|
By doing all you can to live up to the Scout Law, you are a Scout. If you should willfully break the Scout Law, you violate the spirit of Scouting. The ideals of the Scout Law are very high. Strive to live by them and you will excel on your own and as part of your Scout troop, community and nation.
| A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promise. Honesty is a part of his code of conduct. People can always depend on him. The process of becoming trustworthy is a never ending one. Being considered trustworthy by others is the direct result of the experiences they share with you, where the actions you have taken and the conduct you have exhibited have created the expectation that you will do the right thing. This is not a temporary state of behavior, it is a template by which all of your actions are patterned. | |
| A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation and world community. This means being faithful to a person, idea, custom, duty or country. This is not to be confused with blindly following others, but rather, to follow your heart. Keep the promises that you make, fulfill your obligations and observe the rules by which we all live. | |
| A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. One of the best and oldest images of this is the picture of a Boy Scout helping an old lady to cross the street. Today, the Scouting movement is focused on helping others through a multitude of service projects, of which the annual Scouting for Food drive is a prime example. | |
| A Scout is a fried to all. He is a brother to other Scouts and all the people of the world. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own. This means that you support your friends in good times and in bad times, that you cooperate with others and give comfort when needed. A friendly Scout is one who exudes a pleasant personality, without effort. This is not a forced demeanor, but a natural tendency to be thoughtful and kind to others. It is acting toward others as you would have them act toward you. | |
| A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together. This is a statement about a Scout's behavior. A courteous Scout is one who has self-discipline. His behavior is an example for others to follow. He doesn't interrupt when others are talking and listens with intent. He is patient and waits his turn, and is considerate of those around him. | |
| A Scout understands 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. This is the process of being generous or warm-hearted to others, showing understanding and reaching out with a helping hand when needed, and without being asked. The practice of performing good deeds and granting favors without the expectation of something in return is the epitome of kindness. | |
| A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, religion 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. This is part of the democratic process that we learn in Scouting. Without obedience, the troop cannot function as a team. One outward sign of obedience and Scout spirit is the wearing of the Scout uniform. This is an outward sign of respect for both the Scout and his troop. | |
| A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. The Scout that practices cheerfulness is always happy and in good spirits. He is willing and good humored. He smiles - a lot, and this behavior causes others around him to be feel the same way. Cheerful Scouts are full of Scout spirit. | |
| A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property. He is wise in the management of money and other resources. This does not mean that the Scout is cheap, but rather that he is resourceful and makes full use of things around him without being wasteful. | |
| 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 him or threaten him. This can mean having or showing courage in a difficult or dangerous situation by remaining calm and clear of mind. This is also an inner quality where one can consciously draw on his inner strength in the face of hardship. | |
| A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He practices good hygiene, on and off the trail. He chooses the company of those who live by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean. He leads a life that brings honor to himself, his peers and his parents and guardians. He respects nature and wilderness by carrying out his trash after a weekend of camping and hiking. He does not use profanity nor does he keep the company of those who do. He defends those who are the target of unkind words and acts. | |
| A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. He is tolerant of those whose beliefs differ from his, and defends their right to their individual beliefs. |