In Boy Scouting, emphasis shifts from adult leadership of the program to youth leadership.  A boy in a troop is usually a member of a patrol with a patrol leader elected by members of the patrol.  The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship.  It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.  Youth are elected to troop leadership positions, as well, and the Troop and Patrol leaders, together, plan and execute the troop program.

The Boy Scout program is centered in the outdoors.  Most troops camp nearly every month and nearly all attend a one-week council summer camp.  High adventure activities challenge older Scouts to accept broader leadership responsibilities and undertake more rigorous and stimulating outdoor adventures.

Each boy progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge on his advancement trail to Eagle Scout.  Through merit badge and rank advancement opportunities, a boy is encouraged to confront a series of surmountable obstacles and take the steps necessary in overcoming them.  Troops generally hold Courts of Honor from 2 to 4 times each year where members and their families come together to recognize individual achievements.