Methods

To accomplish these aims, Boy Scouting has developed its program using eight methods:

1. IDEALS:The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.
   The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.
2. PATROLS:The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.
3. OUTDOORS:Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors.
   It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other.
   It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose.
4. ADVANCEMENT:Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps for overcoming the through the advancement method.
   The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge.
   The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.
   The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self reliance and the ability to help others.
5. ADULT ASSOCIATION:Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders.
   Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man’s development.
6. 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.
   Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good turns for others.
   The religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method.
7. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills.
   Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared leadership and total leadership situations.
   Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
8. UNIFORM:

   The uniform makes the 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 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.

   Our youth must make mature decisions about many things that their limited experience with life has not prepared them for.
   Many of these decisions will have long-term consequences.
   The ready availability of drugs and alcohol and the rising number of youth gangs are situations our youth face daily.
   The number of single-parent households, the effects of the seemingly never-ending change caused by the impact of new technologies, and the increased time parents must spend away from their children to ensure economic survival are all factors that make Scouting so vital to our nation’s future.
   Boy Scouting has successfully assisted more than 80 million members since 1910 to develop the character and peer group associations to make ethical decisions and become role models in their communities.
   The Scouting movement has also developed special programs to educate our youth regarding drugs, child abuse, literacy, the new world of careers, and hunger in America.
   Working as a team in support of the troop and our Scoutmaster, we can help our boys to develop the
   confidence, skills, character, and mental fitness that will allow them to give quality leadership to a changing society.