Editing Scouting (section)

==Scout Movement characteristics==
Scouts use the Scout method, which incorporates an informal educational system that emphasizes practical activities in the outdoors. Programs exist for Scouts ranging in age from 6 to 25 (though age limits vary slightly by country), and program specifics target Scouts in a manner appropriate to their age.<ref name="constitution">{{cite web |date=April 2000 |url=http://www.scout.org/en/information_events/library/institutional_documents/constitution_of_w_o_s_m_jan_2011/wosm_constitution_full_version_en_fr |title=Constitution of WOSM |format=PDF |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=November 30, 2012 |pages=2–15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601023012/http://scout.org/en/information_events/library/institutional_documents/constitution_of_w_o_s_m_jan_2011/wosm_constitution_full_version_en_fr |archive-date=June 1, 2013  }}</ref><ref name="goodturn">{{cite web|year=1998 |url=http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |title=Scouting: An Educational System |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=July 10, 2006 |page=9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316202248/http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref>

===Scout method===
{{Main|Scout method}}

The Scout method is the principal method by which Scout organizations and Scouts, operate their units. One description of the Scout Movement is: "a voluntary nonpolitical educational movement for young people open to all without distinction of origin, [[Race (classification of human beings)|race]] or [[religion|creed]], in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the Founder".<ref name="constitution"/> It is the goal of Scouting "to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities."<ref name="constitution"/>

Scout principles describe a code of behaviour for all members and characterize the Scout Movement. The Scout method is a progressive system designed to achieve these goals, comprising seven elements: [[Scout Law|law]] and [[Scout Promise|promise]], learning by doing, team system, symbolic framework, personal progression, nature, and adult support.<ref name="Educational System">{{cite web|year=1998 |url=http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |title=Scouting: An Educational System |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=January 13, 2007 |page=19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316202248/http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref> While community service is a major element of both the WOSM and WAGGGS programs, WAGGGS includes it as an extra element of the Scout method: service in the community.<ref name="constitutionWAGGGS">{{cite web |year=2005 |url=http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/grab/1109/1/1ConstitutionbookletEnglish.pdf |title=Constitution Booklet |publisher=World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts |access-date=September 15, 2007 |page=Article 6b}}</ref>

The Scout Law and Promise embody the values of the Scout movement and bind all Scouts together. The emphasis on "learning by doing" provides experiences and hands-on orientation as a practical method of learning and building [[self-esteem|self-confidence]]. Small groups build unity, camaraderie, and a close-knit fraternal atmosphere. These experiences, along with an emphasis on trustworthiness and personal honor, help to develop [[personal responsibility|responsibility]], [[moral character|character]], [[self (psychology)|self-reliance]], self-confidence, reliability, and [[preparedness|readiness]]; which eventually lead to [[collaboration]] and [[leadership]]. A program with a variety of progressive and attractive activities expands a Scout's horizon and bonds the Scout even more to the group. Activities and games provide an enjoyable way to develop skills such as [[dexterity]]. In an outdoor setting, they also provide contact with the natural environment.<ref name="goodturn"/>

Since the origins of the Scout Movement, Scouts have taken a Scout Promise to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribe to the Scout Law. The form of the promise and laws have varied slightly by country and over time, but must fulfil the requirements of the WOSM to qualify a National Scout Association for membership.<ref name="constitution"/>

The [[Scout Motto]], "Be Prepared", has been used in various languages by millions of Scouts since 1907. Less well-known is the [[Boy Scouts of America#Aims, methods, and ideals|Scout Slogan]], "Do a good turn daily".<ref name="BSA slogan">{{cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/media/factsheets/02-503.aspx |title=What Is Boy Scouting? |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |access-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527102319/http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-503.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2008 }}</ref>

===Activities===
[[File:Guides Łosiniec.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|[[Girl Guide and Girl Scout|Girl Guides]] in front of a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] church in Poland]]

