The Singing Scoutmaster: Scout Oath and Law



Scout Sign

A Scout Is...

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.

The Scout Oath
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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.

The Scout Law
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A scout is
Trustworthy,
Loyal,
Helpful,
Friendly,
Courteous,
Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean,
and Reverent.

Eagle Scout Oath
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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.

Order Of The Arrow Promise
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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

The Cub Scout Motto
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Do Your Best.

The Scout Motto
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Be Prepared.

The Scout Slogan
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Do a good turn daily.

The Outdoor Code
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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.

Bigfoot Silhouette

Principals Of Leave No Trace
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(If Bigfoot can do it, so can you!)

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
    • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
    • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
    • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
    • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
    • Repackage food to minimize waste.
    • Use a map and compass or GPS to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
    • Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow.
    • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
    • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
      • In popular areas:
        • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
        • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
        • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
      • In pristine areas:
        • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
        • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
    • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
    • Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
    • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
    • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
  4. Leave What You Find
    • Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
    • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
    • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
    • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
    • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
    • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
    • Keep fires small. Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
    • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
  6. Respect Wildlife
    • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
    • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, [habituates them to humans], and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
    • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
    • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
    • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
    • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
    • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
    • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
    • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
    • Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Leave No Trace Principals For Kids
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"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.

  1. Know Beore You Go
  2. Have a plan in place on where you and your pack are going for an adventure.

  3. Choose The Right Path
  4. 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.

  5. Trash Your Trash
  6. Dispose of waste in proper trash containers. If a container isn't available, take your trash with you back home.

  7. Leave What You Find
  8. 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.

  9. Be Careful With Fire
  10. 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.

  11. Respect Wildlife
  12. Watch wildlife from a distance. Don't pick them up or disturb them. Use the opportunity to take field notes and photos.

  13. Be Kind To Other Visitors
  14. 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.

Pledge Of Allegiance
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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

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Alabama Flag
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Alabama (adopted in 2001)

Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Arkansas Flag
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Arkansas (adopted in 1953)

I salute the Arkansas Flag with its diamond and stars. We pledge our loyalty to thee.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Georgia Flag
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Georgia (adopted in 1935)

I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Kentucky Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Louisiana Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Michigan Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Mississippi Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The New Mexico Flag
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New Mexico (adopted in 1963)

I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The North Carolina Flag
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North Carolina (adopted in 2007)

I salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty, and faith.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Ohio Flag
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Ohio (adopted in 2002)

I salute the flag of the state of Ohio and pledge to the Buckeye State respect and loyalty.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Oklahoma Flag
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Oklahoma (adopted in 1982)

I salute the flag of the State of Oklahoma. Its symbols of peace unite all people.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Rhode Island Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The South Carolina Flag
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South Carolina (adopted in 1966)

I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The South Dakota Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Tennessee Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Texas Flag
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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.

Pledge Of Allegiance To The Virginia Flag
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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.