Boy Scout Basics

What Every Boy Scout Should Know

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country;

To obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Motto

Be Prepared!

Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily

Scout Sign

The Scout Handshake

A Scout is

trustworthy,

loyal,

helpful,

friendly,

courteous,

kind,

obedient,

cheerful,

thrifty,

brave,

clean,

and reverent.

The 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.

Be conservation minded.

What makes Scouting great?

It's that we only expect the boys to do their best. It's all you can really ask for and it's all you can really expect.

The three points of the trefoil stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath.
The shape of the Scout badge means that a Scout can point the right way in life as truly as does a compass in the field.
There are two stars on the badge. They symbolize truth and knowledge.
The eagle and shield stand for freedom and a Scout's readiness to defend that freedom.
The scroll bearing the Scout motto is turned up at the ends as a reminder that a Scout smiles as he does his duty.
The knot at the bottom of the scroll serves as a reminder of the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily