The Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Outdoor Code each play a crucial role in shaping the principles and values of Scouts, guiding their actions and interactions with others.
By publicly declaring these promises, Scouts are able to develop character, leadership skills, and a strong sense of responsibility towards themselves and their communities.
Reciting one or more of these during opening and closing ceremonies distinguishes a Scout meeting from a regular gathering, emphasizing the importance of these guiding principles.
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.
A scout is
Trustworthy,
Loyal,
Helpful,
Friendly,
Courteous,
Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean,
and Reverent.
I reaffirm my allegiance
to the three promises of the Scout Oath
I thoughtfully recognize
and take upon myself
the obligations and responsibilities
of an Eagle Scout.
On my honor,
I will do my best
to make my training an example
and my status and my influence count strongly
for better scouting and for better citizenship
in my troop, in my community,
and in my contacts with other people.
To this I pledge
my sacred honor.
I do hereby promise on my honor as a Scout,
that I will always and faithfully observe and preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow,
Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui.
I will always regard the ties of Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow as lasting,
and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit,
even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities,
and will endeavor, so far as in my power lies,
to be unselfish in service and devotion to the welfare of other
Do Your Best.
Be Prepared.
Do a good turn daily.
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.
(If Bigfoot can do it, so can you!)
"Take only pictures, leave only footprints".
Before you head out on your hike or campout, have each scout make a Leave No Trace Promise. This can be a commitment to picking up litter, staying on the trail, or disposing of waste. Hold each other accountable and make sure everyone follows through on their promise.
Have a plan in place on where you and your pack are going for an adventure.
Stay on designated trails to help preserve the natural environment. If you need to go off-trail for any reason, step lightly and avoid trampling vegetation. This is especially important in high impact areas within the National Parks system and National Forest Service land.
Dispose of waste in proper trash containers. If a container isn't available, take your trash with you back home.
When visiting a wilderness area or public land, choose to follow the ethics of "leave only footprints and take only pictures." Even if you are visiting local parks, choose to take pictures of what you find instead of removing it from the area.
Having a campfire is one of the best parts of camping. However, it may not always be appropriate for the campsite you are staying at. If you are camping at a campground, follow the rules of the campground and only use designated areas for campfires. When camping in dispersed areas, use an existing fire ring or bring a portable campfire, like a Solo Stove.
Consider cooking on a camp stove instead of a campfire.
Watch wildlife from a distance. Don't pick them up or disturb them. Use the opportunity to take field notes and photos.
Others have a right to peace and quiet to enjoy their outdoor experience, just as we would like. Avoid excessive noise. Don't run or cut through others' campsites.
I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God,
with liberty and justice for all.
Editorial - I was taught "one nation under God, " as one phrase, with no comma/pause
Alabama (adopted in 2001)
Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life.
Arkansas (adopted in 1953)
I salute the Arkansas Flag with its diamond and stars. We pledge our loyalty to thee.
Georgia (adopted in 1935)
I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.
Kentucky (adopted in 2000)
I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the Sovereign State for which it stands, one Commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, and grace from on High.
Louisiana (adopted in 1981)
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the state of Louisiana and to the motto for which it stands: A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals, confident that justice shall prevail for all of those abiding here.
Michigan (adopted in 1972)
I pledge allegiance to the flag of Michigan, and to the state for which it stands, 2 beautiful peninsulas united by a bridge of steel, where equal opportunity and justice to all is our ideal.
Mississippi (adopted in 1972)
I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God.
New Mexico (adopted in 1963)
I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.
North Carolina (adopted in 2007)
I salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty, and faith.
Ohio (adopted in 2002)
I salute the flag of the state of Ohio and pledge to the Buckeye State respect and loyalty.
Oklahoma (adopted in 1982)
I salute the flag of the State of Oklahoma. Its symbols of peace unite all people.
Rhode Island (adopted in 1910)
I pledge allegiance to our State Flag, and to the Republic of which Rhode Island forms a part; one Union inseparable, with honor and reverence for both State and Nation.
South Carolina (adopted in 1966)
I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith.
South Dakota (adopted in 1987)
I pledge loyalty and support to the flag and State of South Dakota, land of sunshine, land of infinite variety.
Tennessee (adopted in 2006)
First official salute:
Three white stars on a field of blue
God keep them strong and ever true
It is with pride and love that we
Salute the Flag of Tennessee.
Second official salute:
Flag of Tennessee, I salute thee
To thee I pledge my allegiance with
My affection, my service and my life.
Texas (adopted in 1933)
Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
Here is some more info on the Texas pledge:
The pledge of allegiance to the state flag was originally passed by the state legislature in 1933. The original pledge began, "Honor the Texas Flag of 1836." This was changed in 1965 since the Lone Star Flag is not the 1836 flag. The current version with the words, "one state under God," became effective in 2007.
Virginia (adopted in 1954)
I salute the flag of Virginia, with reverence and patriotic devotion to the 'Mother of States and statesmen', which it represents — the 'Old Dominion', where liberty and independence were born.