The Outdoor Service Guides (formerly called the Baden-Powell Service Association or BPSA) was formed in the United States in 2006 as an independent Scouting Association. We offer a co-ed, nondiscriminatory back-to-basics program based upon the original principles and model established by Robert Baden-Powell in England in 1907. We are one of a large number of B-P Traditional Scouting Associations around the world. Our Scouts are in touch with this international Scouting movement and its members through our membership in the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS). Although the Outdoor Service Guides is not affiliated with other Scouting organizations in the United States, we consider all Scouts to be our brothers and sisters and are not in competition with them.
Traditional Scouting is not “Old Fashioned" or “Re-Enactment” scouting. Some requirements have been adjusted to meet changes in inclusion, technology, health and safety, environmental standards and modern “leave no trace” camping standards.
There are options for which scout program to join. All of them are good programs with the same aim in mind: To create useful citizens. The difference is what parts of the scout method and training are stressed more. Scouting is ultimately an outdoor movement inspired by the nature of pioneers and explorers. Scouting is also a game. A game that should be open to be played by anyone.
Traditional Scouting is not “Old Fashioned" or “Re-Enactment” scouting. Some requirements have been adjusted to meet changes in inclusion, technology, health and safety, environmental standards and modern “leave no trace” camping standards.
There are options for which scout program to join. All of them are good programs with the same aim in mind: To create useful citizens. The difference is what parts of the scout method and training are stressed more. Scouting is ultimately an outdoor movement inspired by the nature of pioneers and explorers. Scouting is also a game. A game that should be open to be played by anyone.
PUBLIC SERVICE
The BPSA’s program encourages leaders and volunteers to motivate the scouts, no matter what section, to give back to the wider community in which they live. Scouting’s aims and practices train the youth to put service before self, whether by participating in community service projects with the group, organizing a public service project with their Patrol (Den or Six), or even helping out around their school and home.
OUTDOORS
The best place to learn about life is the outdoors. What we learn in nature cannot be replicated in the classroom. Through thoughtful interaction of our constantly changing environment one will learn the social and mental skills to be prepared for life’s challenges. It is also a good place to explore inwardly as well to realize who we are and in what do we believe.
METHODS
The Scout Method is defined as a system of progressive self-education through:
To elaborate on some of these key methods…
The Patrol System - membership in small groups
The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations, and where properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. The Patrol is a unit of Scouting always, whether for work or play, for discipline or duty.
The Patrol System puts responsibility on to the individual; immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his/her patrol. Then, through emulation and competition between patrols, you produce “patrol spirit,” which raises the tone among the youth and develops higher standards of efficiency all around. Each youth in the patrol realizes that they are a responsible unit and that the honor of their patrol depends on some degree on their own ability to play the game of scouting.
Our youth teach the youth with guidance and counseling from the adults; not an adult controlled environment.
Youth leadership is emphasized in all the sections, and increases with the age group. Even in the Otter Raft we have rotating youth Den Leaders and in the Timberwolf Pack there are the youth Sixers who help lead each Six.
Progressive Training Scheme
Proficiency badges show a Scout’s “current” skill level. Through games and activities these skills are routinely maintained. Proficiency badges are organized into two general categories: Scoutcraft and Public Service. Proficiency badges are not ranks. Ranks are Patrol Leader, Troop Leader, Group Scoutmaster, Quartermaster, etc.
The Uniform, Promise, and Law
Scouting is a game that we learn how to play. The instructions to scouting could be simplified into the Scout Law and Promise. We do our best to use them to guide us through our everyday lives.
The uniform is an integral part of the Scout Method. As B-P said, “Smartness in uniform and correctness in detail may seem a small matter, but has its value in the development of self-respect, and means an immense deal to the reputation of the Movement among outsiders who judge by what they see.” If youth dress like Scouts they will act like Scouts; and our adult Rovers and Leaders in the movement set the example.
However, B-P also stated that, “I have often said, ‘I don’t give a fig whether a Scout wears a uniform or not so long as his heart is in his work and he carriers out the Scout Law.’ But the fact is that there is hardly a Scout who does not wear the uniform if he can afford to buy it. The spirit prompts him to it.”
Given all of this, BPSA understands the uniform is a method to help achieve the Aims of Scouting, as B-P has stated. It is not an aim in and of itself. If a group, Scout, or parents—due to finances, environment, or other reasons—can’t afford to purchase a uniform in full, it’s OK. If the scouts start off with only the necker and nothing else, the game of Scouting can still be played. Scouts, parents, and groups can work towards being able to provide uniforms progressively and in the future by any number of means; as the uniform is an important part of the Scout method. But the focus of ANY local scout group or section should be on the implementation of the program and other Scout methods before worrying over uniform.
