Troops 155 and 1155 follow the BSA Aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Scout practices and follows the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, in every aspect of their lives and measures themselves according to these ideals, continually trying to improve. The goals are high, but as each Scout reaches them, they have control over who and what they become.
Our Troops are "Scout led". This means that Adult Leaders allow the Scouts to learn valuable lessons in leading their own meetings, outings, service projects, etc. That even means through their failures and mistakes as well. Adult Leaders defer to Scout leadership to handle any issues that arise.
Scouts learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to Scouts, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.
The Scouts BSA program encourages Scouts to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps Scouts accept the leadership role of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Scouts elect their own leadership every year. The Scout Leaders determine how their Troop and subsequently, their patrols, proceed. This includes campouts and activities. Adult leaders are separate from the Troops and do not interfere unless there is a problem. Scouts plan and do for themselves and only involve leadership when problems arise. Parents are strongly encouraged to scout with their Scouts, but to also allow them to grow without intervention. Scout leaders will do their best to ensure things run smoothly, but if not, will receive help from adult leadership. This allows for more "Scout led" activities and prevents scouts from resenting parents while there.
As 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 Scouts BSA. Scouts 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 the troop's Scoutmaster help each Scout determine their own growth toward Scouting's aims.
The patrol method gives the Scouts an experience in group living and citizenship. It teaches Scouts responsibility by giving all Scouts a job to do. They are able to interact in small groups where they can relate to each other. These patrols are what determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
Scouts BSA 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 Scouts gain an appreciation for nature and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.
The uniform makes the Scouts BSA troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouts BSA is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world community of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Each Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help Scouts grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
