The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which was 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 BSA endeavors to develop boys and young men into American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The BSA strives to develop self-reliance in a Scout by developing characteristics such as:
- Initiative
- Courage
- Resourcefulness
- Personal values based on religion
- Desire and skills to help others
- Understanding the principles of federal, state, and local government
The BSA also engages Scouts to be knowledgeable about and to take pride in their American heritage and to understand the role of America in the world and to have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people. The BSA also prepares Scouts to participate in and give leadership to American society.
The three objectives of the Scouting program are:
- Character development
- Citizenship training
- Personal fitness