Common ways to implement the Scout method include having Scouts spending time together in small groups with shared experiences, [[ritual]]s, and activities, and emphasizing "good [[citizenship]]"<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Mills|first1=Sarah|title="An Instruction in Good Citizenship": Scouting and the Historical Geographies of Citizenship Education|journal=Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers|date=2013|volume=38|issue=1|pages=120–134|doi=10.1111/j.1475-5661.2012.00500.x|s2cid=56197483 |url=https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/12149}}</ref> and decision-making by young people in an age-appropriate manner. Weekly meetings often take place in local centres known as Scout dens. Cultivating a love and appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor activities is a key element. Primary activities include [[camping]], [[woodcraft]], [[List of water sports|aquatics]], [[hiking]], backpacking, and [[sport]]s.<ref name="vision">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Legal/mission.aspx |title=Mission Statement and Vision Statement |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |access-date=October 10, 2006 |archive-date=March 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303193618/http://www.scouting.org/Legal/mission.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="mbcom">{{cite web|url=http://www.meritbadge.com/info/aims.htm |title=Boy Scout Aims and Methods |publisher=Meritbadge.com |access-date=October 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022015708/http://meritbadge.com/info/aims.htm |archive-date=October 22, 2006 }}</ref>

Camping is most often arranged at the unit level, such as one Scout troop, but there are periodic camps (known in the US as "[[camporee]]s") and "[[jamboree (Scouting)|jamborees]]". Camps occur a few times a year and may involve several groups from a local area or region camping together for a weekend. The events usually have a theme, such as [[Pioneering (Scout Movement)|pioneering]]. [[World Scout Moot]]s are gatherings, originally for [[Rover Scout]]s, but mainly focused on [[Scout Leader]]s. Jamborees are large national or international events held every four years, during which thousands of Scouts camp together for one or two weeks. Activities at these events will include games, Scoutcraft competitions, [[Scouting memorabilia collecting|badge, pin or patch trading]], aquatics, woodcarving, [[archery]] and activities related to the theme of the event.<ref name="2007act">{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://eng.scouting2007.org/activities/  |title=2007 One World One Promise |work=World Centenary Activities |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=December 7, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061221141208/http://eng.scouting2007.org/activities/ |archive-date = December 21, 2006}}</ref>

[[File:Scout mem jamb 1979 1980 perry lakes gnangarra.jpg|thumb|Sculpture erected in 1982 to commemorate the 1979 Jamboree at [[Floreat, Western Australia|Perry Lakes]] [[Western Australia]] and 75 years of the Scout Movement]]
In some countries a highlight of the year for Scouts is spending at least a week in the summer engaging in an outdoor activity. This can be a camping, hiking, [[sailing]], or other trip with the unit, or a summer camp with broader participation (at the council, state, or provincial level). Scouts attending a summer camp work on [[Scout badge]]s, advancement, and perfecting Scoutcraft skills. Summer camps can operate specialty programs for older Scouts, such as sailing, backpacking, [[canoeing]] and [[whitewater]], [[caving]], and fishing.<ref name="pipsico">{{cite web|url=http://www.tidewaterbsa.com/pipsico/summercamp.html|title=Pipsico Scout Reservation|publisher=Tidewater Council|access-date=January 17, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211113959/http://www.tidewaterbsa.com/pipsico/summercamp.html|archive-date=February 11, 2009}}</ref><ref name="blueridge">{{cite web|url=http://www.bsa-brmc.org/camp.htm |title=Blue Ridge Mountains Scout Reservation |publisher=Blue Ridge Mountains Council|access-date=January 17, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080730083410/http://www.bsa-brmc.org/camp.htm| archive-date = July 30, 2008}}</ref>

Scout promote international harmony and peace.<ref name="peace">{{cite web |url=http://www.scout.org/en/about_scouting/mission_vision/the_vision |title=The Vision for Scouting |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=July 8, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212195123/http://www.scout.org/en/about_scouting/mission_vision/the_vision |archive-date=February 12, 2007  }}</ref> Various initiatives are in train towards achieving this aim including the development of activities that benefit the wider community, challenge prejudice and encourage tolerance of diversity. Such programs include co-operation with non-Scout organisations including various NGOs, the United Nations and religious institutions as set out in ''The Marrakech Charter''.<ref name="marrakech">{{cite web |url=http://scout.org/index.php/en/about_scouting/partners/marrakech/introduction |title=Introduction to Partnerships in Scouting |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=July 8, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516035701/http://www.scout.org/index.php/en/about_scouting/partners/marrakech/introduction |archive-date=May 16, 2007  }}</ref>

