Aims of Scouting and Methods of Scouting

The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development.  These are the primary purpose of Scouting programs.

The methods of Scouting are the parts of the program which support these aims. They are different for each program, as each program serves a different group of youth. So the methods for Cub Scouts must be different from the methods for Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts) and the methods for Venturers.

Learn more about the Aims of Scouting and the Methods of Scouting using these resources:

BSA Methods – The Patrol Method

A patrol is a small group of Scouts BSA within a troop. They elect a patrol leader and function almost like a family within the troop. They divide up the chores to be done and work together as a group to meet their goals. They develop a patrol spirit and take pride in their accomplishments as a team.

BSA Methods for Scouts BSA vs Venturers

Some people wonder about what the main differences between the Scouts BSA and Venturing programs. Aside from the obvious differences – the age difference and boys only vs. coed – looking at the methods used in the two programs offers some insights into the main differences between the program.

BSA Methods – Uniform

Wearing a uniform identifies youth as Scouts BSA. It give them a sense of belonging to a group. The Scout uniform is associated with the ideals of Scouting.

Aims of Scouting – Citizenship

The three aims of Scouting are Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Mental and Physical Fitness. Here are some ideas about how citizenship training is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA. I've also included some helps and activities which are specifically designed to engage Scouts of all ages in participatory citizenship.

BSA Methods – Leadership Development

I think that being elected by their peers is meaningful to many of our youth. The role of adults in these units is to train the youth leaders.

BSA Methods – Association with Adults

Association with adults is one of the methods used in both Scouts BSA and Venturing. While these programs are youth-led, there are still adults present to mentor and help the youth leaders.

BSA Methods – Advancement

Advancement is one of the "Methods of Scouting" used in Scouts BSA. I am the Advancement Chair for our troop, so I am always interested in other Scouters' thoughts on advancement.

Aims of Scouting – Character

The three aims of Scouting are Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Mental and Physical Fitness. Today we look at how character development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.

Aims of Scouting – Fitness

The three aims of Scouting are Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Mental and Physical Fitness. So how are physical and mental fitness is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA?

Sharksicles Recipe

Nobody wants to go out swimming and meet up with a shark! But if you are at a Cub Scout meeting and the shark is your popsicle snack, that is another story. So to go along with this month's aquatics theme for Cub Scouts, here is a snack idea.

BSA Methods – The Outdoors

One of the methods for Scouts BSA is “the outdoors”. Being outdoors presents Scouts BSA with challenges and adventures. Youth enjoy the independence of getting away from home and taking care of themselves.

BSA Methods – Teaching Others

The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting's aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods for Venturers is “teaching others”. Teaching others is the best way to really acquire deep knowledge of an area. By sharing their skills with others, Venturers retain their knowledge better and provide service to others

BSA Methods – Group Activities

"Group Activities" is one of the BSA methods for Venturers.