uniforms at summer camp

[Hunt]

I find it odd that anybody would think that all the methods of scouting are equally important--to me, the ideals are much more important than uniforming, for example. Perhaps it is a concern that recognizing that something is less important will lead some people to think it is unimportant.

[scoutingagain]

Acco, I'm willing to agree we're probably hung up on semantics somewhere.

 

As far as "Again, are you confusing the seven methods of Cub Scouting The Ideals, The Den, Advancemet, Family Involvement, Activities, Home and Neighborhood Centered, The Uniform with the eight methods of Boy Scouts? "

 

No, I searched on the national web site for "methods" and this is one of the pages that popped up. I know it is not the same as that in the New Leaders training and am as confused as anyone.

 

SA

 

AIMS AND METHODS OF THE SCOUTING PROGRAM

 

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

 

The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.

 

Ideals

 

The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

 

Patrols

 

The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibilityon young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.

 

Outdoor Programs

 

Boy 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 Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

 

Advancement

 

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

 

Personal Growth

 

As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

 

Leadership Development

 

The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

 

Uniform.

 

The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

 

 

 

 

[knottyfox]

Scoutingagain,

 

Do you need a hug?

[acco40]

Scoutingagain - the BSA used to have as one of the methods (and I'm paraphrasing) Adult male association. This was later changed to (when Females could become Cubmasters, and Scoutmasters) Adult Association. I noticed this is not listed in on your/the BSA list. It wouldn't surprise me that things have changed but yes, that is new to me.

 

Hunt, what are the Scouting IDEALS? They are simply the Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Not what they represent or mean. Of course being trustworthy is much much more important than wearing Scout pants. But as a method, using the Scout Law as a tool is on par (not less, not more) as using the Uniform as a tool. We use these tools or methods to reach our real aim - the goals of Scouting - character development, citizenship training and physical and metal fitness. The Scouting program (BSA version) states that we use these methods to achieve these aims. If we don't use these methods, which includes the uniform, we are not delivering the Scouting program.*

 

The methods are our teaching tools. My daughter has learned to be trustworthy and I've never used the Scout Law with her. There is nothing wrong with that. Pope Benedict is reverent - but the Scout Law and Oath were not the tools used - i.e. he did not learn reverence through Scouting (BSA version). Now what is more important, being reverent or wearing the proper uniform? Well, unless you happen to me Merlyn, being reverent is much more important. And that is why I think many are misunderstanding the Scouting vernacular when I state something like the Ideals are on par with the uniform.

[scoutingagain]

knottyfox

 

Nah, I'm cool.

 

SA