At the end of this session each participant should be able to:
- List the AIMS of Scouting
- Appreciate the need for our Order to strive for achievement of those AIMS
- Identify the METHODS of Scouting
- Recognize opportunities to utilize/reinforce the METHODS
- How the OA activities use the METHODS to support the AIMS of Scouting MATERIALS NEEDED For this session, you will need the following:
- Chalkboard, chalk and eraser
- Easel, easel pad, and markers
- Order of the Arrow Handbook (1990)
- Guide for Officers and Advisers (1990)

PREPARATION

Prior to the arrival of the participants, print on the chalkboard:
* Your name, initials, and nickname preferred (if any)
* Your Lodge name, Council name, and Council location
* The title of the session
* Print on either the chalkboard or easel pad the learning objectives for the session and also the references you will be using THE AIMS "Every Boy Scout activity and design strives toward the three aims of Boy Scouting:
(1) building character,
(2) fostering citizenship, and
(3) developing mental, moral and physical fitness."

OPENING (4 min - Total 4)

Begin on time. Introduce yourself with name, lodge, council, city, and state. Ask each participant to, in turn, give the same information and add what his current position in a Troop or Varsity team. Make a table of those positions on the chalkboard and put a hash-mark for each additional member reporting that position. Briefly state the learning objectives for this session and cite your references.

DISCOVERY (6 min - Total 10)

Recap the numbers of participants that are troop and team associated, and state words to the effect that "with that kind of talent we ought to have lots of expertise on the Aims and Methods of Scouting." Next, ask if anyone in the group can name, without referring to any document, the Eight Methods Scouting employs to achieve the Aims. If someone can, outstanding. You might ask how he happened to know them since so few leaders do. If no individual can name all eight, turn it into a group effort, coaching as necessary, until you arrive at: IDEALS PATROL METHOD OUTDOOR PROGRAM ADVANCEMENT ADULT MALE ASSOCIATION UNIFORM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PERSONAL GROWTH

(30 min - Total 40) BUZZ-GROUPS (10 min of 30 allowed) Divide session into four groups and assign each group two of the eight methods to discuss. Ask them to appoint a reporter and have him take notes. Each group is to make a list of the opportunities in the Order of the Arrow to use those Methods in support of achieving the Aims, e.g., open your meeting with both the obligation and the Scout Oath, have an uniform inspection, etc. GROUP REPORTS (Final 20 min of 30 allowed) Ask the appointed reporters to come up front and give the report for their group. Write the Method title on the board and as the report is given, list key words that might aid in taking notes on the ideas reported. After each of the points reported, ask which Aim is supported by that item, but if time is short, after the first or second Method, make a comment to the effect that it is easy for us to see how each of the methods supports at least one of the aims, and then omit further identification of the Aim supported. It is important that each of the groups has an opportunity to report its findings. monitor the time remaining closely and if necessary, have each reporter just give the key word or phrase without any editorial comment or interpretation. Then, when all reports are in, if any time remains, ask for comments or additions.

SUMMARY

We need to constantly remind our youth members that we are Scouts first and Arrowmen second. WE also need to remind the adults working with us that the Methods of Scouting are the tools whereby the Aims of our program are achieved. Since the youth members (Scouts under 18) are not aware of the Aims and Methods of Scouting, it is the responsibility of the adults to stress the correct use of these methods when opportunities arise. If time allows, review the learning objectives with the group.

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Page 104 Scoutmaster's Handbook (1981):

"The purpose of a Boy Scout troop is to provide opportunities for boys to grow as they reach to achieve the aims of the movement. The Scoutmaster's objective is to help his Scouts achieve these aims. The Scoutmaster's job is to use the methods of Scouting in troop operation and activities."