The Principles of Scouting

Scout Law

Scout Oath or Promise

Scout Motto

Scoiut Slogan

Outdoor Code

The Boy Scout holds truth and honor as sacred trusts.  These rules that form the foundation of Scouting and are the cornerstones of a Scout's character.

In 1915, Little Brown and Company of Boston, MA., published a book written by Arthur A. Carey titled "The Scout Law in Practice". This document is one on the most extensive documents ever published on the topic.

The SCOUT LAW

A Scout is:

1. TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
2. LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
3. HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. CHEERFUL. A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. REVERENT. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

The Scout has always had the same 12 point, however the descriptive words have changed over the years: View the various BSA "Official" iterations to better understand where the emphasis is placed.

Several organizations and individuals have also weighed in with their individual intrepretations. In this collection you will find the Backpackers version, several religious versions, other country versious and a version by John Wayne.

The Harvard Hillside published a version of meaning to the Scout Law in March of 2003.

The SCOUT OATH (OR PROMISE))

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 the key foundation and guiding pronciple of the scouting program. Several documents have been writen to explain the meaning of the oath. JohnWayne and Jimmy Stewart each offered their thoughts to its meaning and significance of "Duty".

The SCOUT MOTTO

"Be Prepared"
A Scout prepares for whatever comes his way by learning all he can. He keeps himself strong, healthy, and ready to meet the challenges of life.

The SCOUT SLOGAN

"Do a Good Turn Daily"
Good Turns are helpful acts of kindness done quietly, without boasting, and without expecting reward or pay. Doing at least one Good Turn every day is a normal part of a Scout's life.