Aims are long-term outcomes we want for every boy.  Every Boy Scout activity moves the boys toward three basic aims of Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Mental and Physical Fitness. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. Character is defined as what your behavior is, when you think no one is looking. Character encompasses a boy's personal qualities, values, and outlook. Boy Scouting strives to help boys grow in the following ways:

• Becomes confident but is not conceited
• He is honest with himself and others
• His personal appearance shows that he respects himself
• He develops special skills and interests
• He can take care of himself, especially in emergencies
• He can be counted upon to do his best, even in difficult situations
• He respects other people regardless of their differences
• 
  

Citizenship Training

The Scouting program allows boys to practice good citizenship by living and working among others in a troop with rules based on the common good. Each Scout is further encouraged to
do the following:

* Learn about and take pride in his national heritage
* Develop an understanding of the social, economic, and governmental systems of which

he is a part
* Be of service to others
* Have knowledge of and respect for cultures and social groups other than his own
* Be aware of community organizations and their functions
* Appreciate the environment and seek to protect it

Mental and Physical Fitness

People get the most out of life when they are mentally and physically fit. Scouting

motivates each Scout to work toward these goals:

* Improve his general physical condition through exercise and participation in vigorous

activities that might include outdoor adventures and sports
* Eat properly, get enough sleep, and follow other habits for good health
* Keep his weight within a healthy range
* Reject experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, or with other

activities that can be harmful to himself or others
* Strive to be mentally alert
* Use good judgment and make sound decisions
* Train himself to be resourceful in solving problems