For
over 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values
found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as
relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in
1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence,
ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their
adult lives.
The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to
- Try new things.
- Provide service to others.
- Build self-confidence.
- Reinforce ethical standards.
While
various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote
teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a
deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.
Scouting
provides youth with a sense that they are important as individuals. It
is communicated to them that those in the Scouting family care about
what happens to them, regardless of whether a game is won or lost.
Finally,
and perhaps most importantly, Scouting promotes activities that lead to
personal responsibility and high self-esteem. As a result, when hard
decisions have to be made, peer pressure can be resisted and the right
choices can be made.
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America 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 based on those found in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.