For over 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives. The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to:
- Try new things
- Provide service to others
- Build self-confidence
- Reinforce ethical standards
While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community. Scouting provides youth with a sense that they are important as individuals. It is communicated to them that those in the Scouting family care about what happens to them, regardless of whether a game is won or lost. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem. As a result, when hard decisions have to be made, peer pressure can be resisted and the right choices can be made.
At the Unit Level - Packs, Troops, Teams, Crews and Ships
Units can use a variety of fundraising methods as long as they meet the guidelines set by the National Council and their local council and are approved by their unit committee and chartered organization. Most commonly, units are funded through:
- Weekly or monthly dues paid by the member
- Unit product sales such as popcorn
- Chartered organization contributions
- Other money-earning projects approved by the chartered organization
Units can use the funds they raise for any activities that are within the national and local council guidelines and that their unit committee and chartered organization approve. Most commonly, units use their funds for:
- Unit activities such as camping and other activities
- Program supplies for unit activities
- Equipment such as tents, camp stoves, and pinewood derby® tracks
- Advancements and awards such as rank emblems and merit badges
- Boys’ Life magazine subscriptions
At the Three Fires Council Level
Our Council is funded through:
- Annual Giving Campaign TFC Gives donations
- Special events - such as Merit Badge University, Sporting Clays Classic, etc.
- Product sales such as popcorn and Scout shop retail
- Legacies and bequests
- Foundation grants
- Local United Ways
- Activity fees from summer camp, camporees, etc.
- Proceeds from our retail Scout Shops
- Investment income and endowments
- Matching Gift Program
- Memorial and Tributes
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Through our world-class programs, we bring together youth of every race, religion, ethnic background, and economic status in programs to develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America.
BSA National Standards