1.1 AIMS AND METHODS OF SCOUTING
 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING?

Scouting is educational because it works toward four basic goals, referred to as the “Aims” of Scouting.  The Scouting program is built on the idea that education should be fun.  It must be fun to keep boys interested in Scouting. 

 

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF SCOUTING?

The aims of scouting are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.  These goals are accomplished by the “Methods of Scouting”.

 

Character

Character can be defined as what the scout is himself: his personal qualities, his values and his outlook.  Scouting builds a boy's character by emphasizing the basic values defined by the Ten Commandments, respect for fellow man, and a love of nature.  Troop 228 also strives to build self-confidence and self-reliance through participation in the Scouting program.

 

Citizenship

Citizenship is more than knowledge of this country's history and government.  It can be more broadly defined as a person's relationship with his fellow man.  A Scout learns the full meaning of citizenship from the emphasis of helping others, for the shared efforts within the troop and patrol, from the knowledge gained in the advancement program and from the service projects required for rank advancement.

 

Personal fitness

Fitness includes mental and emotional fitness as well as physical fitness.  Troop 228 strives to improve a scout's overall personal fitness through the outdoor and advancement programs, through his relationship with fellow Scouts and adult leaders and through the satisfaction of overcoming the challenges that the Scouting program presents.

 

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF SCOUTING?

The methods of scouting are those tools we use to achieve the goals of scouting.  In no particular order, the methods of scouting include:

 

Ideals

The Boy 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.

 

Patrol Method

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.

 

Outdoor Programs

Boy 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 Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

 

Advancement

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method.  The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

 

Associations With Adults

Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop, and can make a profound difference in their lives.

 

Personal Growth

Boy Scouts experience personal growth when they plan their activities, progress toward their goals, and participate in community service.  The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

 

Leadership Development

The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

 

Uniform

The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.  

Some of the above material has been adapted from the National BSA Web Site (www.scouting.org)

0n 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.

 

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others

The idea of graduating from a Cub Scout pack to a Boy Scout troop may be intimidating for some Webelos Scouts and their parents. 

 

This page is designed to help the Webelos Scout, his parents, and his den begin the Webelos to Scout transition.  Troop 228 would like to help make that transition as smooth as possible, regardless of which troop you decide to join. 

 

WHEN DOES THE TRANSITION TO SCOUTING BEGIN?

During the fifth grade, a typical Webelos den continues to meet until February, working on additional activity badges and completing the Arrow of Light.  These requirements are designed to prepare a Webelos Scout to join a Boy Scout Troop. 

 

WHAT IS THE BEST STEP TO TAKE?

The best step to help your transition is to visit some neighboring troops.  While some Webelos den leaders wait for an invitation from a neighboring troop, you do not have to wait for an invitation (the neighborhood troops do not always have an accurate list of Webelos den leaders).  Your may initiate the contact with any troop you wish to visit. 

 

HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE WHAT IS A SUCCESSFUL TROOP?

A troop should be based not on how large they are, or how many Eagle Scouts the troop has, or how many high-adventure trips they go on.  More important is how well the troop meets the need of a particular Webelos in developing the three aims of Scouting.

 

With so many troops in Santa Clarita it may seem like a huge task to choose just the right one.  Fortunately, all of the troops in the valley are excellent, and any one of them would be a good choice. 

 

WHEN WILL WEBELOS CROSS OVER INTO A TROOP? 

There is no set time; Webelos scouts may cross over any time in the spring or summer.  However, usually by the end of January, every Webelos Scout should have a good idea of what troop they want to join and they can begin attending weekly meetings with that troop at that time.  Most Cub Scout packs have a bridging ceremony for the graduating Webelos during the Blue and Gold in February, or during the pack meeting in March.  Representatives from the appropriate troops participate in the bridging ceremony to welcome the new members. 

 

SELECTING A BOY SCOUT TROOP – WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

This is an individual decision for each Webelos Scout and his parents.  Every troop is different in the kinds of activities they schedule and in their personalities.  Each family must choose the troop they feel will best meet their needs.  In selecting a troop, you should consider the following factors. 

·         Are the troop activities the kind that you would enjoy?

·         How do the Scouts interact with each other? How do the older Scouts interact with the younger Scouts?

·         Are the older Scouts active in the troop?  This can be an indication that the troop's program is exciting and interesting for a variety of ages.

·         Is the troop "boy led" or is it run by the adults? (The best answer is the troop is "boy led".)

·         Are you comfortable with the adult leaders in the troop? Are the adult leaders trained, do they follow BSA policy, and do they welcome input and participation by all parents?

·         What troop will your best friends join?

 

 

If you have any additional questions on Troop 228, please contact us.

 

 

 

Tim Silver                                            Michael Dermody

Scoutmaster                                        Committee Chair

tim.silver@ca.rr.com                           dermody@pacbell.net