Difference between revisions of "Scouts BSA"
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| + | ==Program and activities== | ||
| + | The troop program and activities are determined by the senior patrol leader and the patrol leaders council under the oversight of the Scoutmaster. Troops generally hold meetings weekly, although they can be irregular during the summer. Troop meeting activities may vary from training in Scout skills to planning camping trips or playing games. | ||
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| + | Troops may plan outings and activities outside the troop meeting. These may involve camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, [[rafting]], [[climbing]], [[spelunking|caving]], [[abseil|rappelling]], and other activities. These outings are an important place for Scouts to work on skills and rank advancement, have fun, and engage in productive outdoor activities.<ref name="goodturn">{{cite web |year=1998 |url=http://www.scout.org/en/information_events/resource_centre/library/the_scout_library/adult_resources_and_management/scouting_an_educational_system |title=Scouting: An Educational System |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |accessdate=2006-07-10}}, p. 9</ref> | ||
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| + | Most councils own and operate one or more permanent camps. These camps may host a variety of activities throughout the year. The summer camp program provides a week-long session for troops that includes merit badge advancement and adventure activities. Facilities may include ranges for shooting sports — archery, rifle, and shotgun — and for climbing and rappelling. | ||
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| + | {{Quote box2 |width=200px |bgcolor=white |title=Outdoor Code |title_bg=olive |title_fnt=white |align=left |halign=left |quote=As an American, I will do my best: | ||
| + | *to be '''clean''' in my outdoor manners, | ||
| + | *to be '''careful''' with fire, | ||
| + | *to be '''considerate''' in the outdoors, and | ||
| + | *to be '''conservation-minded''' |source=—''Boy Scout Handbook'', 11th edition}} | ||
| + | It is common for several troops within a district or council to gather at least once a year at a special weekend campout called a [[camporee]]. A camporee is a district- or council-wide event where several units camp and engage in activities, [[Scoutcraft]] competitions and learn specialized skills. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[National Scout jamboree (Boy Scouts of America)|national Scout jamboree]] usually occurs every four years, and draws more than 30,000 Scouts from across the country and the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/AnnualReports/2005/nsj.aspx|title=2005 National Scout Jambore|publisher=Boy Scouts of America|accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> The last jamboree took place in 2005 at [[Fort A.P. Hill]] in Virginia, and the next will occur in 2010, celebrating the BSA's centennial. | ||
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| + | ===Ideals=== | ||
| + | {{Quote box2 |width=150px |bgcolor=white |title=Scout Slogan |title_bg=olive |title_fnt=white |align=right |halign=center |quote=Do a Good Turn Daily |source=—''Boy Scout Handbook'', 11th edition''}} | ||
| + | The [[Scout Law]], [[Scout Promise|Scout Oath]], [[Scout Motto]], Scout Slogan, and Outdoor Code are the cornerstones of Boy Scouting. Each Scout learns to use make these ideals a part of their way of life and personal growth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-503.aspx |title=What Is Boy Scouting? |work=BSA Fact Sheet |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2006-02-27}}</ref> Boy Scouts must memorize and understand these ideals. They also represent these ideals symbolically in official emblems. | ||
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| + | The [[Scout Sign#Salute or sign?|Scout Sign]] is used when giving the Scout Law or the Scout Oath and as a signal for silence. The [[Three-finger salute (Scouts)|Scout Salute]] is used when saluting the [[flag of the United States]]. The left-handed [[handshake]] is used as a token of [[friendship]] and as an identity with Scouts worldwide.<ref name="left">{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070807095054/http://scoutxing.com/scoutmaster/scmin174.htm |title=The Origin Of The Left Hand Shake |publisher=ScoutXing.com |accessdate=2007-02-14}}</ref><ref name="left2">{{cite web |url=http://www.thescoutingpages.org.uk/handshake.htm |title=The Left-Hand Handshake |publisher=The Scouting Pages |accessdate=2007-02-14}}</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Emblems=== | ||
| + | {{Infobox Awards | ||
| + | |title=First Class emblem |box_width=|halign=center |award1=[[File:First Class emblem Boy Scouts of America.svg|100px]]}} | ||
| + | Boy Scouting uses a series of medals and patches as emblems. The badge for the Scout rank consists of a simple [[fleur-de-lis]], which symbolizes a [[compass]] needle. The needle points the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward.<ref name="fleur">{{cite web |last=Baden-Powell |first=Robert |url=http://www.pinetreeweb.com/bp-varsity10-1.htm |title=Lessons From The Varsity of Life |publisher=Pinetreeweb |accessdate=2007-02-17}}</ref> The Tenderfoot badge takes the fleur-de-lis of the Scout badge and adds two stars and an eagle with an American shield. The stars symbolize truth and knowledge; the eagle and shield symbolize freedom and readiness to defend it. The Second Class badge features a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot reminds each Scout to remember the Scout slogan, and the upturned ends of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The First Class badge combines the elements of the Tenderfoot and Second Class badges. For years, the First Class badge was used as the emblem of the BSA. Star has a First Class symbol on a five-pointed yellow star, and initially indicated the five merit badges required to earn the rank. Life has a First Class emblem on a red heart, and initially symbolized the first-aid and health-related merit badges that the rank required. Now it signifies that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character.<ref name="11thhandbook">{{cite book |year=1998 |edition=11th |title=The Boy Scout Handbook |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |location=Irving, TX |isbn=0-8395-3105-2 |pages=7,9}}</ref> | ||
Revision as of 14:47, 22 July 2009
| Boy Scouting is a membership level of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for boys and young men. It provides effective youth training in character, citizenship, and mental and personal fitness. Boy Scouts are expected to develop personal religious values, learn the principles of American heritage and government, and acquire skills to become successful adults.
