Varsity Scouting was a program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It was an alternative available to boys ages fourteen to eighteen until the end of 2017. It used the basic Boy Scouting program and added high adventure, sporting, and other elements that were more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Varsity Scouts were organized into teams; separate chartered units from a Boy Scout troop. Varsity Scouts participated in the BSA advancement system for troops but also had their own recognition. Their uniform was slightly different. Rather than using the dark green shoulder loops on the epaulets, orange loops were used and the position patches followed a sports team theme (Coach was used rather than Scoutmaster). Ideals The Varsity Scout ideals were those spelled out in the Scout Law, the Scout Oath, the Scout Motto and the Scout Slogan. The Varsity Scout learned to use these ideals as a measure of personal growth and continually tries to improve. Varsity Scouting had five fields of emphasis. A well-planned Varsity Scout program included elements from all of the fields of emphasis: Advancement Varsity Scouts used the same advancement program as Boy Scouts. They could also receive the recognition offered through such programs as the Fifty-Miler Award; Mile Swim, BSA; etc. High Adventure and Sports. The basic framework for Varsity Scout activities revolved around high adventure and sports. Resource materials were available for 27 program features. The intent of this emphasis was to encourage a coherently planned set of activities that led to occasional "ultimate adventures" or sports seasons. Following the original model, teams were encouraged to plan a set of activities quarterly that culminate in some type of big event. Personal Development. "Varsity Scouting promotes growth through spirituality, leadership abilities, citizenship, social and cultural attributes, and physical fitness." The personal development side of Varsity encouraged boys to focus on character development within the framework of their personal and religious beliefs. A particular focus on leadership skills was evident in many teams. Service is an essential element of all Scouting, as emphasized in the Boy Scout slogan: "Do a good turn daily." An element of service should be present in all Varsity Scout activities. For example, a sports unit could include a clinic for a nearby Cub Scout pack. It was important that the boys were to be the ones that plan,