- The Patrol System – Membership in small groups involving progressive acceptance of responsibility and development of character, competence, self-reliance, dependability, and capacities to both cooperate and lead
- Learning by doing (hands-on training)
- A progressive and stimulating program of activities, including games, useful skills, service in the community and all taking place largely in the outdoors
- Having a uniform, promise, and law
To elaborate on some of these key methods…
The Patrol System - membership in small groups
The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations, and where properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. The Patrol is a unit of Scouting always, whether for work or play, for discipline or duty.
The Patrol System puts responsibility on to the individual; immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his/her patrol. Then, through emulation and competition between patrols, you produce “patrol spirit,” which raises the tone among the youth and develops higher standards of efficiency all around. Each youth in the patrol realizes that they are a responsible unit and that the honor of their patrol depends on some degree on their own ability to play the game of scouting.
Our youth teach the youth with guidance and counseling from the adults; not an adult controlled environment.
Youth leadership is emphasized in all the sections, and increases with the age group. Even in the Otter Raft we have rotating youth Den Leaders and in the Timberwolf Pack there are the youth Sixers who help lead each Six.
Progressive Training Scheme
Proficiency badges show a Scout’s “current” skill level. Through games and activities these skills are routinely maintained. Proficiency badges are organized into two general categories: Scoutcraft and Public Service. Proficiency badges are not ranks. Ranks are Patrol Leader, Troop Leader, Group Scoutmaster, Quartermaster, etc.
The Uniform, Promise, and Law
Scouting is a game that we learn how to play. The instructions to scouting could be simplified into the Scout Law and Promise. We do our best to use them to guide us through our everyday lives.
The uniform is an integral part of the Scout Method. As B-P said, “Smartness in uniform and correctness in detail may seem a small matter, but has its value in the development of self-respect, and means an immense deal to the reputation of the Movement among outsiders who judge by what they see.” If youth dress like Scouts they will act like Scouts; and our adult Rovers and Leaders in the movement set the example.
However, B-P also stated that, “I have often said, ‘I don’t give a fig whether a Scout wears a uniform or not so long as his heart is in his work and he carriers out the Scout Law.’ But the fact is that there is hardly a Scout who does not wear the uniform if he can afford to buy it. The spirit prompts him to it.”
Given all of this, BPSA understands the uniform is a method to help achieve the Aims of Scouting, as B-P has stated. It is not an aim in and of itself. If a group, Scout, or parents—due to finances, environment, or other reasons—can’t afford to purchase a uniform in full, it’s OK. If the scouts start off with only the necker and nothing else, the game of Scouting can still be played. Scouts, parents, and groups can work towards being able to provide uniforms progressively and in the future by any number of means; as the uniform is an important part of the Scout method. But the focus of ANY local scout group or section should be on the implementation of the program and other Scout methods before worrying over uniform.
Summary
This is the program that BPSA is founded upon and represents. For those adults and youth, whether women or men, who want to participate in a program that develops the character and resourcefulness of youth through progressive learning of outdoor skills and strives to replace self with service, we encourage everyone to join in and play the game of Scouting with BPSA.
A more comprehensive introduction to Traditional Scouting
https://www.bpsa-us.org/pdf/intro-traditional-scouting.pdf
BPSA-US Website
http://bpsa-us.org/
Scouting is a game for boys [girls too!], under the leadership of boys, in which elder brothers can give their
brothers healthy environments and encourage them to healthy activities such as will help them
to develop citizenship.
Its strongest appeal is through Nature Study and Woodcraft. It deals with the individual, not with
the Company. It raises intellectual as well as purely physical or purely moral qualities.
Baden-Powell. Aids to Scoutmastership. 1920. Page 17
A more comprehensive introduction to Traditional Scouting
https://www.bpsa-us.org/pdf/intro-traditional-scouting.pdf
BPSA-US Website
http://bpsa-us.org/
Scouting is a game for boys [girls too!], under the leadership of boys, in which elder brothers can give their
brothers healthy environments and encourage them to healthy activities such as will help them
to develop citizenship.
Its strongest appeal is through Nature Study and Woodcraft. It deals with the individual, not with
the Company. It raises intellectual as well as purely physical or purely moral qualities.
Baden-Powell. Aids to Scoutmastership. 1920. Page 17