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:

Smacos Recipe

If your Scouts need a chocolate marshmallow fix, but you don't have a fire for some reason, you can fix these on a camp stove with a griddle.

Woodgas Camp Stove Review

This is a self contained camp stove which burns twigs, charcoal, wood pellets, etc. It has a small battery powered fan to draw air.

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.

Summer Camp Recommendations

I often get emails recommending one summer camp or another. While I cannot personally visit each of these camps to review them, I'd like to give readers the opportunity to recommend camps to other Scouts and Scouters. So here is your opportunity. Just post your recommendation in the comments below.

Aims of Scouting – Citizenship

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.

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.

New Leader Orientation

A reader asks " I am putting together a Leader Orientation for next year and was wondering what you would include, especially with the upcoming program changes."

Product Review – Cobrabraid 550 Paracord Bracelets

I recently received some Cobrabraid 550 samples to review. The bracelets I received were made of study paracord.

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 – 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 – 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 – Fitness

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?

Baseball Cookies Recipe

It's baseball season. If you are doing a sports theme with your Cub Scouts, why not make some baseball cookies?

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 – 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

Soccer Cake

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.

Tug of War Rules

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.

Our Spring Break Road Trip

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.

BSA Methods – Group Activities

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

Mile Swim BSA

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.

Draw the Solar System Worksheet

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.

Crossover and Webelos Who Did Not Complete Requirements

A reader asks "What should we do if we know some of the boys won't be continuing on to Scouts BSA? What about boys not completing AOL requirements? "

Books for Scouts and Scouters

Are you looking for a book for a Scout or Scouter? Here are some I recommend. Some also include detailed reviews.

Soccer Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

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.

Scout Law (Social Media Graphic)

A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent

Constitution Word Search Puzzle

This word search puzzle contains words and phrases related to the United States Constitution. Use it with your citizenship requirements.

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.

Blue and Gold, Webelos Crossover, and Arrow of Light Ceremony Ideas

A reader asks about how to involve younger Cub Scouts in the Blue and Gold activities to make it more engaging for them.

Amazing Games Cub Scout Theme (Cooperation)

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."

Does the Cub Scout Year End with the Blue and Gold Banquet?

A reader asks if the Cub Scout program is supposed to end at the Blue and Gold banquet. She is uncertain about what she should do during the spring.

BSA Methods for Scouts BSA vs Venturers

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.

What If the Committee Is Acting as Scoutmaster?

A reader sent in this question: "What if the troop committee board is planning everything and the Scoutmaster is out of the loop?"

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

This 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 Eagle Court of Honor Book

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.

How to Make Homemade Popsicles

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 your own. Your kids can get pretty creative with the ingredients.

Hands On Activities at Den Meetings

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? "

Bobcat Badge Cub Scout Helps and Documents

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.

Cyber Chip Program

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.

Toasted Chit Pressurized Fuel Training

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.

Using Chess Notation

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.

Animal Science Merit Badge Helps and Documents

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 Scoutmaster’s Other Handbook

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.

Fishing Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

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

Bicycle Riding Log

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.

Draw the Layers of the Forest

This activity for forestry requirements is perfect if the Scouts in your den like to draw.

A Scouter Is… Ladies T-Shirt (Spoof on the Scout Law)

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

Book Review: Beginning Boy Scouts

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.

Tree Ring Worksheet

When I did the forestry requirements with DS's den, I made a requirement aid to help them with learning about the growth rings of a tree.

Mother’s Day

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.

The Little Book of Whittling: Passing Time on the Trail, on the Porch, and Under the Stars

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.

Just Because Day

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.

Wildlife Management Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

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.

Mystifying Paper Osmosis Trick

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.

Save a Spider Day

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.

BSA Methods – 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.

Venturing Super Activity

Aims of Scouting – Leadership Development

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.

How to Raise an American

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.

Easy Scrambled Eggs at Camp

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.