Aims and Methods of Scouting
During my tenure as Camp Director at Scout Camp Emerald Bay in the late 80s to early 90s, I cherished teaching a class on the Aims and Methods of Scouting. Philosophy has always fascinated me and introducing Scouting’s elegant, yet straightforward, premise was an enriching way to commence each week. The class was tailored to Troop Leaders, the dedicated parents who devoted their week to sharing the adventure of Scouting with their children and the children of others.
At that time, Scouting was centered around three aims: Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Personal Fitness (now complemented by Leadership as the forth after being elevated from one of the Methods). I often likened these Aims to the legs of a sturdy stool, emphasizing their individual significance while highlighting their collective strength and integrity. Throughout the week, we delved into various challenges and opportunities, always circling back to how these Aims and Methods could be seamlessly integrated into life lessons.
Let’s revisit those Aims of Scouting in more detail:
Character Development: What a person’s relationship is between themselves and others. Encompassing one’s values, outlook, and connection to the community, influencing how individuals prepare for, respond to, and react to daily experiences.
Citizenship: What a person’s relationship is to others. It delineates one’s responsibilities to society, government, and community, nurturing a sense of duty and active engagement with others.
Fitness: What a person’s relationship is to self. Beyond just physical health, it encompasses mental, moral, and emotional well-being, equipping individuals with problem-solving skills, self-control, and self-respect.
Leadership: Elevated recently to one of the Aims, leadership transcends mere management, focusing on enabling others to reach their full potential and achieving collective objectives that surpass individual capacities.
That’s it! Those four simple yet profound goals underpin the Scouting Program, enriched by the volunteer efforts of parents and mentors who embark on a shared journey of growth and building good people.
Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America
#aimsandmethods #scoutmein #character #leadership #citizenship #fitness #scoutingforall
Director of Operations Florida West Coast at Wharton-Smith, Inc.
1moI am so proud of the team. The project is looking great!