Do Your Best!

The Scout Law, explained.

A Scout is Trustworthy. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.

A Scout is Loyal. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and your community.

A Scout is Helpful. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.

A Scout is Friendly. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.

A Scout is Courteous. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners. Using good manners makes it easier for people to get along with each other.

A Scout is Kind. Treat others as you want to be treated. 

A Scout is Obedient. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country. If a Scout thinks these rules and laws are unfair, the Scout tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

A Scout is Cheerful. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.

A Scout is Thrifty. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.

A Scout is Brave. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.

A Scout is Clean. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean. Choose the company of those who live by high standards.

A Scout is Reverent. Respect the beliefs and customs of others.

The Scout Oath, explained.

On my honor . . .

By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath.

. . . I will do my best . . .

Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don’t be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do.

. . . To do my duty to God . . .

Your family will teach you ways you can serve. Follow the wisdom of those teachings every day and respect and defend the rights of others to practice their own beliefs.

. . . and my country . . .

Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter.

America is made up of countless families and communities. When you work to improve your community and your home, you are serving your country. Natural resources are another important part of America’s heritage worthy of your efforts to understand, protect, and use wisely. What you do can make a real difference.

. . . and to obey the Scout Law; . . .

The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself.

. . . To help other people at all times; . . .

There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world.

. . . To keep myself physically strong, . . .

Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. It also means avoiding anything that can harm your health.

. . . mentally awake, . . .

Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it.

. . . and morally straight.

To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.

The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

In Cub Scouting, the Scout Oath and Scout Law serve as the core moral compass and foundation for all program activities. Youth members are introduced to these ideals through age-appropriate rank requirements, den meetings, and ceremonies, learning to understand and practice them rather than just memorizing words.

THE METHODS OF CUB SCOUTING

To accomplish its purposes and achieve the overall goals of building character, learning citizenship, and developing personal fitness, Cub Scouting uses seven methods. These methods bring Cub Scouting to life for families.

Living the Ideals. Cub Scouting’s values are embedded in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout motto, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, and salute. These practices help establish and reinforce the program’s values in Cub Scouts and the leaders who guide them.

Belonging to a Den. A den is a small group of youth—an ideal size is eight, but you may have more or less. The ideal den is formed with Cub Scouts of the same school grade.

Using Advancement. Recognition is important to everyone. The advancement plan provides fun for Cub Scouts and gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn their badge of rank. It also strengthens family understanding as the den leader and adult family members work with the Scouts on advancement projects.

Involving Family and Home. Whether a Cub Scout lives with two parents or one, a foster family, or other relatives, the family is an important part of Cub Scouting. Parents and legal guardians provide leadership and support for Cub Scouting and help ensure that children have a good experience in the program.

Participating in Activities. Cub Scouts participate in a huge array of activities, including games, projects, songs, outdoor activities, trips, and service projects. Besides being fun, these activities offer opportunities for growth, achievement, and family involvement.

Serving Home and Neighborhood. Cub Scouting focuses on the home and neighborhood. It helps youth strengthen connections to their local communities, which in turn will support their growth and development.

Wearing the Uniform. Cub Scout uniforms serve a dual purpose, demonstrating membership in the group (everyone is dressed alike) and individual achievement (they wear the badges they’ve earned). Wearing the uniform to meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, a sense of belonging, and good behavior. It provides a level playing ground; the only thing you can tell about a Cub Scout when they wear their uniform is what they have achieved as an individual regardless of their economic or social background.