Ever since I remember my child hood, I was involved in the boy scout organization.
Started as a cub scout. Transitioned into the webelos. And finally went into the boy scouts. Unfortunately, I only made it to second class scout.
One thing I would love for my boys to become are Eagle scouts. I feel there would be a great pride in this accomplishment, even if they kick and scream as I push them in that direction. They could have other forms of activity that they can choose from, but as a former boy scout, I still feel like I keep a lot of their life standards.
Any time we went camping as boy scouts, we were always taught to leave the campsite better than we arrived. Since most of our sites were always treated this way, it seemed like it was more of a standard to make sure we kept all of our stuff clean.
However, as I’ve camped outside of scout camps, I’ve come to realize that people leave tons behind. Even in the remotest of locations on the show Survivorman, Les has always seemed to find remnants of human junk.
I just got back from a quick camping trip with a few friends. As soon as we reached the campsite, I immediately noticed all of the left over junk from previous campers: beer bottle caps, broken styrofoam cups, and even some broken beer bottles.
I first wanted to make sure I stayed true to the motto of leaving it better than I arrived. But we also brought our dog, and wanted to make sure she didn’t injure herself on the broken glass pieces.
This has sparked me to re list all of the things I learned as a scout. Here is the Law, Oath, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code.
Scout Law
A Scout is
- Trustworthy
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him. - Loyal
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. - Helpful
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Cheerful
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Reverent
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
To help other people at all times
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Motto:
Be prepared
Scout Slogan:
Do a good turn daily
Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to:
- Be clean in my outdoor manners
I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways. - Be careful with fire
I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only where they are appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold-out. I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire. - Be considerate in the outdoors
I will treat public and private property with respect. I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping. - Be conservation minded
I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.
A lot of the material found on this page was instilled in me as I was growing up, however, I was able to find it via a Google search, and was reported in detail on this page.