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To achieve these, Boy Scouting applies eight methods of Scouting: Ideals (viz., the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan), the patrol method, participation in outdoor programs, advancement, adult association, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform. Boy Scouting is generally available to boys between the ages of eleven and seventeen. They are organized in Scout troops, administered by volunteers with support of paid professional staff. Youth and adult members are Scouts, the boys are referred to as Boy Scouts, and the adults as Scouters. |
Program and activities
The troop program and activities are determined by the senior patrol leader and the patrol leaders council under the oversight of the Scoutmaster. Troops generally hold meetings weekly, although they can be irregular during the summer. Troop meeting activities may vary from training in Scout skills to planning camping trips or playing games.
Troops may plan outings and activities outside the troop meeting. These may involve camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, rafting, climbing, caving, rappelling, and other activities. These outings are an important place for Scouts to work on skills and rank advancement, have fun, and engage in productive outdoor activities.<ref name="goodturn">Template:Cite web, p. 9</ref>
Most councils own and operate one or more permanent camps. These camps may host a variety of activities throughout the year. The summer camp program provides a week-long session for troops that includes merit badge advancement and adventure activities. Facilities may include ranges for shooting sports — archery, rifle, and shotgun — and for climbing and rappelling.
Template:Quote box2 It is common for several troops within a district or council to gather at least once a year at a special weekend campout called a camporee. A camporee is a district- or council-wide event where several units camp and engage in activities, Scoutcraft competitions and learn specialized skills.
The national Scout jamboree usually occurs every four years, and draws more than 30,000 Scouts from across the country and the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The last jamboree took place in 2005 at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, and the next will occur in 2010, celebrating the BSA's centennial.
Ideals
Template:Quote box2 The Scout Law, Scout Oath, Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, and Outdoor Code are the cornerstones of Boy Scouting. Each Scout learns to use make these ideals a part of their way of life and personal growth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Boy Scouts must memorize and understand these ideals. They also represent these ideals symbolically in official emblems.
The Scout Sign is used when giving the Scout Law or the Scout Oath and as a signal for silence. The Scout Salute is used when saluting the flag of the United States. The left-handed handshake is used as a token of friendship and as an identity with Scouts worldwide.<ref name="left">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="left2">Template:Cite web</ref>
Emblems
Template:Infobox Awards Boy Scouting uses a series of medals and patches as emblems. The badge for the Scout rank consists of a simple fleur-de-lis, which symbolizes a compass needle. The needle points the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward.<ref name="fleur">Template:Cite web</ref> The Tenderfoot badge takes the fleur-de-lis of the Scout badge and adds two stars and an eagle with an American shield. The stars symbolize truth and knowledge; the eagle and shield symbolize freedom and readiness to defend it. The Second Class badge features a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot reminds each Scout to remember the Scout slogan, and the upturned ends of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The First Class badge combines the elements of the Tenderfoot and Second Class badges. For years, the First Class badge was used as the emblem of the BSA. Star has a First Class symbol on a five-pointed yellow star, and initially indicated the five merit badges required to earn the rank. Life has a First Class emblem on a red heart, and initially symbolized the first-aid and health-related merit badges that the rank required. Now it signifies that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character.<ref name="11thhandbook">Template:Cite book</ref>
