Scouting Ideals
The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.
The Boy Scout Tenderfoot Badge require Scouts to memorize and pass off the Scouting Ideals listed on this page.
Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor, I will do my best
to do my duty to God and my country
and obey the Scout Law;
to help other people at all times;
to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout Is:
1. Trustworthy,
2. Loyal,
3. Helpful,
4. Friendly,
5. Courteous,
6. Kind,
7. Obedient,
8. Cheerful,
9. Thrifty,
10. Brave,
11. Clean, and
12. Reverent.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do A Good Turn Daily
Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to:
1. Be clean in my outdoor manners.
2. Be careful with fire.
3. Be considerate in the outdoors.
4. Be conservation minded.
Scout Sign
Three finger salute held at 90 degrees.
Scout Salute
"Give the Scout salute by forming the Scout sign with your right hand and then bringing that hand upward until your forefinger touches the brim of your hat or the arch of your right eyebrow. The palm of your hand should not show."
Scout Handshake
"Extend your left hand to another Scout and firmly grasp his left hand."
Square Knot
remember: right over left, and left over right
Flag Ceremony
... opening flag ceremony ...
Two Scouts stand at the back of the room, each holding a flag. The US flag is on the right (as viewed from the audience looking forward), the State flag on the left.
Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!"
Leader: "Audience, Please Rise!"
Leader: "Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart."
Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March!"
Wait for color guard to reach the front. The US Flag crosses in front of the state flag to left-most flag stand (as viewed from the audience). Wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands.
Leader: "Color Guard, Halt!"
Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Colors!"
Leader: "Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance!"
"I pledge allegiance to the FlagLeader: "TWO!"
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all."
Leader: "Audience, Please be Seated!"
Leader: "Color Guard, Dismissed!"
... closing flag ceremony - retire the colors ...
Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!"
Leader: "Audience, Please Rise!"
Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March!"
(wait for color guard to reach the front)
Leader: "Color Guard, Halt!"
Leader: "Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart."
Leader: "Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors!"
Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March!"
(wait until color guard reaches back of room)
Leader: "Color Guard, Halt!"
Leader: "TWO!"
(everyone drops salute.)
Leader: "Audience, Please be Seated!" (or "Audience, Thank you for joining us!")
Leader: "Color Guard, Dismissed!"