Introduction   Scout Oath   Scout Law--   Trustworthy   Loyal
     Helpful     Friendly     Courteous     Kind     Obedient     Cheerful
   Thrifty     Brave   Clean     Reverent   Scout Motto   Scout Slogan
   Scout Outdoor Code     1910 Handbook     1910 Handbook Design
                                       Gratitude to Baden Powell    

The Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan form the bed rock value strength for the Boy Scouts of America, since its United States’ inception in 1910. The Outdoor code was recently added.

The 1910 BSA Handbookfor Boys is repleat with names of dignitaries and notable leaders of that day. The BSA Honorary President was The Honorable William Howard Taft and the BSA Honorary Vice-President was Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.

The early leaders acknowledged a debt of gratitude to Lieut.-Gen Sir Robert S. S. Baden Powell who founded the Boy Scout movement, and made it of interest to boys of all nations.  The BSA as a corporation was formed to  provide a method to build good character and good citizenship in boys.

The “Official Handbook,” of 1910 was designed to furnish the Boy Scout patrol with practical advice on methods, as well as inspiring information. The authors stated, “We have constantly kept in mind the evils that confront the boys of our country and have struck at them by fostering better things....We have made it obligatory upon our Scouts that they cultivate courage, loyalty, patriotism, brotherliness, self-control, courtesy,  kindness to animals, usefulness, cheerfulness, cleanliness, thrift, purity, and honor.  This “Handbook” is repleat with timely useful information relevant in this day and age.  When you buy a copy of the present Boy Scout Manual, you are encourage to buy a copy of the 1910 Handbook.

The Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan have not change since Scouting began.  The Scout Oathis:

                     “On my honor I will do my best:
           1. To do my duty to God and my country,
                         and to obey the Scout Law;
                 2. To help other people at all times
                 3. To keep myself physically strong,
                 mentally awake and morally straight.’

The Scout Law is:

1. “A Scout is trustworthy: A Scout’s honor is to be trusted.  He tells the truth...is honest...is dependable, and keeps his promise.”

2. “A Scout is loyal: A Scout is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due: his family, friends, Scout leaders, school,  and Nation.”

3. “A Scout is helpful:  A Scout volunteers to help others without expectation of payment or reward.  He must be prepared at any time to save life, help the injured, and share home duties.  He must daily do one good turn to somebody.”

4. “A Scout is friendly: A Scout is friendly to all and a brother to every other scout.”

5. “A Scout is courteous: A Scout is polite to all, especially so to women, children, old people, and the weak and helpless.  He greets others with a firm handshake...says thank you,,,please...pardon me and i’m sorry.  He is aware of other’s feelings; remains courteous throughout his life; and he must not take pay for being helpful or courteous.”

6. “A Scout is kind:  A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not needlessly harm or kill any living thing. He is a kind friend to animals, others and the environment.” “In the smallest things of daily life, the spirit of kindness should render itself evident.  Kindness is but the outcome and exemplar of the devine precept: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self!”

7. “A Scout is obedient:  A Scout obeys his parents, scout master,  patrol leader, and all duly constituted authority, i.e. he obeys the laws of his community and country. If he disputes any authority, he resolves his dispute in a friendly or lawful manner.”

8. “A Scout is cheerful:  A Scout smiles whenever he can.  His is obedience to orders, and prompt and cheery to assigned tasks. He never shrinks or grumbles at hardship.  He looks to the bright side of life...cheerfully does tasks that come his way...and trys to make others happy.”

9. “A Scout is thrifty: A Scout does not wantonly destroy property.  He works faithfully...does not waste...makes the best of his opportunities...saves his money to pay his own way...helps those in need, and is helpful to worthy projects.  He may work for pay, but must not receive tips for courtesies, or good turns.”

10.”A Scout is brave: 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. He speaks the truth...admits mistakes and apologizes for them, and when necessary defends the rights of other.”

11.”A scout is clean: A Scout keeps clean in body, thought, speech, sport, and habits. He travels with a clean crowd.”

12.”A Scout is reverent: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful to his religious duties, and he respects the beliefs of others.”

The Scout Motto:  “Be Prepared!”  A Scout is prepared for life, to live happily without regret, knowing he has done his best. He must be ready in mind and body for any struggle and to meet any challenge with a strong heart.

The Scout Slogan: “Do a good turn daily!” It can be big or small.  It is a thoughtful kindly act that expects no reward.

The Outdoor Code is: “As an American, I will do my best to:

Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in  the outdoors, and
Be conservation-minded.”

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