Editing Scouting (section)

===Scout method===
{{Main|Scout method}}

The Scout method is the principal method by which Scout organizations and Scouts, operate their units. One description of the Scout Movement is: "a voluntary nonpolitical educational movement for young people open to all without distinction of origin, [[Race (classification of human beings)|race]] or [[religion|creed]], in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the Founder".<ref name="constitution"/> It is the goal of Scouting "to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities."<ref name="constitution"/>

Scout principles describe a code of behaviour for all members and characterize the Scout Movement. The Scout method is a progressive system designed to achieve these goals, comprising seven elements: [[Scout Law|law]] and [[Scout Promise|promise]], learning by doing, team system, symbolic framework, personal progression, nature, and adult support.<ref name="Educational System">{{cite web|year=1998 |url=http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |title=Scouting: An Educational System |publisher=World Organization of the Scout Movement |access-date=January 13, 2007 |page=19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316202248/http://www.scout.org/en/content/download/3899/34684/file/ScoutEducSyst_E.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref> While community service is a major element of both the WOSM and WAGGGS programs, WAGGGS includes it as an extra element of the Scout method: service in the community.<ref name="constitutionWAGGGS">{{cite web |year=2005 |url=http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/grab/1109/1/1ConstitutionbookletEnglish.pdf |title=Constitution Booklet |publisher=World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts |access-date=September 15, 2007 |page=Article 6b}}</ref>

The Scout Law and Promise embody the values of the Scout movement and bind all Scouts together. The emphasis on "learning by doing" provides experiences and hands-on orientation as a practical method of learning and building [[self-esteem|self-confidence]]. Small groups build unity, camaraderie, and a close-knit fraternal atmosphere. These experiences, along with an emphasis on trustworthiness and personal honor, help to develop [[personal responsibility|responsibility]], [[moral character|character]], [[self (psychology)|self-reliance]], self-confidence, reliability, and [[preparedness|readiness]]; which eventually lead to [[collaboration]] and [[leadership]]. A program with a variety of progressive and attractive activities expands a Scout's horizon and bonds the Scout even more to the group. Activities and games provide an enjoyable way to develop skills such as [[dexterity]]. In an outdoor setting, they also provide contact with the natural environment.<ref name="goodturn"/>

Since the origins of the Scout Movement, Scouts have taken a Scout Promise to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribe to the Scout Law. The form of the promise and laws have varied slightly by country and over time, but must fulfil the requirements of the WOSM to qualify a National Scout Association for membership.<ref name="constitution"/>

The [[Scout Motto]], "Be Prepared", has been used in various languages by millions of Scouts since 1907. Less well-known is the [[Boy Scouts of America#Aims, methods, and ideals|Scout Slogan]], "Do a good turn daily".<ref name="BSA slogan">{{cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/media/factsheets/02-503.aspx |title=What Is Boy Scouting? |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |access-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527102319/http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-503.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2008 }}</ref>