Scout Rank

The first rank of Boy Scouting can be earned as soon as a boy joins a troop, especially if he has earned his Arrow of Light as a Webelos scout. This first rank is earned by applying and memorizing some important scouting basics. Some troops have Webelos scouts bridge over from the pack to the troop in February at their Cub Scout pack Blue and Gold dinner and then have a court of honor in March or April where they are presented with their Scout badge.

Scout Rank Requirements:

Meet age requirements. Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award but is under 18 years old.
Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
Find a Scout troop near your home.
Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan and the Outdoor Code.
Describe the Scout badge.
Complete the pamphlet exercises. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

Boy 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.

On my honor: You are stating your promise backed by your own personal worth.

I will do my best: Only you know what your best truly is. Do not measure yourself against the accomplishments or laziness of peers - strive to surpass your own high standards and be proud when you know you've put in your best effort.

To do my duty to God: Your duty to God is to follow the teachings of your religious leaders always.

and my country: Every citizen has responsibilities to understand, defend, and improve his community. Duties include serving in public office, voting, protecting natural resources, and learning about our government system.

and to obey the Scout Law;: You are promising to follow these twelve points, not only in scouting, but in all areas of your life. You will use the Law as a compass to guide your decisions and actions.

To help other people at all times;: You will look for opportunities to help and will not pass someone by that you are capable of aiding. You will use your skills to assist anyone you meet and seek additional help if needed.

To keep myself physically strong,: You will nurture and protect your body, eating healthy food, exercising, getting rest, and avoiding harmful habits like drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Maintaining your physical strength is required to do your best and fulfill the other points of this promise.

mentally awake,: You will exercise your mind by doing your best in school. You will explore your world and try to continually learn and then share your knowledge with others.

and morally straight.: You will maintain honest and open relationships with others. You will hold yourself to a high moral standard and be clean in your speech and actions while being faithful to your religious beliefs.

Boy Scout Law

A Scout Is...

TRUSTWORTHY: A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL: A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL: A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY: A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS: A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND: A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL: A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY: A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

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 or threaten him.

CLEAN: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Scout Motto

Be Prepared: The Scout motto means that you are always ready to do what is necessary to help others. It also means you are ready, willing, and able to do what is necessary in any situation that comes along. You are also being prepared to live a full and worthwhile life, being a physically fit, honorable citizen of strong character.

Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily

This does not mean that you should do just one Good Turn during the day and then stop. It means you should always be looking for extra opportunities to help others, quietly and without boasting. Remember that a Good Turn is an act of kindness, not just something you do because it is good manners. Good Turns should be done for family, friends, adults, children, and especially for those that are not able to do the task themselves.

Outdoor Code

As an American I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners: I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
I will take care of it for myself and others.
I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.

Be careful with fire: I will prevent wildfire.
I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.
When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.
I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors: I will treat public and private property with respect.
I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.

Be conservation minded: I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.
I will urge others to do the same.