Editing Scouting America (section)

===Aims, methods, and ideals===
{{See also|Advancement and recognition in Scouting America}}
[[File:Boy Scouts of America uniform 1974.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Boy Scout, 1974, wearing uniform of the time]]
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|quote = "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 Oath
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|quote =  "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." -Scout Law
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[[File:Boy Scouts of America (1921 film).webm|thumb|''[[s:Boy Scouts of America (film)|Boy Scouts of America]]'' (1921), a silent film by Vitalux Movies outlining various practices in the BSA program]]
[[File:Boy Scouts at Mt. Vernon, (Virginia) LCCN2016824301.jpg|thumb|366x366px|Boy Scouts Troop at [[Mount Vernon, Virginia|Mt. Vernon Virginia]]]]
The objectives of Scouting America are referred to as the [[Aims and Methods of Scouting]]: Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, Leadership.{{r|CubAim}} Scouting America pursues these aims through an informal education system called the [[Scout method]], with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division.{{r|ussspvision|bsaldrtrng}}

Cub Scouts wear a [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Cub Scout uniform|uniform]] that gives each Scout a level of identity within the den, the [[Cub Scout pack|pack]] and the community. The Scouts learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of four to ten boys or girls under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law through an advancement system using age-based [[Ranks in Scouts BSA|ranks]] earned by completing required and elective adventures. Some advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members.{{r|bsa524406a}}

In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the [[Scout Promise#Boy Scouts of America|Scout Oath]], the [[Scout Law#United States of America|Scout Law]], the [[Outdoor Code]], the Scout motto ("Be prepared"), and the Scout slogan ("Do a good turn daily"). They wear a [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Boy Scout and Varsity Scout uniform|uniform]] and work together in patrols of four to ten Scouts with an elected patrol leader, who then appoints an assistant patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance.{{r|ussspboyscoutadvancement}} Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within the troop and to participate in community service.{{r|ussspboyscoutadvancement}}

Venturers are expected to know and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Before May 2014,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wendell|first=Bryan|date=November 18, 2013|title=New details on the rollout of using One Oath and Law in all programs|url=https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/11/18/new-details-on-the-rollout-of-using-one-oath-and-law-in-all-programs/|access-date=2021-03-20|website=Bryan on Scouting|language=en-US}}</ref> members of the Venturing program followed the now discontinued [[Venturing Oath]] and [[Venturing Code]].{{r|ussspwhatisventuring}} Venturers associate and work directly with adult advisors, but the crew is led by elected youth officers who are given opportunities to learn and apply leadership skills. Venturers plan and participate in interdependent group experiences dependent on cooperation. An emphasis on high adventure provides opportunities for team-building and practical leadership applications. A series of awards provide opportunities for recognition and personal growth.{{r|ussspventturingawards}} Each award requires the Venturer to teach what they have learned to others, thereby returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills.{{r|ussspventturingawards}}

In October 2012, the National Council announced that, as a result of the findings and recommendations of a select committee made up of volunteer Scouters, the Cub Scout and Venturing programs would transition to use of the Scout Oath and Law, and in the case of the Venturers, the Boy Scout three-finger salute and sign as well. The Venturing change occurred in May 2014; and the Cub Scout change in mid-2015.{{r|StandardChange}}