Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag 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.
Scout Oath (or Promise)
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.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
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, be CAREFUL with fire, be CONSIDERATE in the outdoors, and be CONSERVATION-minded.
Scout sign
A “half-salute”, known as the Scout Sign, is used in certain situations. The Scout sign shows you are a Scout. Give it each time you recite the Scout Oath and Law. When a Scout or Scouter raises the Scout sign, all Scouts should make the sign too, and come to silent attention. The hand is still palm facing out, and the thumb holding the little finger, with the hand held at shoulder height.
Scout salute
The Scout salute shows respect. Use it to salute the flag of the United States of America. You may also salute a Scout leader or another Scout. 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
The Scout handshake is made with the hand nearest the heart and is offered as a token of friendship. Extend your left hand to another Scout and firmly grasp his left hand. Only use this handshake when both people are in uniform.
The Square Knot
The square knot is also known as the joining knot because it can join two ropes and because it is the first knot Scouts learn when they join the BSA. It has many uses:from securing bundles, packages, and the sails of ships to tying the ends of bandages.
To tie a square knot, hold one rope end in each hand. Pass the right end over and under the rope in your left hand and pull it snug. Next, pass the rope now in your left hand over and under the one now in your right, and pull it snug. Remember, right over left, left over right.
Explanation of the Scout Badge
Many times there is meaning within images that hold important information. This information frequently tells a story or explains the beliefs or teachings of an organization. The Scout Badge is full of symbolism that expresses the ideals of scouting.
Take a look at the image to the right of the Scout Badge. Within this image are six distinct symbols and each one represents traits and qualities upon which the Boy Scouts of America is founded. Let’s first identify those six symbolic pieces of the Badge and then we will examine each one independently.
The six parts or symbols within the Badge are the overall shape, the three points, the eagle and shield, the two stars, the scroll and the knot.
-
The Shape
The three-point design of the top half is like the north point of an old sailor’s 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.
-
Three Points
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.
-
Eagle and Shield
The eagle and shield – national emblem of the United States of America. This stands for freedom and a Scouter’s readiness to defend that freedom.
-
Two Stars
The two stars stand for truth and knowledge of the Scouting movement. They guide you by night and suggest a Scout’s outdoor life
-
Scroll
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.
-
Knot
The knot attached to the bottom of the scroll represents the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily. Learn to Tie the Knot
