The Mission of Boy Scouts It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America
(BSA) to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and
in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime
in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are
found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. Boy Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Boy Scout Law A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent The Three Aims of Boy Scouts To build character To build self-reliance, self-discipline,
self-confidence and self-respect To foster citizenship To foster love of community,
country and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding
of democratic principles. To develop fitness To develop physical, mental,
emotional, and moral fitness that will stay with a Scout for the rest
of his life. The Eight Methods of Boy Scouts Ideals Each Scout commits himself to the personal
behavior guides and standards in the Scout motto, the slogan, the Oath and the
Law Patrols Patrols give Scouts experience in teamwork,
democracy and leadership. Outdoors Scouting emphasizes outdoors activities
which foster an appreciation of nature and our ecology. Along the way, Scouts practice
and learn new skills and develop confidence in their own abilities to cope with obstacles.
Scouting is outing! Advancement The advancement program provides Scouts
with a ladder of skills to climb at his own pace. On the way up, he has many opportunities
to learn and to be recognized for his achievements. Personal growth All of the other methods contribute
to the personal growth of a Scout through experience. The quest for growth is a method, too. Adult association Adult leaders, male and female, provide
an example to Scouts of the high character they should strive for in their personal
growth. Leadership development Making boys get leadership experiences
is one of the most valuable things Scouting does. Uniform The uniform reminds a Scout of who he
is and what is expected of him. It identifies him as part of a patrol, troop, council and
worldwide youth movement. He can take pride in being a Scout, and in the achievements
shown on his uniform and sash. Even neighborhood gangs recognize the importance of wearing
a uniform, their colors. Famous Scouts Since 1910, these principles have been taught
in an atmosphere of recreation and fun which allows young people to develop
self confidence, leadership and moral character. More and more men,
trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today's world as responsible
adult leaders. Men who earned badges as Scouts, sit on the Supreme Court
of the United States. Others hold important offices in our government,
business and industry. Most of the members of the present U.S. Congress
were Scouts. Of the 214 pilots and scientists selected as astronauts since
1959, more than 125 were Scouts or have been active in Scouting, as well
as most of the astronauts who have walked on the moon. The new Suns
head coach, Danny Ainge, is an Eagle Scout. The long list of famous
Scouts includes:
President John F. Kennedy Boy Scout
President Gerald Ford Eagle Scout
J. Willard Marriott, Jr. President of Marriott Corporation Eagle Scout
Sam M. Walton Chairman/CEO, Wal-Mart Eagle Scout
Neil A. Armstrong First person to set foot on the Moon Eagle Scout
Steven Spielberg Director, Producer Eagle Scout
William C. Devries, M.D. Transplanted first artificial heart Eagle Scout
Barber B. Conable, Jr. President, World Bank Eagle Scout
