[2] Through the training and the example of the leader, Scouts are taught independence, leadership, the ambition to learn by themselves, and a moral code with positive goals.

Hands-on orientation provides a practical method of learning and helps the Scout build confidence.

Scouts learn in small groups to build unity, and a family atmosphere.

Developing the characteristics of responsibility, self-reliance, self-confidence, and readiness, the Scouts eventually learn collaboration and leadership skills.

[4] At the 41st World Scout Conference in 2017, an eighth element was added, "community involvement".

[a]: 31  The reasoning is that "prohibition generally invites evasion, since it challenges the spirit inherent in every red-blooded boy.

Scouting develops the spiritual side through teaching life-saving techniques and by promoting the daily good deed.

Some national organizations, like The Scout Association, do not require religious practice as a duty any more.

The point is not so much the deed itself, which could be minor, but to teach the Scout to always pay attention and recognise if he could help someone.

[a]: 36, 64, 65 Scouts believe that education is a process of seeking and finding, this should be accomplished by planning and revisiting matters again in different contexts, presenting them to ourselves and working to keep operational "activities" helping the boy scout find the idea and "experience the thrill of the real Good Turn".

This holds the participant's attention and gives the Scout hands-on experience in how the theory works.

Although Baden-Powell put emphasis on practical work and independent learning, he did not rule out the need for instruction by leaders or in books.

Patrols must be kept intact under all circumstances, including working, tenting, learning, cooking, and surviving together.

Drawing on his experience as an amateur actor, Baden-Powell built into Scouting a theatrical and non-serious environment, using words with strange meanings, yells, songs, and unique customs.

Baden-Powell wanted a Scout to learn to make his own decisions, as he felt this would help the children grow and mature.

The badges signify not a certain quality of knowledge or skill as "the amount of effort the Scout puts into his work."

[a]: 4, 38 The self-governing of the boys changes the role of the leader: "I had stipulated that the position of Scoutmaster was to be neither that of a schoolmaster nor of a commander Officer, but rather that of an elder brother among his boys, not detached or above them individually, able to inspire their efforts and to suggest new diversions when his finger on their pulse told him the attraction of any present craze was wearing off.

This refers to knowledge of and service to the various communities that a person is part of, local, national, and international.