Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

"No [person] is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion." -- Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, 1908 (1)

Today the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude towards that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.

A variety of religious emblem programs are used by the Boy Scouts of America to encourage youth to learn about their faith and to recognize adults who provide significant service to youth in a religious environment. These religious programs are created, administered and awarded by the various religious groups, not the BSA, but each program must be recognized by the BSA.

Our Founder gave us a Promise in no uncertain terms and presented in an order of descending loyalties: God, country, other people, and self. That order remains vital. Our efforts should be aimed at its maintenance. Hence the purpose of this blog

~~~~~ BOY SCOUTING ~~~~~

The BSA Scout Oath and the Scout Law have remained unchanged since they were first developed in 1910. And those ideals along with the Scout Motto and Slogan, ask a Scout to pledge his honor; to be prepared; to do his best at all time; to do his duty to God and his country; to others; and then to self.

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 Boy Scout Oath has three main clauses which are good to remember and may help you understand that the oath is meant to cover all parts of your life:

Duty to God and Country

The core of your being is your relationship with God. Your family and religious leaders teach you about knowing and serving God and you do your duty by following their teachings and being a good family member. Your duty to your country is being a good citizen, obeying the laws, working to make it a stronger nation, and defending it and its principals.

Duty to other People

Doing your Good Turn each day, looking for people that could use a hand, and providing aid for community services are all ways to help others. We are obligated to help those that can not help themselves and helping with a cheerful spirit builds our own character.

Duty to Self

Caring for yourself physically, mentally, and morally will result in a more rewarding life. Only you can control how you respond to challenges, hardships, and pleasures - and being strong in body, mind, and spirit will aid you in handling anything that comes your way.

Scout Law - A Scout is:

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,
Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,
Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

The twelfth point of the Boy Scout Law is a scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Boy Scout Motto - Do Your Best | Be Prepared!

Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. It is said that someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, "be prepared for what?" He responded, "why, for any old thing."

Boy Scout Slogan - Do a Good Turn Daily!

Looking for opportunities to help and then helping, quietly and without boasting. A Good Turn is an extra act of kindness, not just something you do because it is good manners., or feel obligated to do.

Boy Scout Badge

The Boy Scout badge is also the First Class badge of rank, was adapted from the north point of an old maritime compass. This shows that a Scout is able to point the right way in life as truly as the compass points it in the field. The design is often called a trefoil - a flower with three leaves. It is also known by its French name, fleur-de-lis - lily or iris flower.

The three points of the trefoil are like the three fingers used in the Scout sign. They stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: duty to God & country; duty to others; duty to yourself.

The eagle and shield, national emblem of the US, stand for freedom and a Scouter's readiness to defend that freedom.

The two stars stand for truth and knowledge of the Scouting movement. They guide you by night and suggest a Scout's outdoor life.
The scroll is turned up at the ends to remind us of the corners of a Scout's mouth raised in a smile as he does his duty. The Scout motto is printed across the scroll.
The knot attached to the bottom of the scroll represents the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily.

With slight changes, the trefoil badge is used by Scouts around the world.

~~~~~ CUB SCOUTING ~~~~~



The Cub Scout Promise

I ________ promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

The Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela.

The Cub Scout helps the pack go.

The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.

The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

Cub Scout Motto

Do Your Best

~~~~~ VENTURING BSA ~~~~~

Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God

and to help strengthen America,

to help others, and to seek truth, fairness,

and adventure in our world.

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The Scout Logo

The Aims of Scouting

Character Development

• Encompasses a boy's personal qualities, values, and outlook.
• A Scout learns confidence, honesty, and self-respect.
• A Scout respects other people, regardless of differences.
• A Scout practices his religious beliefs.

Citizenship Training

• A Scout works among others in a troop with rules based on the common good.
• A Scout learns about and takes pride in his own national heritage.
• A Scout understands social, economic, and governmental systems.
• A Scout learns service, tolerance, and community involvement.

Mental and Physical Fitness

• A Scout improves his physical condition through exercise and outdoor activities.
• A Scout encourages good health habits.
• A Scout discourages drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
• A Scout learns sound judgment, resourcefulness, and decision-making skills.

Scouting is a program with a purpose

It is a way for youth to gain strong ethics, moral fiber, and duty to God, all while learning valuable skills. And it is a way to develop future leaders. The world has changed, but the basic concepts of Scouting have remained constant, with values, aims, and methods that continue to mold boys into exceptional adults.

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On My Honor -- Timeless Values

Notes:

(1) - From The Aim of the Scout and Guide Movement, London: The Boy Scout Association 1921, and Scouting for Boys, London: Horace Cox, 1908, 6 vols.

(2) - the clause "under God," was added to the pledge in 1954