The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Today we look at how character development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts also have lots of character development material incorporated into the program.
- Some activities help Cub Scouts think about how they can make the right choices in their everyday lives
- Religious emblem programs help develop their spiritual lives
- Cub Scouts learn the basics of what to do in an emergency and how to get help
- The Cub Scout motto – Do Your Best – serves as a guide for their actions and participation
Character development is such an important part of a youth’s education. I’m glad that we can do our part teaching our youth through the Scouting program.
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Scouts BSA
The Scouts BSA advancement program provides lots of opportunity for character development:
- The Scout Law is basically a roadmap for character development: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, clean, brave, and reverent
- Opportunities for leadership help develop confidence
- Instruction in first aid and emergency preparedness help Scouts prepare to take care of themselves and others when their help is most needed
- Religious observance is a regular part of the Scouts BSA program
Venturing
Character development is an integral part of the Venturing program:
- Venturing is based on the ALPS model. The P in ALPS stands for Personal Growth. Venturers learn to set goals to develop character.
- Venturers develop leadership skills by planning their program
- With the program emphasis on teaching skills to others, Venturers learn to see through a perspective other than their own.
- A Venturer lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
- The TRUST Award helps Venturers explore their own faith and respect the beliefs of others.
Ideas and resources for building character:
Top ideas for Character Development
Skittles Skit
This skit, like many of the skits I have seen, is full of kid humor. That is why they like it so much.
A Scout Is Reverent
A Scout understand that there is a greater power at work in the world. A Scout does his or her Duty to God and works to cooperate with that power.…
Turn Back the Clock Cub Scout Theme (Resourcefulness)
A supplemental meeting plan theme called Turn Back the Clock was provided by BSA a few years ago. “When you look back in time, it is easy to find many…
A Scout Is Brave
A Scout knows that being brave is different than being reckless or foolish. A Scout who is brave is able to face difficult situations without being controlled by fear. Here…
Lion I’ll Do It Myself Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas
For the I’ll Do It Myself adventure, Lion Cub Scouts learn how to do simple tasks independently.
Johnny Appleseed Grace (Song)
Duty to God is an important part of Scouting, so don’t forget to say grace at Scouting events. This is a non-denominational grace which would be appropriate at any meal.
Tiger Earning Your Stripes Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Documents
Earning Your Stripes is one of the Tiger elective adventures. For this adventure, Tiger Cubs and their adult partners practice loyalty and good manners. They also do a service project.
A Scout Is Trustworthy
Scouts are known for their honesty. Saying “Scout’s Honor” is a way of saying “You can trust me”. Here are some ideas for the first point of the Scout Law.…
A Scout Is Clean
To be clean means to take care of your personal hygiene and your environment. But it also means to keep your character clean. Here are some ideas for the eleventh…
Even more resources for Character Development
To be loyal means to be faithful. It also means to do the right thing. We can be loyal by standing up for a friend who is being bullied. Loyalty…
Pack Meeting Plan for Lights, Camera, Action (Positive Attitude)
BSA has a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Lights, Camera, Action related to positive attitude. The Lights, Camera, Action meeting plan features ideas for the core value of positive…
A Scout has a positive attitude. She knows that even if plans don’t go as expected, something positive can come from it. Here are some ideas for the eighth point…
I like the simplicity of the Scout Law. It is brief and therefore easy for youth to memorize. But it covers a lot of ground. A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal,…
A Scout’s Prayer by Lord Baden-Powell
This prayer is attributed to Lord Baden-Powell himself. B-P clearly believed that faith was an important component of his Scouting program. So while Scouting is not specific to any particular…
This grace is also known as the Wilderness Grace or the Worth Ranch Grace. It is attributed to Jerry Fulkerson from the Worth Ranch Scout Camp in Texas.
International Spirit Award for Scouts BSA
The International Spirit Award recognizes Scouts who learn more about Scouting around the world. By doing the requirements for this award, members of Scouts BSA learn to appreciate different cultures.
Scouts understand the value of money and other resources. Scouts know that by conserving resources, there will be enough for the future. Here are some ideas for the ninth point…
I found this ceremony in some old program helps. I thought it would go well with the Cub Scouts Give Thanks supplemental program theme for April.
This is one of DS’s favorite scout songs. We hear this one a lot at camp, on hikes, and on hayrides. I’ll warn you that when they start singing this,…
Fresh Start Scoutmaster (or Cubmaster) Minute
The New Year is traditionally a time for beginning again. The thoughts below can be used as a Scoutmaster or Cubmaster Minute to encourage Scouts to look forward to a…
The Germ Song for Germs Alive!
Where do I find the “Germ Song”, the Mucus demonstration and the Sneeze demonstration? – Find them here!
