Scouting’s Mission

The mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.


Scouting’s Goals

Success is seen when Scouts integrate Scouting ideals into their lives and contribute positively to society.

This aligns with Scouting USA’s Mission Statement to foster character, citizenship, leadership, and physical fitness.

Our Approach

Scouting USA is where youth develop outdoor survival skills, self-confidence, and ethics through youth planned activities with increased attention to service, community engagement, and leadership. Success is seen when Scouts integrate Scouting ideals into their lives and contribute positively to society.

Advancement

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

  • Scouts learn through hands-on activities, gaining skills by doing rather than rushing through requirements.

  • Developing character, confidence, and well-rounded personal growth takes precedence over merely learning skills.

  • Skills are reinforced through games, teaching others, and real-life experiences, ensuring retention.

  • Advancement is supported by leaders, families, and peers, emphasizing individual strengths and teamwork.

Scouting’s Ideals

The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Scout measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as they reach for them, they have some control over what and who they become.

Outdoor Programs

Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.

Patrol Method

The Patrol Method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participatory citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to one another. These small groups of young men and women determine troop activities through their elected representatives, with supervision by adult leadership.

Eagle for Life

The ultimate achievement in Scouting is to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. It is the culmination of years of work by a Scout, including rising up 7 ranks, earning 21 merit badges, holding multiple leadership positions in the troop, and conducting multiple service projects. An Eagle scout demonstrates a level of perseverance, leadership, and public service that appeals to both college admissions boards and employers:

  • Eagle scouts are sought after by top universities

  • Double the likelihood to be admitted to a service academy

  • 60% of US astronauts were Scouts, 13% were Eagles

  • Over 6,000 girls have attained the rank of Eagle Scout