BSA Troop 211

The Aims of Scouting

Every Scouting activity moves boys toward three basic aims:

Character Development
Citizenship Training
Mental and Physical Fitness

Character Development

Character encompasses a boy's personal qualities, values, and outlook. Scouting strives to help a boy grow in the following ways:

He becomes confident but is not conceited
He is honest with himself and others
His personal appearance shows that he respects himself
He develops special skills and interests
He can take care of himself, especially in emergencies
He can be counted upon to do his best, even in difficult situations
He practices his religious beliefs
He respects other people regardless of their differences

Character is defined as what your behavior is, when you think no one is looking.

Citizenship Training

The Scouting program allows boys to practice good citizenship by living and working among others in a troop with rules based on the common good. Each Scout is further encouraged to do the following:

Learn about and take pride in his national heritage
Develop an understanding of the social, economic, and governmental systems of which he is a part
Be of service to others
Have knowledge of and respect for cultures and social groups other than his own
Be aware of community organizations and their functions
Appreciate the environment and seek to protect it

Mental and Physical Fitness

People get the most out of life when they are mentally and physically fit. Scouting motivates each Scout to work toward these goals:

Improve his general physical condition through exercise and participation in vigorous activities that might include outdoor adventures and sports
Eat properly, get enough sleep, and follow other habits for good health
Keep his weight within a healthy range
Reject experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, or with other activities that can be harmful to himself or others
Strive to be mentally alert
Use good judgment and make sound decisions
Train himself to be resourceful in solving problems