Member Scout Associations

• Scouts use outdoor activities to promote their program. Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  There is a variety of member scout associations. Scout organizations are defined as those that adhere to the original Baden Powell criteria. These criteria include promoting good citizenship, training members in habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance, teaching members services useful to the public and promoting physical, mental and spiritual development. These organizations often include outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and hunting to accomplish these goals.

Boy Scouts of America

• The Boy Scouts of America is the original Baden-Powell scouting organization. Founded in 1910 the program has expanded to include girls as well as boys. According to pbscouting.org, the Boy Scout promise and Boy Scout law contain the principles and practices of a Baden-Powel Service Association. Todays scouting program focuses on six essential needs of American youth, according to scouting.org. These six programs include mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living and building character. The Boy Scouts of America continue to attract members throughout the United States.

Girl Scouts of America

• The Girl Scouts of America was founded in 1912 in Savannah Georgia. Similar to the Boy Scouts the charter group focused on giving girls an opportunity to grow physically, mentally and spiritually. According to girlscouts.org, today's organization has a membership of approximately 3.4 million girls. Girls participate in traditional scouting activities such as camping and hiking. Girl Scouts of America also offers scouting opportunities to American girls living abroad. Participation in familiar activities can help ease transitions for families living abroad.

International Scouting Organizations

• Scouting organizations exist in over 190 countries worldwide, according to troop97.net. There are currently seven international organizations, including one specifically for adults. The WOSM or World Organization of the Scout Movement was founded in 1922 and traditionally focuses on organizations for boys. The WAGGGS, or World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, has historically focused on organizations for girls. The movement toward co-ed organizations has challenged this tradition for both organizations. Other international organizations include the Federation of European Scouting (FSE) and the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS). The FSE is a Roman Catholic scouting organization that is recognized by the Vatican and accepts Christian members only. The WFIS accepts member groups that are not affiliated with any other international organization and that the organizations follow the original Baden-Powell program. These organizations strive to provide some set standards for scouting in general and to coordinate activities among the member groups.