, skits and more. The use of a monthly campout themes allows a boy to learn more about different skills, leadership and build character by working with other Scouts and Adults. Boys find adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and gaining a greater appreciation for our beautiful world.

 

Boy Scouting Has an Advancement Plan

The advancement plan recognizes a boy's efforts and achievements. It provides fun for the boys, teaches them to do their best, and helps strengthen understanding as family members work with boys on advancement requirements. Badges are awarded to recognize advancement, and boys like to receive and wear these badges. The real benefit comes from the worthwhile things the boy learns while he is earning the badges, as his self-confidence and self-esteem grow.

Boy Scouting Creates Fellowship

Boys like to be accepted as part of a group. In Boy Scouting, boys belong to a small group called a den where they take part in interesting and meaningful activities with their friends. The Boy Scout Patrols and Troop are positive places where boys can feel emotionally secure and find support. Each boy gains status and recognition and has a sense of belonging to this group.

Boy Scouting Promotes Diversity

In Boy Scouting, boys may learn to interact in a group that may include boys of various ethnicities, income levels, religions, and levels of physical ability. By having fun together and working as a group toward common goals, Boy Scouts learn the importance of not only getting along, but also of working side by side with other boys of different races, classes, religions, cultures, etc.

Boy Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country

The BSA believes that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God, and encourages both youth and adult leaders to be faithful in their religious duties. The Scouting movement has long been known for service to others. Scouting believes that patriotism plays a significant role in preparing our nation's youth to become useful and participating citizens. A Boy Scout learns his duty to God, country, others, and self.

 

Boy Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program

Boy Scouting has no specific "season"—it's a year-round program.  Troop activities are planned for every month and follow what Boy Scouts do outdoors, there's still plenty of fun to be had the entire year from snow tubing to hiking to canoeing to biking to rifle/shotguns to rank advancement outings.

Boy Scouting Is a Positive Place

With all the negative influences in today's society, Scouting provides your son with a positive peer group who can encourage him in all the right ways. Carefully selected leaders provide good role models and a group setting where values are taught and help to reinforce positive qualities of character.

 

This site was last updated 12/27/08