Scouting is a Game with a Purpose
FUN is the GAME
VALUES are the PURPOSE
LEARNING is the PROCESS.
Three Activities that Teach Values:
Reflection. By talking about or reflecting on their experiences, Scouts learn to
think for themselves and practice group skills. They make judgments, work together, and
develop understanding and trust. With guidance, they can seek and find the meaning or
purpose behind activities, make sense of their experiences, and reinforce positive values.
Problem Solving. Through stories involving ethical dilemmas, Scouts learn
successful ways to resolve real problems. With experience, Scouts learn how to apply this
method to real problems in Scouting and in their own lives.
Community Service. By planning and carrying out meaningful service projects, Scouts
are able to connect with the real needs of their community.
Scouting is a Special Place. The rules are the ones we know well: the Scout Oath
and the Scout Law.
We create a safe haven in Scouting, a place where everyone should feel physically and
emotionally secure. We do this in several ways:
We set the example for ourselves and others by always behaving as Scouts should. We live
the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day, to the best of our abilities.
We refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate put-down, name-calling, or physical
agression.
We communicate our acceptance of each participant and each other through expressions of
concern for them, and by showing our appreciation whenever possible.
We create an environment based on learning and fun. We seek the best from each
participant, and we do our best to help him achieve it.
Our goal as leaders is to bring the values of Scouting through. The way we do this is with
an exciting program, challenging activities, and a real adventure for boys. We deliver the
promise of scouting.
The Scoutmaster...must realize the needs, outlooks and desires of the different ages of
boy life. He must deal with the individual boy rather than with the mass.-BadenPowell
Children and youth are not small adults; they understand things differently and act on
things for different reasons than adults do. If we assume that children see the world as
adults do, we will most likely be frustrated by their inability to understand us or listen
to what we say, and they will likely be frustrated with us because we don't appear to
listen to or understand them.