===Uniforms and distinctive insignia===
{{anchor|Uniform|Uniforms|Insignia}}
{{Self-reference|Individual national or other emblems may be found at the individual country's Scout article.}}

[[File:Ideal Scout.png|thumb|upright=0.75|The [[R. Tait McKenzie]] sculpture ''Ideal Scout'' depicts a Scout in traditional uniform]]
The Scout uniform is a widely recognized characteristic. Baden-Powell said the uniform "hides all differences of social standing in a country and makes for equality; but, more important still, it covers differences of country and race and creed, and makes all feel that they are members with one another of the one great brotherhood".<ref name="uniform">{{cite web |last=Wade |first=E.K. |year=1957 |url=http://pinetreeweb.com/wade12.htm |title=27 Years With Baden-Powell |work=Why the Uniform?, ch 12 |publisher=Pinetree.web |access-date=July 24, 2006}}</ref> The original uniform, still widely recognized, consisted of a [[khaki]] button-up shirt, shorts, and a broad-brimmed [[campaign hat]]. Baden-Powell also wore shorts, because he believed that being dressed like a Scout helped to reduce the age-imposed distance between adult and youth. Uniform shirts are now frequently blue, orange, red or green and shorts are frequently replaced by long trousers all year or only under cold weather.

While designed for smartness and equality, the Scout uniform is also practical. Shirts traditionally have thick seams to make them ideal for use in makeshift stretchers—Scouts were trained to use them in this way with their staves, a traditional but deprecated item. The leather straps and toggles of the [[campaign hat]]s or Leaders' [[Wood Badge]]s could be used as emergency [[tourniquets]], or anywhere that string was needed in a hurry. [[Neckerchief]]s were chosen as they could easily be used as a sling or triangular bandage by a Scout in need. Scouts were encouraged to use their [[garters]] for [[shock cord]] where necessary.<ref name="uniform"/>

Distinctive insignia for all are Scout uniforms, recognized and worn the world over, include the Wood Badge and the World Membership Badge. Scouts use a [[Fleur-de-lis in Scouting|fleur-de-lis]] emblem while members of the [[World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts]] (WAGGGS) use a [[trefoil]].<ref name="fleurwosm">{{cite web |url=http://www.scout.org/en/about_scouting/facts_figures/baden_powell/b_p_gallery/scout_emblem |title=World Scout Emblem |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207120057/http://scout.org/en/about_scouting/facts_figures/baden_powell/b_p_gallery/scout_emblem |archive-date=February 7, 2009  }}</ref><ref name="worldtrefoil">{{cite web |url=http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/resources/photos/54 |title=The World Trefoil |publisher=World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts |access-date=December 7, 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061231034510/http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/resources/photos/54 |archive-date = December 31, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[fylfot]] (now more commonly called a [[swastika]]) was used by the [[The Scout Association|Boy Scouts Association]] of the United Kingdom and others in early thanks badges from 1911.<ref name="swastika">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.milestones.btinternet.co.uk/badges.htm |work=Scouting milestones |title=The Fleur-de-lis and the Swastika|publisher=btinternet.co.uk |access-date=January 10, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614021806/http://www.scouting.milestones.btinternet.co.uk/badges.htm|archive-date=June 14, 2011}}</ref> Lord Baden-Powell's 1922 design for the Medal of Merit added a swastika to the Scout Arrowhead to symbolize good luck for the recipient. In 1934, Scouters requested a change to the design because of the connection of the swastika with its more recent use by the [[Nazi Party|German National Socialist Workers (Nazi) Party]]. A new Medal of Merit was issued by the Boy Scouts Association in 1935.<ref name="swastika"/>