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:
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.
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.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. So how are physical and mental fitness is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA?
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
Tug of War is a fun game which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Have a little tug of war tournament with your Scouts to encourage fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
For Scouting families with several kids who don't have loads of money lying around for airline tickets and hotel rooms, a camping road trip is a great option.
A few years back, one of our son's coaches had an end-of-season party for the soccer team. My husband likes to decorate cakes, so he made a soccer cake for the party. Since I am showcasing a soccer theme this month, I thought I'd share the idea with you.
Scouts who swim a mile under the supervision of a certified BSA Aquatics Instructor may be presented with the Mile Swim BSA award. The patch is meant to be worn on swim trunks, on the left side.
If you are working on an astronomy related achievement, a good place to start is by learning about the solar system. Here is a worksheet I created which will help get you started.
The Amazing Games pack meeting plan focuses on how playing games together can encourage teamwork and cooperation. "considered the work of children, and games are an integral part of play. We learn to follow rules, take turns, get along with others, and most importantly we learn cooperation. Cooperation is working together toward a common goal."
The Soccer program feature helps Scouts learn how to enjoy the world's most popular sport. While doing this, they learn about fitness, teamwork, and fun.
Some people wonder about what the main differences between the Scouts BSA and Venturing programs. Looking at the methods used in the two programs offers some insights into the main differences between the programs.
Your son or daughter has earned the rank of Eagle and you'd like to help plan a meaningful Court of Honor. If you have not attended many of these events, this can be a challenge. Where do you start? This book will point you in the right direction.
Bobcat is the joining rank for Cub Scouts. New Cub Scouts earn Bobcat before any other rank, no matter what age they are when they join. Find helps for the Bobcat program on this page.
Chicken quesadillas was one of their favorite recipes. They all made their own quesadillas, and so our vegetarian just didn't put chicken in his. Everyone was well fed and happy.
The Chess merit badge for Scouts BSA has requirements related to using chess notation and recording chess games. If you are not familiar with chess notation, this might seem a little daunting, but it really is pretty easy to learn.
Our council has a “Toasted Chit” training for pressurized fuel use. I think this is a local requirement, but I thought the organization of the material might be helpful to anyone doing pressurized fuel instruction. So keep that in mind when reading.
A reader asks "Our den leader does 90% paperwork and talking at den meetings on the items in the handbook. Is this they way it is or are there other packs and dens that do hands on activities to accomplish same goals? "
For some cycling recogintions, Scouts must record the time or distance spent riding. A basic log sheet is located at the bottom of this post to help you complete this. If you really become interested in cycling, you might consider getting a simple bike computer to aid you in figuring out this data. These devices record the time spent riding, mileage, average speed, and more.
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.
Working on the requirements for the Animal Science merit badge helps Scouts understand how to identify and care for various breeds of livestock. The requirements for this badge can be completed by studying beef cattle, dairy animals, horses, sheep, hogs, or avian breeds. Scouts also investigate career opportunities related to animal science.
The Wildlife Management program feature materials point out that keeping the natural balance needed to promote the well being of wildlife involves more than biology. A wide range of STEM disciplines are involved. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings.
I recently received a copy of Beginning Boy Scouts by Jeremy and Heather Reed. The subtitle is "An unofficial practical guide to Boy Scouts for parents and new leaders." And that describes the book perfectly. If you know somebody who is new to the Scouts BSA program, then this would be a great resource to give them an overview of the program. Note that this book only covers the Scouts BSA program, not Cub Scouts or Venturing. Also the name reflects that it was written before the Boy Scout program name changed, but the information all still applies.
Scrambled eggs make a great camp breakfast. They are easy, quick, and provide a substantial meal for Scouts preparing for a busy day. But getting the eggs to camp is not always so easy.
Some Scouts might ask “Why do we want to save a spider?” This is a good opportunity to educate Scouts about ecosystems and how all parts of the natural world depend on each other.
The BSA Cyber Chip program encourages Scouts to learn how to use their electronic devices safely. Some of the issues the program addresses are protecting personal information, cyber bullying, appropriate use of social media, cell phones, texting, and netiquette.
The Fishing feature teaches Scouts helps Scouts appreciate the ups and downs of the sport of fishing. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings
This book by Mark Ray helps Scout leaders grow and develop Scouts BSA (Boy Scout) troops. It uses ideas based on the aims and methods of Scouting. Troops will learn how to have a dynamic program to grow their membership and retain current members.
The Little Book of Whittling has complete instructions for 18 whittling projects. If you are just getting started with the art of whittling, this will give you ideas and inspiration.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. 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.
A reader asks "This past week I was lucky enough to have two more boys join our Den. How would you go about getting the new boys up to where they need to be without repeating/boring the original four?"
I’d like to wish all of the Scouter Mom’s out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our youth. Whether you are a biological mom or not, if you are a mother figure to your youth, this day celebrates you.
A magic trick will add some fun to your meeting. For this simple trick you will need an accomplice who is capable of not telling everyone he is helping you.
My kids always enjoy making these cookies. They are called forgotten cookies because you put them in a hot oven, turn it off, and then forget about them until the next morning.
August 27 is Just Because Day. It is a day to do something for no reason. Scouts could do their Good Turn for the day by doing a random act of kindness.
Popsicles are a great summer treat, but they are really good for any season. And the ones from the store are very convenient, but sometimes it's fun to make homemade popsicles. Your kids can get pretty creative with the ingredients.
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.
Get this ladies t-shirt for yourself or your favorite Scouter. It is a spoof of the Scout Law. It reads:
A Scouter Is… Capable, Generous Determined Patient Dependable Trusting Hopeful Fearless Flexible Humble and Exhausted
Banana boats are a classic camp favorite. They are easy to make and don't require many ingredients. Enjoy some while spending an evening around a campfire.
In honor of Earth Day, here are earth treats as an Earth themed snack. Basically these are rice krispie treats shaped like the earth. You can make small "earths" or larger ones, but it seems to set better if you don't make them too big.
Being outdoors presents Scouts BSA with challenges and adventures. Youth enjoy the independence of getting away from home and taking care of themselves.
How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country is a book for adults interested in instilling citizenship and a love of our nation in kids.
These are a family recipe. As kids we called them "snowball cookies" because that is what they look like - small ball shaped cookies rolled in powdered sugar. My mom always called them Russian tea cakes.
Hoppin' John is traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring luck through the year. You can have in anytime though. This recipe works at camp or you can cook it at home on your stove.
This is a very sweet corn bread. In some areas, this would be called corn cake. The sweetness of the bread goes well with spicy foods like chili or ham and beans with lots of hot pepper sauce.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Here are some ideas about how leadership development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.
A reader asks about a Cub Scout new leader orientation. " I am putting together a Leader Orientation for next year and was wondering what you would include, especially with the upcoming changes."
July 7 is World Chocolate Day. Most people love chocolate and it comes in all different types. Here are some favorite recipes using chocolate on this site.
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
