For more than 100 years, Scouting has instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  These values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential today as they were in 1910.  Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives. 

The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to:

• Try new things.
• Provide service to others.
• Build self-confidence.
• Develop character

While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that; encouraging youths to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.  Scouting provides youths with a sense that they are important as individuals.  They learn that those in the Scouting family care about what happens to them, regardless of whether a game is won or lost.  Perhaps most importantly, Scouting fosters a sense of responsibility and high self-esteem.  As a result, when a Scout has to make a hard decision, he is more likely than non-scouts to resist peer pressure and make the right choice.