The purpose of the Boy Scouts
of America, incorporated on February 8, 1910, and
chartered by Congress in 1916, is to provide an educational program for boys and young
adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship,
and to
develop personal fitness. The Boy Scouts
of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers
effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American
citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of
self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness;
have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help
others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental
systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand
our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people;
and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
Boy Scouting, one of three membership divisions of the
BSA (the others are Cub Scouting and Venturing), is available to boys who have earned the
Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11 through 17 years
old, and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. The program achieves the BSA's objectives of
developing character, citzenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing
on a vigorous program of outdoor activities.
