Editing Scouting America (section)

==Program==

===Aims, methods, and ideals===
{{See also|Advancement and recognition in Scouting America}}
[[File:Boy Scouts of America uniform 1974.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Boy Scout, 1974, wearing uniform of the time]]
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|quote = "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." -Scout Oath
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|quote =  "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." -Scout Law
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[[File:Boy Scouts of America (1921 film).webm|thumb|''[[s:Boy Scouts of America (film)|Boy Scouts of America]]'' (1921), a silent film by Vitalux Movies outlining various practices in the BSA program]]
[[File:Boy Scouts at Mt. Vernon, (Virginia) LCCN2016824301.jpg|thumb|366x366px|Boy Scouts Troop at [[Mount Vernon, Virginia|Mt. Vernon Virginia]]]]
The objectives of Scouting America are referred to as the [[Aims and Methods of Scouting]]: Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, Leadership.{{r|CubAim}} Scouting America pursues these aims through an informal education system called the [[Scout method]], with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division.{{r|ussspvision|bsaldrtrng}}

Cub Scouts wear a [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Cub Scout uniform|uniform]] that gives each Scout a level of identity within the den, the [[Cub Scout pack|pack]] and the community. The Scouts learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of four to ten boys or girls under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law through an advancement system using age-based [[Ranks in Scouts BSA|ranks]] earned by completing required and elective adventures. Some advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members.{{r|bsa524406a}}

In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the [[Scout Promise#Boy Scouts of America|Scout Oath]], the [[Scout Law#United States of America|Scout Law]], the [[Outdoor Code]], the Scout motto ("Be prepared"), and the Scout slogan ("Do a good turn daily"). They wear a [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Boy Scout and Varsity Scout uniform|uniform]] and work together in patrols of four to ten Scouts with an elected patrol leader, who then appoints an assistant patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance.{{r|ussspboyscoutadvancement}} Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within the troop and to participate in community service.{{r|ussspboyscoutadvancement}}

Venturers are expected to know and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Before May 2014,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wendell|first=Bryan|date=November 18, 2013|title=New details on the rollout of using One Oath and Law in all programs|url=https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/11/18/new-details-on-the-rollout-of-using-one-oath-and-law-in-all-programs/|access-date=2021-03-20|website=Bryan on Scouting|language=en-US}}</ref> members of the Venturing program followed the now discontinued [[Venturing Oath]] and [[Venturing Code]].{{r|ussspwhatisventuring}} Venturers associate and work directly with adult advisors, but the crew is led by elected youth officers who are given opportunities to learn and apply leadership skills. Venturers plan and participate in interdependent group experiences dependent on cooperation. An emphasis on high adventure provides opportunities for team-building and practical leadership applications. A series of awards provide opportunities for recognition and personal growth.{{r|ussspventturingawards}} Each award requires the Venturer to teach what they have learned to others, thereby returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills.{{r|ussspventturingawards}}

In October 2012, the National Council announced that, as a result of the findings and recommendations of a select committee made up of volunteer Scouters, the Cub Scout and Venturing programs would transition to use of the Scout Oath and Law, and in the case of the Venturers, the Boy Scout three-finger salute and sign as well. The Venturing change occurred in May 2014; and the Cub Scout change in mid-2015.{{r|StandardChange}}

=== Ranks ===
{{main|Ranks in Scouts BSA}}

There are seven ranks that a Scout in the Scouts BSA program may attain (note that Eagle Palms are not considered ranks<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eagle Palm Requirements|url=http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsrank8.asp|access-date=2020-07-04|website=usscouts.org}}</ref>). To obtain a rank, a Scout must complete the requirements for that rank, as well as have a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review (with the exception of Scout Rank).<ref name="USScoutRanks">{{cite web |title=Requirements for Boy Scout Ranks |url=http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsranks.asp |date=2019 |website=U.S. Scouting Service Project |access-date=July 5, 2020}}</ref> To obtain a rank you must first acquire the rank previous to it, with the exception of Scout rank in which a Scout can earn at anytime once they have completed the requirements for it. The ranks are in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout. An increasing number of merit badges, as well as being in troop leadership positions, is required for the latter 3 ranks, plus other requirements. Certain ranks require specific merit badges and leadership positions.<ref name="USScoutRanks" />

===Eagle Scout===
{{Main|Eagle Scout}}
[[File:Scouting America Eagle Scout badge.png|thumb|The Eagle Scout rank badge.]]
[[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]] is the highest rank one can receive in Scouts BSA. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 [[merit badge (Boy Scouts of America)|merit badges]] and demonstrating [[Scout Spirit]] through the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, all before or by age 18. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a [[medal]] and a [[badge]] that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2018/02/08/famous-former-scouts/|title=110 Scouts who became famous (just in time for the BSA's 110th birthday)|first=Bryan|last=Wendell|date=February 8, 2018|website=Bryan on Scouting}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/famous-eagle-alumni/|title=Famous Eagle Alumni|website=The National Eagle Scout Association|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814004812/https://nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/famous-eagle-alumni/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===National Scout jamboree===
[[File:2010 National Scout Jamboree 100728-D-7203C-012a.jpg|thumb|right|Anthony Thomas, the two millionth Eagle Scout, addresses a crowd of over 45,000 Scouts at the [[2010 National Scout Jamboree]], held at [[Fort A.P. Hill]], [[Virginia]].]]
{{Main|National Scout jamboree (Scouting America)}}

