" to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes

[Eamonn]

We see " to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes" a lot.

What do you do to make this work?

Eamonn.

[AvidSM]

Scouting is a good classroom to teach ethics and morals. How the boys treat each other in the troop is a good indication how they treat everyone else. Ethics and morals are about making choices. And we must teach them to make the right choices, for themselves and others.

 

The first step an aldult leader must take to promote this is allowing the boys to make their own decisions. This can be a challenge for some adults. But, if the boys are not allowed to practice making choices, then they can't get good at it.

 

The second step is to allow the boys to see the results of their decisions, good or bad. Adults leaders must refrain from trying to fix problems caused by the wrong decisions and taking credit for the right ones. They must give credit where it is due, good or bad. As long as it's not safety or youth protection related, failure should be allowed to happen. This is scouting, not NASA.

 

The third step is to set the right example as an adult. Treat everyone with respect and always take the high road. The boys see and emulate adult behavior to a great extent at this age. Your religious beliefs, how you treat others, what you do at home and work reflects on your ethics and morals.

[Cubmaster Jerry]

Very well said, AvidSM. Thinking for oneself is not something that comes naturally, unfortunately. It has to be learned. We as leaders and parents can preach and teach ethics and morals to our scouts and children. However, if we do not give them the opportunity to decide for themselves, they will always be looking for direction even when they are alone and have to make the decision themselves.

 

Jerry

[FScouter]

Using the methods of Scouting to achieve the Aims of Scouting pretty much ensures fulfiling the Mission of Scouting.