Scouting is a worldwide youth movement dedicated to fostering leadership, outdoor skills, community service, and character development. It is designed to help young people develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally through a combination of structured activities, outdoor adventures, and service to others.
At its core, scouting is about preparing young people for life. Scouts learn valuable skills that will help them become responsible, resourceful, and resilient individuals who can contribute to their communities and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scouting aims to build character, foster citizenship, and develop personal fitness, helping youth become better prepared for adulthood.
Scouts are encouraged to:
The Scout Oath and Scout Law form the foundation of all activities in scouting. Scouts pledge to "do their best" to live by the values these guiding principles represent. This shapes the behavior, decisions, and attitude of each scout, providing a framework for personal development and service to others.
Scout Oath: 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 Law: A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Scouting encourages leadership and teamwork through the Patrol Method, which divides the troop into smaller groups of scouts, known as patrols. Patrols are self-governed and led by youth, with each patrol electing its own Patrol Leader. This system empowers scouts to take ownership of their group's success, teaching them responsibility, cooperation, and leadership skills.
Each patrol works together on tasks like camping, cooking, and service projects, fostering a sense of community while building practical skills. The Patrol Method is a core principle of scouting and has been a successful approach for decades.
To learn more about how Troop 23 organizes patrols and the structure we use, visit our Patrols page. You can also read about how we implement a Patrol Scoring System to encourage engagement and recognize achievements within each patrol here.
Scouting is also about advancement—working toward new ranks and earning Merit Badges that reflect a scout’s skills and knowledge. Scouts progress through the ranks by completing age-appropriate challenges that develop their abilities and leadership. The Merit Badge system allows scouts to explore a wide range of topics, from cooking and first aid to more specialized fields like robotics, environmental science, and emergency preparedness.
Troop 23 also offers plenty of opportunities for scouts to earn special awards through service projects, outdoor activities, and community involvement. From earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank to working toward specialized awards like the 50 Miler Award, scouts are constantly encouraged to set goals and pursue personal achievement.
For a complete breakdown of how advancement works in our troop and the awards available, please visit our Advancements page.
Scouting offers a broad range of benefits for youth:
Scouting is about learning by doing, and it equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in life. Whether you’re new to scouting or looking to join a troop, Troop 23 offers a supportive environment where youth can grow, learn, and make lasting memories.
To get involved or learn more about what scouting can do for your child, visit our How to Join page.