Your advancement is not a competition. Rather, it is a joint effort involving the leaders, the members, other volunteers such as merit badge counselors or mentors, and your family. Though much is done individually at your own pace, scouts often work together in groups to focus on achievements and electives. As you do this, we must recognize each scouts combination of strengths and weaknesses. As watchful leaders, either adult or youth,we lend assistance as called for and encourage members to help each other according to their abilities
From Cub Scouting through Venturing and Sea Scouts, we put the methods to work. Together they lead to mission fulfillment. For example, Scouting ideals, put forth in the timeless instruments of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, represent the most basic method. Moving on, we know young people want to belong to groups. Throughout the Scouting program, we provide a place where the sense of belonging is an outcome of practicing skills, exploring interests, learning values, forming friendships, and enjoying adventure. Associations within families and with a variety of adults are critical methods too, especially in terms of providing support and recognition and in developing mutual respect.
