The Boy Scout Program


 

Camp Mack Morris
Summer Camp 
Leader Resources
-Fast Start Leader Training
-Youth Protection Training
-Scouting Forms
BSA Ready & Prepared Award

Eagle Scout
-Rank Application
-Leadership Service 
Project Workbook

Troop Committee Challenge
Click HERE

Order of the Arrow
Ittawamba Lodge

 
 
Purpose
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth. 
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are  physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.

Volunteers
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scouting program. They serve in a variety of jobs; everything from unit leaders to chairmen of troop committees, committee members, merit badge counselors, and chartered organization representatives.

 Boy Scouting, one of the membership divisions of the BSA , is available to boys who have 
the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11 through 17 years old.  The program achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities.
Merit Badge Pamphlets
Each merit badge subject is outlined and explained in a pamphlet that contains short, introductory information written for Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts by recognized authorities. More than a million pamphlets are sold yearly, and many are used as approved reference texts in libraries and school curricula.
Counselors
People who are knowledgeable of the various merit badge subjects are selected, approved, and trained by council and district advancement committees to serve as merit badge counselors. For example, a dentist might be asked to serve as a counselor for the Dentistry merit badge. A counselor must not only possess the necessary technical knowledge but have a solid understanding of the needs, interests, and abilities of Scouts.  A counselor must also be a registered adult with the BSA.
Merit Badge Program
As chartered by the Congress of the United States, 
the Boy Scouts of America is a movement dedicated 
to supplementing and enlarging the education of youth. 
The merit badge program, which provides opportunities for youth to explore more than a 
hundred fields of skill and knowledge, plays a 
key role in the fulfillment of this educational commitment.

A vital part of the BSA's advancement plan, the merit badge program, is one of Scouting's basic character building tools.  Through participation in the program (which may begin immediately upon registration in a troop or team), a Scout acquires the kind of self-confidence that comes only from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. 
Instruction is offered in everything from animal science and public speaking to swimming and communications, providing a young man with invaluable career, physical, and interpersonal skills.

 Badges for Eagle
To qualify for the Eagle Scout Award, Scouting's highest advancement rank, a Scout must - along with meeting five other requirements - earn a total of 21 merit badges, including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Safety, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Personal Fitness OR Swimming OR Sports, Camping, and Family Life.
Procedure
When a Scout has an interest in earning a particular merit badge, he obtains his Scoutmaster's approval and identifies another Scout with similar interests to become his partner. They are then directed to the appropriate merit badge counselor. The counselor reviews the badge requirements with the Scouts and they decide what projects should be done and when they should be completed. After the counselor has certified that the Scouts have qualified for the merit badge, it is presented to them at a troop meeting and can be applied toward rank advancement.