Understanding the Requirements For Joining Boy
Scouts
Working on the Webelos badge helps you find Out about values important to Boy Scouts and things they know, including the Scout Oath and Law. By practicing the Boy Scout salute, sign, and handclasp now for requirement 7, you'll already know them when you become a Boy Scout.
The Scout Oath
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.
The Meaning of the Scout Oath
When you say "On my honor," that's like saying "I promise." It also means you are the kind of person who always tries to do what is night and you can be trusted to keep this promise. No one can take your honor from you, but you can throw it away by breaking your promise and doing what you know is wrong. Notice that the Scout Oath has three basic parts. Let's look at what they mean.
TO DO MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY COUNTRY AND TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW
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. The Scout Law is explained below.
TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES
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.
TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG, MENTALLY AWAKE AND MORALLY STRAIGHT
Keeping yourself physically strong means taking good 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.
The Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
The Meaning of the Scout Law
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. He does his best to live up to the Law. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
- A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY.
A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him. - A Scout is LOYAL.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and the community of the world. - A Scout is HELPFUL.
A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly helps others without pay or other reward. - A Scout is FRIENDLY.
A Scout is a friend 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 different from his own. - A Scout is COURTEOUS.
A Scout is polite to everyone. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together. - A Scout is KIND.
A Scout understands that there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He is never cruel to living things. - A Scout is OBEDIENT.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks some rules and laws are unfair, he tries to change them in an orderly manner, rather than disobeying them. - A Scout is CHEERFUL.
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. - A Scout is THRIFTY.
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He careMy uses time and property. - A Scout is 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 him or threaten him. - A Scout is CLEAN.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He admires those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean. - A Scout is REVERENT.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
The Scout Motto
The Scout motto is "Be Prepared." Someone once asked Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting, "Be prepared for what?" Baden-Powell replied, "Why, for any old thing." That's the idea. The Scout motto means you are always ready to do your duty and to face danger, if necessary, to help others.
The Scout Slogan
The Scout slogan is "Do a Good Turn Daily." This doesn't mean you're supposed to do one Good Turn during the day and then stop. It means you do at least one Good Turn a day. It means looking for chances to help and then helping quietly, without boasting about it. Always remember that a Good Turn is an extra act of kindness-something you go out of your way to do.
The Scout Sign
The Scout sign identifies you as a Scout anywhere in the world. Use it whenever you give the Scout Oath or Scout Law. The three upraised fingers stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath. The thumb and little finger touch. They stand for the bond between all Scouts.
The Scout Salute
The Scout salute signifies respect and courtesy. You use it to salute the flag of the United States of America. During some ceremonies, you may also salute your Webelos den leaders or Boy Scout leaders. To give the Scout salute, place the fingers of your right hand as you do for the Scout sign. Bring the hand smartly up to your head, palm facing down, until your forefinger touches the edge of your cap above the right eye. If you aren't wearing a cap, touch your forehead above the right eye. When the salute is completed, snap your hand down quickly to your side.
The Scout Handclasp
To give the Scout handclasp, use your left hand instead of the right. The Scout handclasp is a token of friendship. That's why you use your left hand-it's the one nearest your heart.
