The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. Through the Scouting program, a Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes. Scout Spirit is an ideal attitude that Scouts around the world should show, based on adherence to the Scout Law and Scout Oath.
The Scout Law
A Scout is:
- Trustworthy: A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
- Loyal: A Scout is true to his family, Scout Leaders, friends, school, and nation.
- Helpful: A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
- Friendly: A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
- Courteous: A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
- Kind: A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
- Obedient: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and Troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
- Cheerful: A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
- Thrifty: A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
- Brave: A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
- Clean: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
- Reverent: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
The Scout Oath
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to live up to ideals of the Scout Movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law.
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Oath is a personal code of living, guide the way in which each Scout lives his life and binds all Scouts together. With the Scout Oath, a Scout is engaged to do his best to obey the Scout Law and it mentions the main principles:
- Duty to God: Scouting strengthens the bond between the Scout and God through nature study, to see what God is, and by helping others, which is what God asks of us.
- Duty to Others: The Good Turn is a key component of the law and promise, because it is the duty to others, which according Baden-Powell is the main duty God asks of us.
- Duty to Self: Scouting gives more exciting, better alternatives to bad habits that will absorb the Scout’s attention and gradually lead him to forget the old habit. The boy is not governed by DON’T, but is led on by DO.
The Scout Motto
Be Prepared.
The Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily
If there is anything that you would like to see added to this page, please email me at content@bsachaplain.org