Scouting is about more than just hiking and camping.
The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America is:
To prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The 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.
The Scout Law:
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,
Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,
Brave, Clean, & Reverent.
The Scout Motto: Be Prepared
The Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily
The Outdoor Code:
As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conversation minded.
...So our purpose is to train Scouts to be good citizens, who will Be Prepared to become Leaders in the Community.