Why Scouting?

The challenges imposed on the world by the new conditions require our children to be prepared to respond to the demands of the 21st century. Language proficiency, multicultural knowledge, physical, mental, emotional challenges, will make the difference for our children. They must set high standards and stand up for what they believe in. We need to help them build character, to train them to be participating citizens, and develop personal fitness. We must teach our children moral and ethical values through programs that bring challenges.

The Scout Oath:
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey this scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Motto:
BE PREPARED

The Scout Law:
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Slogan:
Do A Good Turn Daily

Our communities, our family structures, our parent-child relationships are undergoing tremendous change. Values that used to seem unassailable now seem to be under attack. The issues facing today's youth are violence, infectious disease, fierce economic competition, rapid technological change, and negative peer pressure. Today's youth are likely to have their values and ethics influenced by television or peer groups. One of four American adolescents engages in high-risk behaviors. A recent survey points to lack of values in young people. Each day, America's youth face dozens of important personal choices that can frighten, overwhelm, or confuse them. Through churches and community organizations, Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops are sponsored to develop in young men exemplary character needed for tomorrow's leaders. In the search for solid moral ground, America is returning to the values that Scouting never left. What if everyone lived by the Scout Oath and Law? Information offered by Robert Sentell.

Scouting's Bottom Line Materials found at the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Website ©1997-2001 may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations.

For every 100 boys who join Scouting, records indicate that: - RARELY will one be brought before the juvenile court system - 2 will become Eagle Scouts - 17 will become future Scout volunteers - 12 will have their first contact with a church - 1 will enter the clergy - 5 will earn their church award - 18 will develop a hobby that will last through their adult life - 8 will enter a vocation that was learned through the merit badge system - 1 will use his Scouting skills to save his own life - 1 will use his Scouting skills to save the life of another person Scouting's alumni record is equally impressive. A recent nation-wide survey of high schools revealed the following information: - 85% of student council presidents were Scouts - 89% of senior class presidents were Scouts - 80% of junior class presidents were Scouts - 75% of school publication editors were Scouts - 71% of football captains were Scouts Scouts also account for: - 64% of Air Force Academy graduates - 68% of West Point graduates - 70% of Annapolis graduates - 72% of Rhodes Scholars - 85% of F.B.I. agents - 26 of the first 29 astronauts

Thanks to: Boy Scouts Troop 96 Epworth Methodist BSA 911 Greater Alabama Council for this data.