The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of Scouts and Venturers from across the US. It is usually held every four years, with some adjustment for special years such as the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that celebrated Scouting America centennial. The first jamboree was held in 1937 at the [[Washington Monument]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]{{r|time1}} There were 27,232 Scouts and Leaders present at the first National Jamboree.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Grant|first=Bruce|title=The Boy Scout Encyclopedia; Text and Illus. Prepared under the Direction of the Boy Scouts of America|publisher=Rand McNally|year=1952|isbn=978-1121366435|location=Chicago|pages=83}}</ref> In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America hosted their second National Jamboree at [[Valley Forge, Pennsylvania]]. The event was to commemorate the organization's 40th anniversary.<ref name=":0" /> Since then, jamborees have been held in varying locations. From 1981 until 2010, the jamboree was held at [[Fort A.P. Hill]], [[Virginia]]. A permanent location owned by Scouting America was sought in 2008 for future jamborees, high adventure programs and training. [[The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve]] near [[Beckley, West Virginia]], is now the permanent site beginning with the [[2013 National Scout Jamboree]].{{r|bsasummit}}

===High adventure===
{{Main|High Adventure bases of Scouting America}}
Scouting America operates several high-adventure bases at the national level. Each offers a wide range of programs and training; a typical core program may include sailing, wilderness canoeing or wilderness backpacking and camping trips. These bases are administered by the High Adventure Division of the National Council.<ref name="NHAB">{{cite web |title=National High Adventure Bases |url=https://www.scouting.org/national-high-adventure-bases |website=Boy Scouts of America |access-date=2022-06-16}}</ref>

The high-adventure bases of Scouting America are [[Philmont Scout Ranch]], [[Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases]], [[Sea Base]], and [[Summit Bechtel Reserve|The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National High Adventure Bases |url=https://www.scouting.org/national-high-adventure-bases/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Boy Scouts of America |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Boy scouts of the Wildcat patrol; (IA boyscoutsofwildc00eato).pdf|thumb|''Boy Scouts of the Wildcat Patrol'']]

===Training===
{{main|Leadership training (Scouting America)}}

Scouting America offers a wide variety of mandatory and optional training programs in youth protection, outdoor skills and leadership.

====Adult leader training====
Every adult leader must complete [[Youth Protection program (Boy Scouts of America)|Youth Protection Training]]. Position-specific training is also required for all direct-contact leaders. Upon completion of basic training, a leader may wear the Trained emblem on his/her Scouting America uniform.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Youth Protection |url=https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Boy Scouts of America |language=en-US}}</ref>

Supplemental skill-specific training is also available to Scouting America volunteers to gain knowledge in outdoors skills including camping, hiking, first aid, Leave No Trace, swim safety, climbing safety, hazardous weather, and other skills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supplemental Training Opportunities |url=https://www.scouting.org/training/supplemental-training-opportunities/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Boy Scouts of America |language=en-US}}</ref>

The highest level of Scouting America training is [[Wood Badge (Boy Scouts of America)|Wood Badge]],{{r|bsawbhistory}} focused on helping participants develop leadership skills while participating in an outdoor program over five days. Some councils offer high-adventure training for adults using the [[Powder Horn (Boy Scouts of America)|Powder Horn]] program.{{r|PowderHornInfo}} Leaders can also take the [[Seabadge]] advanced leadership and management course.{{r|SeaScouts}}

====Youth leadership training====
Scout youth leaders may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. Local councils offer the advanced [[National Youth Leadership Training]] and the National Council offers the [[National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience]] conducted at Philmont Training Center. Scouting America also offers the NYLT Leadership Academy which trains youth staff members from across the country for council-level NYLT courses.{{r|NYLTCourses}}

Venturers and Sea Scouts may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships. Crew officers can attend Crew Officer Orientation, and then a council-provided [[Kodiak (Boy Scouts of America)|Kodiak]] leadership training program.{{r|AdultTraining}}

[[Order of the Arrow]] members may attend the National Leadership Seminar, run multiple times each year by each region.{{r|OANLS}}

====National Camping School====
Scouting America operates a National Camping School program which trains people how to run various departments or areas at [[summer camp|resident camp]]s. Some online training is offered, but most areas require an in-person week-long training program at one of the National Camping Schools.{{r|ncsbsa|ncsbsa2}} After successfully completing a week-long program, a person is entitled to wear the National Camping School patch. The regular-size patch may be worn on the right breast shirt pocket, in the temporary patch spot.{{r|ncsbsa3}} National Camping School certification is valid for five years.{{r|ncsbsa4}}

==== COPE ====
COPE, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is a program that consists of a series of tests of strength, agility, coordination, and problem-solving, individually and within groups.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Peterson |first=Robert |title=The Boy Scouts: An American Adventure |date=1984 |publisher=American Heritage; Distributed by Houghton Mifflin |isbn=0828111731 |location=New York |pages=209–210}}</ref>

===Outdoor program===
{{see also|Leave No Trace|Tread Lightly!|Outdoor Code}}

Scouts see nature as an adventurous place, and it is expected that when they get older the experience from their youth will make them nature lovers. Scouts envisage nature as a heritage.{{r|OutdoorCode}} {{r|T577FieldBook}}
{{blockquote|"On breaking up camp leave two things behind you: 1. Nothing. 2. Your thanks." — Lord Baden-Powell in 1919.}}