Lion Tiger Wolf Bear Webelos AoL
Scout Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1st Class Star Life Eagle

Boy Scout Oath

Oath: A solemn, formal declaration or promise to fulfill a pledge, often calling on God as witness.

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.

When making a promise or oath, be sure you know what you are promising...

On my honor: You are stating your promise backed by your own personal worth.

I will do my best: Only you know what your best truly is. Do not measure yourself against the accomplishments or laziness of peers - strive to surpass your own high standards and be proud when you know you've put in your best effort.

To do my duty to God: Your duty to God is to follow the teachings of your religious leaders always.

and my country: Every citizen has responsibilities to understand, defend, and improve his community. Duties include serving in public office, voting, protecting natural resources, and learning about our government system.

and to obey the Scout Law;: You are promising to follow these twelve points, not only in scouting, but in all areas of your life. You will use the Law as a compass to guide your decisions and actions.

To help other people at all times;: You will look for opportunities to help and will not pass someone by that you are capable of aiding. You will use your skills to assist anyone you meet and seek additional help if needed.

To keep myself physically strong,: You will nurture and protect your body, eating healthy food, exercising, getting rest, and avoiding harmful habits like drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Maintaining your physical strength is required to do your best and fulfill the other points of this promise.

mentally awake,: You will exercise your mind by doing your best in school. You will explore your world and try to continually learn and then share your knowledge with others.

and morally straight.: You will maintain honest and open relationships with others. You will hold yourself to a high moral standard and be clean in your speech and actions while being faithful to your religious beliefs.

The Scout Oath has three main clauses which are good to remember and may help you understand that the oath is meant to cover all parts of your life:

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: The core of your being is your relationship with God. Your family and religious leaders teach you about knowing and serving God and you do your duty by following their teachings and being a good family member. Your duty to your country is being a good citizen, obeying the laws, working to make it a stronger nation, and defending it and its principals.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Doing your Good Turn each day, looking for people that could use a hand, and providing aid for community services are all ways to help others. We are obligated to help those that can not help themselves and helping with a cheerful spirit builds our own character.

DUTY TO SELF: Caring for yourself physically, mentally, and morally will result in a more rewarding life. Only you can control how you respond to challenges, hardships, and pleasures - and being strong in body, mind, and spirit will aid you in handling anything that comes your way.

Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Scout Aims and Methods, Scout Law

Comments:

Apr 24, 2013 - melanie king

my son is an eagle scout! couldn't be more proud! one of life's greatest achievements! a man of character....

Mar 16, 2016 - dennis

I've been a scout for five years then a two year leader for troop 92 i really like going camping with that teoop i can cell them family no matter what

Jun 20, 2016 - Jeff S. Wolfe

High Ideals invite failure. A person of high ideals need always credit themselves for success without letting that success create an attitude of superiority over anyone. A person of high ideals need always ready to forgive themselves thoughtfully but fully for failures. Without forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others would be impossible, and strength to hold high ideals will surely be pushed out of our souls by the memory of imperfection. There is no perfecting human character, but their is value purely in the work to achieve it. The humility that comes with awareness of imperfection is essential.

Aug 29, 2017 - Rev.James A Moseley, M.D.

I am 86 years old. I earned my Eagle rank in 1947. In the 1947's the life expectancy of a male in the USA was in the high 50's.
That means that I have been an Eagle Scout longer than I expected to live.

I honestly can think of NOTHING that has been more important in preparing me for any of my achievements than my Scouting experiences.

I have one Grandson in Scouting as a Life Scout and another just starting his Scouting Experience.

Scouting is the finest leadership training program available.

Nov 13, 2017 - Kim Thornton

My son Nick finished his Eagle Project on October 30th. We are awaiting his board of review!! His father and I are so excited. His father became an Eagle Scout in 1990 and we cannot wait to celebrate at his Court of Honor!
I also have two more boys in scouting one is Star Rank and the other is 2nd Class. We are hopeful that they will obtain Eagle as well.

Aug 24, 2023 - John Webb

It's good to see that the basic tenets of Scouting haven't changed for the past - what? 100+ years? I only made it to Star but those were some of the best years of my life. I needed 6 more merit badges for Life, but I wasn't heading for Star and then Life. I was aiming for Eagle.

Scouting 2024 - Ask a Question - Add Content
Just for Fun: Socializing merit badge

This site is not officially associated with Scouting America

Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com