The BSA has a mission statement, vision, and values analysis that guide its work and shape its culture. In this article, we will delve into these core principles and analyze how they shape the BSA’s approach to youth development.
BSA: Mission Statement, Vision & Values Analysis
Introduction to the Boy Scouts of America:
One of the biggest and most well-known organizations in the US for youth development is the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Founded in 1910, the BSA has a long history of preparing young people for success in life through a variety of programs and activities that focus on building character, developing leadership skills, and promoting physical fitness.
The BSA serves more than 2.4 million youth and over 1 million adult volunteers through its various programs, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. These programs are designed for youth ages 7 to 21 and offer a wide range of activities that help young people learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun.
BSA Mission Statement
The BSA’s mission statement is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” This statement summarizes the organization’s purpose and goal: to help young people develop character and make good decisions throughout their lives.
The Scout Oath and Law play a central role in the BSA’s mission and values. The Scout Oath is a promise that Scouts make to themselves and others to live by a set of values that include the duty to God, country, and others; loyalty; bravery; and cleanliness. The Scout Law is a set of 12 values that Scouts strive to live by, including trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and bravery.
BSA Vision
The BSA’s vision is “to be the premier youth-serving organization in America, known for providing the nation’s best leadership development program.” This vision reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence and its desire to be recognized as a leader in youth development.
To achieve this vision, the BSA focuses on providing a range of programs and activities that help young people develop the skills and values they need to succeed in life. These programs include traditional outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, as well as more specialized programs such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career development.
BSA Values
The BSA’s values are reflected in the Scout Oath and Law, and they guide the organization’s approach to youth development. These values include:
- Duty to God: The BSA believes that young people should have a strong moral foundation and a sense of spiritual values.
- Duty to the country: The BSA encourages young people to be responsible citizens and to give back to their communities.
- Loyalty: The BSA promotes loyalty to family, friends, and community.
- Bravery: The BSA assists young people in gaining confidence and the bravery to take on difficulties.
- Cleanliness: The BSA teaches young people the importance of physical and mental cleanliness, as well as environmental stewardship.
Analysis of BSA Mission, Vision, and Values
The BSA’s mission, vision, and values reflect the organization’s commitment to helping young people develop the skills and values they need to succeed in life. By focusing on character development, leadership skills, and physical fitness, the BSA helps young people become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
One key aspect of the BSA’s approach is its emphasis on outdoor activities and adventure. These activities help young people develop confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of accomplishment. They also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about and appreciate the natural world, and to develop a sense of stewardship for the environment.
Another important element of the BSA’s approach is its focus on leadership development. The organization provides a range of opportunities for young people to learn leadership skills and put those skills into practice. This includes leadership roles within the Scouts, as well as opportunities to lead service projects and other community initiatives.
The BSA’s values of duty to God, country, and others; loyalty; bravery; and cleanliness are also central to its approach to youth development. These values help young people develop a strong moral foundation and a sense of responsibility to others. They also encourage young people to be good citizens and to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
The BSA is a youth organization that works to help young people develop character and make good decisions throughout their lives by teaching them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The BSA’s mission, vision, and values guide its work and shape its culture, and they reflect the organization’s commitment to helping young people develop the skills and values they need to succeed in life. By focusing on character development, leadership skills, and physical fitness, the BSA helps young people become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. The BSA’s values of duty to God, country, and others; loyalty; bravery; and cleanliness are central to its approach to youth development, and they encourage young people to be good citizens and to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Overall, the BSA’s mission, vision, and values play a vital role in shaping the organization and its impact on young people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the Boy Scouts of America a faith-based organization?
No, the BSA is not a religious organization. While the Scout Oath includes a reference to the duty to God, the organization is open to youth of all faiths and does not promote any particular religion.
- Can girls join the Boy Scouts of America?
Yes, the BSA now has a program called Scouts BSA that is open to both boys and girls. The Cub Scouts program, which serves youth ages 7 to 10, has also been open to girls since 2018.
- What is the purpose of the Scout Oath and Law?
The Scout Oath and Law are central to the BSA’s mission and values. The Scout Oath is a promise that Scouts make to themselves and others to live by a set of values, while the Scout Law is a set of 12 values that Scouts strive to live by. These values help young people develop character and make good decisions throughout their lives.
