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April Zion District Key 3 Message
Character, Citizenship, Moral and Physical Fitness are known as the “AIMS of Scouting”. As leaders of
scouts these should be our goals as well. Whenever, plans are made with the boys to attend outings,
activities, special events, service projects, or any occasion for that matter, we should teach these AIMS
to the boys by giving them duties and responsibilities that will foster growth in these areas. In other
words, we should “Scout with a purpose” or “Scout with these purposes in mind”.
The syllabus for helping boys cultivate the AIMS of Scouting in their lives is commonly referred to as the
“Methods of Scouting”. These methods differ slightly among the various families of scouting (i.e., Cubs,
Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venture Scouts). However, I will reference the Boy Scout methods because they
are the most comprehensive.
Acronyms are very popular these days with so much texting and tweeting, so I will suggest PAULSOAP
as the acronym of choice to help remember the methods of Scouting. Can you identify the AIMS taught
in each of the methods listed below?
P – PATROL METHOD. This helps the boys understand and practice organizational skills. As
patrol members they experience giving, receiving and fulfilling assignments. They divide up the
chores to be done and work together as a group to meet their goals. They develop a patrol spirit
and take pride in their accomplishments as a team.
The object of the patrol method is not so much saving the Scoutmaster trouble as to give
responsibility to the boy. – Sir Robert Baden-Powell
A – ADULT ASSOCIATION. While Scouting programs are youth-led, there are still adults present
to mentor and help the youth leaders. Adults have wisdom from experience to draw upon and
share that wisdom with boys at opportune times.
U – UNIFORM. The uniform gives the Scout identity with youth and adults who believe in the
same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy
Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
L – LEADERSHIP. The Scouting program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills.
Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership
situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of
others and guides him towards being a good citizen.
S - Scouting Ideals. The ideal Boy Scout is found in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The
Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are
high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.
O – OUTDOORS. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live
with one another. The skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose.
When boys are close to nature they gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around
them. The outdoors is a laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation
of nature's resources.
A – ADVANCEMENT. Scouting provides a series of attainable hurdles through the advancement
method. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each
challenge. He is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The
April Zion District Key 3 Message
steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and in his ability to help
others.
P – PERSONAL GROWTH. 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.
Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. The
Duty to God religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method.
Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each boy determine his growth
toward Scouting's aims.
Please use all eight of these methods as you teach the boys in your stewardship the AIMS of Scouting. It
isn’t just about the Advancement or the Outdoors, it is all of the Methods working together that will
truly make a difference in the young man’s life.
Kendell Bundy, Zion District Vice-Chairman