Aims of Scouting – Character

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.

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.

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

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.

Show Me the Truth Game

Let's be honest. Some of the Cub Scout requirements which are all talking can be tough to do with a group of restless boys. Sometimes when I am looking at a requirement and I see the words Character Connection, my first instinct is to sigh. But then I take a deep breath and remember that playing a game can make it fun.

Scout Law

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.

Cub Scout Gathering Activity – Core Values Crossword Puzzle

This is a crossword puzzle I made for a Cub Scout gathering activity for a den meeting. It's purpose is just to familiarize the Cub Scout with the 12 core values. The 12 Core Values of Cub Scouting were replaced by the 12 points of the Scout Law a few years ago. But that doesn't mean we can't still use the core values as examples of good values. So use this crossword puzzle as a gathering activity at any meeting where values are the focus.

Religious Emblems Programs

Faith is an important part of Scouting programs and religious emblems programs for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers reinforce what is stressed in the 12th point of the Scout Law

One Scout Oath and Law – Our Changing World

All BSA programs to use the Scout Oath and Law - Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. I think the consistency is good, but I will miss some aspects of the old versions,.

Youth Religious Emblem Knot

A reader asks if a Scout may wear the religious emblem knot if he earned a religious emblem as a Cub Scout. Yes, he may.

What Is Scout Spirit?

Scout spirit is mentioned in several of the requirements for Scouts BSA ranks. But what is Scout spirit and how does a Scout go about demonstrating it?

Scout Law Game

Learning the Scout Law will be more enjoyable with a Scout Law game. This game helps Scouts learn all twelve points of the law in order.

Scout Law Word Search Puzzle

The Scout Law is the same for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. So learning the Scout Law is important across age levels. This word search puzzle would make a fun warm up or gathering activity for any meeting focused on Scout basics such as the Scout Law. Feel free to download and use this printable.

Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath

Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath are rapidly approaching. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8, or February 8 if it is a Sunday. The Saturday following Scout Sunday is Scout Sabbath.

Inspiration, Cubmaster Minutes, Scoutmaster Minutes

Cubmaster Minutes, Scoutmaster Minutes, Advisor Minutes are inspirational thoughts to help achieve BSA’s aim of character development.Do you have a minute or an inspirational story that you’d like to share? Contact me and I’ll share it here.

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 point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Clean" to the comments.

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. Here are some ideas for the twelfth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Reverent" to the comments.

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. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Trustworthy" to the comments.

A Scout Is Courteous

Being courteous means treating others with respect. Scouts show courtesy to everyone, regardless of age, social status, faith, gender, or other traits. Here are some ideas for the fifth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Courteous" to the comments.

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 are some ideas for the tenth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Brave" to the comments.

A Scout Is Kind

A Scout avoids causing needless harm another person, creature, or plant. A Scout's actions always reflects a genuine care for other beings. Here are some ideas for the sixth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Kind" to the comments.

A Scout Is Cheerful

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 of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Cheerful" to the comments.

A Scout Is Thrifty

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 of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Thrifty" to the comments.

A Scout Is Obedient

A Scout understands the purpose of rules and laws. But a Scout also tries to change unjust rules, so that things can be better for everybody. Here are some ideas for the seventh point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Obedient" to the comments.

A Scout Is Loyal

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 can mean respecting our leaders. We can also be loyal by working to make our country a better place for everyone. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Loyal" to the comments.

A Scout Is Friendly

When a Scout meets someone new, she sees a potential friend. He tries to get to know the other person and their unique characteristics. Here are some ideas for the fourth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Friendly" to the comments.

A Scout Is Helpful

Scouts are helpful through the many service projects in their communities. They are also helpful in their homes, by doing their chores. Add your own ideas about how "A Scout Is Helpful" to the comments.