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Boy Scout Law

A Scout Is...

TRUSTWORTHY: Scouts tell the truth and keep their promises. Honesty is part of their code of conduct. People can depend on them.

LOYAL: Scouts are true to their family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL: Scouts are concerned about other people. They do things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY: Scouts are a friend to all. They are a brother or sister to other Scouts. They seek to understand others. They respect those with ideas and customs other than their own.

COURTEOUS: Scouts are polite to everyone regardless of age or position. They know good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND: Scouts understand there is strength in being gentle. They treat others as they want to be treated. They do not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT: Scouts follow the rules of their family, school, and troop. They obey the laws of their community and country. If they think these rules and laws are unfair, they try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL: Scouts look for the bright side of things. They cheerfully do tasks that come their way. They try to make others happy.

THRIFTY: Scouts work to pay their way and to help others. They save for unforeseen needs. They protect and conserve natural resources. They carefully use time and property.

BRAVE: Scouts can face danger even if they are afraid. They have the courage to stand for what they think is right even if others laugh at or threaten them.

CLEAN: Scouts keep their body and mind fit and clean. They go around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. They help keep their home and community clean.

REVERENT: Scouts are reverent toward God. They are faithful in their religious duties. They respect the beliefs of others.

Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Scout Aims and Methods, Scout Oath

Comments:

Mar 01, 2014 - Gary Johnson

Nearly 50 yrs since I was a BSA and I didn't stay in long but it had a lasting effect on me. I believe in the Scouts and think it is good for any boy to learn the principles and discipline that will help them their entire life. All these years later one of my favorite books is the Boy Scout Handbook.

Mar 23, 2014 - Denis Raymond Sansom

White Fang here! When "BP" our founder, compiled these laws, he did so with much thought.Every law was designed to help us in our youth and in our adult hood. As with the 10 Commandments, we mortals are hard pressed not to break these Laws. Whilst I have tried very hard to observe all these Laws, the specific Law that I have applied to my personal lifestyle is the 10th Law "Clean" Because of this law, not only have I observed the hygiene aspects of the Law, but I have refrained from smoking, alcohol and drug use. I am now 83 years of age and live a very healthy and active life. I am rarely sick, common cold being the worst I get.

Aug 09, 2014 - Dan

These values and ideals are very much needed in our society today. I am striving to live up to these ideals and values in order to set an example for our next generation of scouts. Thank-You for sharing.

Feb 26, 2016 - Mario Miranda

When I Arrived to this great nation I was Eight years old at that time I joined a Boy Scout troop in the city of Miami,Fl. Today I'm a proud Father of Three Eagle Scouts and my grand son is working on his Eagle project the other one is a webelo

Oct 05, 2016 - Brette Riley

Thanks for the post. America is looking for the values the BSA never lost. In his final message to Scouts Bayden-Powell said "the real way to happiness is by giving out happiness to other people."

Nov 02, 2016 - Ed Mclatchy

Scouting taught me many things, all of which I use everyday. The biggest one that ever stuck on me was LOYAL, loyalty tromps all. All for one and one for all !! Scouting is a great character builder for all the wild trails of life!!

Aug 26, 2017 - Jay Hughes

I'm 31 and am just now learning about the scouts. I'm wanting my ten year old nephew to join so it's kinda like I'm learning to be a bobcat myself. This is going to be a complete lifestyle change. I don't want him to make the same mistakes I have. This isn't Going to be an overnight transfermation so I hope the scouts are patient in nature but I believe in what they teach and I'm hoping I can conform to the standards they expect!

Feb 23, 2019 - Carl T. West

I never really understood how "Obedient" was meant specifically. I stopped at the cubscout level, but the only negative thing I can remember (29 now) was the obedient part. Little me put obedient and the wolf emblems together and thought "You want me to be like your dog? No thanks." Haha. Somehow I never heard (OK, never internalized) this part:

"If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them."

I'm glad this site is here to explain it to me all these years later!

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