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.
Note that the Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises. Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses. The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore:
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Duty to God and country,
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Duty to other people, and
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Duty to self
DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your family and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.
Men and women of the past worked to make America
great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good
family member and a good citizen, by working for your country's good and
obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout
Law means living by its 12 points.
DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people
need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for
others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you're needed, you
prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.
DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically
strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and
build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn
all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally
straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in
your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.
Boy Scout Law
A Scout is....
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Loyal,
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Friendly,
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Courteous,
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Kind,
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Cheerful,
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Brave,
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Clean,
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and Reverent.
Note: click on the links above for fun
Scouting Commercials based upon the Scout Laws.
The Meaning of the Boy Scout Law
- A Scout is Trustworthy.
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A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
- A Scout is Loyal.
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A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
- A Scout is Helpful.
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A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
- A Scout is Friendly.
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A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
- A Scout is Courteous.
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A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
- A Scout is Kind.
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A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
- A Scout is Obedient.
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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 disobeying them.
- A Scout is Cheerful.
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A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
- A Scout is Thrifty.
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A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
- A Scout is Brave.
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A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
- A Scout is Clean.
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A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
- A Scout is Reverent.
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A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Boy Scout Motto
"Be Prepared! "
The Meaning of the Scout Motto
"Be prepared for what?" someone once
asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,
"Why, for any old thing." said Baden-Powell.
The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the
Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of
your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be
able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water.
But Baden-Powell wasn't thinking just of being ready for emergencies.
His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become
productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted
each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet
with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.
Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that
you have done your best. That's what the Scout motto means.
Boy Scout Slogan
"Do a Good Turn Daily! "
The Meaning of the Scout Slogan
Some Good Turns are big - saving a life,
helping out after floods or other disasters, recycling community trash,
working with your patrol on conservation projects.
But Good Turns are often small, thoughtful acts - helping a child cross
a busy street, going to the store for an elderly neighbor, cutting back
brush that is blocking a sign, doing something special for a brother or
sister, welcoming a new student to your school.
A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of
kindness.
The Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to -
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Be clean in my outdoor manners
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Be careful with fire
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Be considerate in the outdoors, and
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Be conservation minded.