Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
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 Oath, traditionally, considered to have three promises (the three clauses separated by semicolons). Therefore, these are:
Duty to God and country:
Your family, religious leaders, and personal moral codes teach you how to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.
Men and women of the past worked to build our great country, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country's good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country.
Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.
Duty to other people:
Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you're needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.
Duty to self:
Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength.
Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions.
Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.
A Scout is:
TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.
LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.
FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.
COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.
KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.
OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.
CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.
THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.
BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.
CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.
REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.
In the first part of Scouting for Boys, Robert Baden-Powell explains the meaning of the phrase:
The scouts' motto is founded on my initials, it is:
BE PREPARED,
which means, you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY;
Be Prepared in Mind by having disciplined yourself to be obedient to every order, and also by having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment, and are willing to do it.
Be Prepared in Body by making yourself strong and active and able to do the right thing at the right moment, and do it.
— Lieut. Gen. Baden Powell C.B., Scouting for Boys (1908), "Camp Fire Yarn.—No. 4. Scout Law." (Part I, p. 48)
The Scout slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” It is part of the third point of the Scout Law - “A Scout is helpful.” And it is part of your Scout Oath - “… to help other people at all times.”
The slogan does not mean for you to do one Good Turn during the day and then stop. On the contrary, it means to do at least one Good Turn a day. It means looking for opportunities to help and then helping, quietly and without boasting.
When you first become a Scout, it may seem difficult for you to find a daily chance to do a Good Turn. But soon you learn to keep your eyes open and somehow there seems to be an opportunity around every corner. By acting on them, you prove yourself a real Scout.
Some Good Turns are big things; saving a human life at the risk of loosing your own… rescue work in floods… service in hurricane-stricken areas… helping to fight a forest fire… working with your patrol on a conservation project… giving younger boys a good time in Cub Scouting by working as a den chief.
But Good Turns more often are small things, thoughtful things; helping a child cross the street… clearing trash off the highway… picking up broken glass from the street… telephoning the power company to report a live wire.
Remember always that a Good Turn is an extra act of kindness, not just something you do because it is good manners.
To answer the inquiry of a passer-by about an address is not a Good Turn, that is common courtesy.
But to go out of your way to take the traveler to his destination, that is a Good Turn.
Found on page 97 of the 1959 printing of The Boy Scout Handbook
More information can be found at:
Understanding The BSA Scout Oath: Facts, History, And Meaning
Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe some ways you have shown Scout spirit by practicing the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
Understanding and Showing Scout Spirit
Scout spirit is about living according to the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life. This does not mean doing so only at Scout meetings or events. It means showing qualities like honesty, kindness, and respect for others, which are core values in the Scout Law.
To meet this requirement, Scouts need to explain what Scout spirit means to them and describe specific ways they have shown it. This could be helping a neighbor, standing up for a friend, doing well in school while being fair to others, or participating actively in community service projects.
Showing Scout spirit is about making a positive impact in the lives of others and improving yourself based on the principles of Scouting. It’s important for Scouts to reflect on their actions and consider how they can continue to embody these ideals in everyday situations.
Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
To present the scout sign, raise your right arm to shoulder height with your elbow bent at a right angle. Hold your index, middle and ring finger upward and together, covering your pinky finger with your thumb.
Each finger in the sign has a meaning:
The index, middle, and ring finger represent the three parts of the scout oath; Duty to God and country, Duty to others, and Duty to self, respectively.
The thumb and pinky touching as they are represent the bond Scouts have throughout the world.
Like the Cub Scout sign, when the sign is raised, it’s a silent reminder to follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law by respectfully quieting down and listening. Nobody needs to yell, “Signs up!” The sign says it all.
To present the scout salute, form the Scout sign with your right hand and then salute. When saluting bring your right hand up, palm down, until your forefinger touches the brim of your hat, tip of your eyebrow, or corner of your eyeglasses.
The Scout salute is a form of greeting that also shows respect. One should use it to salute the flag of the United States of America. A salute may also be used to salute other Scouts or Scout leaders.
A Scout handshake is performed the same as a normal handshake, except with the left hand.
The left arm is closest to the heart and therefore symbolizes friendship.
Lord Baden-Powell (the creator of Scouting) brought us the left handshake after getting to know the Ashanti warriors of West Africa. According to the May-June 1973 issue of Scouting magazine:
"He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, ‘In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection.’
“The Ashanti knew knew of Baden-Powell’s bravery for they had fought against him and with him, and were proud to offer him the left hand of bravery.
“When you use the Scout salute or handshake, remember that they are signs of respect and courage.”
Use the Scout handshake when shaking hands with other Scouts. Otherwise, use your right hand as normal.
Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. List the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Explain the difference between the two.
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
Plan Ahead and Prepare - When outdoor visitors plan ahead and prepare, it helps to accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land. Poor planning often results in a less enjoyable experience and damage to natural and cultural resources.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces - By traveling and camping on durable surfaces, we minimize our impact on land, foliage, and waterways. Use established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Dispose of Waste Properly - Pack it in. Pack it out. Carry out all trash, including spilled food from your campsite. Dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, camps and trails for solid human waste. Use biodegradable dish soap for dishes and pour out at least 200 feet from waterways.
Leave What You Find - The items we find in nature have a role to play, either in the ecosystem or the story of the landscape. Leaving what we find in place helps to preserve both. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them.
Minimize Campfire Impacts - Use lanterns and camp stoves when possible. When fires are needed, use only appropriate sites and keep them small. Extinguish fires completely and then scatter the coals and ash.
Respect Wildlife - Observe wildlife from a distance and to not approach or follow them. Do not feed the animals. Keep pets under control or leave them at home.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors - Respect others and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to others on the trail. Camp away from the trails when taking breaks. Let nature's sounds prevail by avoiding loud noises and voices.
The Outdoor Code provides a general framework for behavior in the outdoors. The Leave No Trace Principles are a more specific ruleset of actions that can be taken to protect and preserve the environment.
Learn more about the Leave No Trace Principles at: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
For the Scout rank, requirement 1f is about learning and understanding the Pledge of Allegiance. This requirement encourages Scouts to reflect on their relationship with their country and the meaning of citizenship.
Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
Scout Troops are lead by the Scouts, not the adults. Adults are their to guide and ensure safety, not to lead. The Scouts learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills by taking different positions within the troop.
These roles include:
Describe the four steps of Scout advancement.
Here are the four steps of Scout advancement:
These steps are designed to teach Scouts not only specific skills but also to encourage growth in character and responsibility. Each step builds on the last, helping Scouts achieve their full potential in the program and develop a deep understanding and commitment to the Scouting principles.
Describe what the Scouts BSA ranks are and how they are earned.
Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned
What Are Merit Badges?
Merit badges are a key component of the advancement system in Scouts BSA. Each badge covers a different topic, ranging from outdoor activities like camping and hiking to skills such as cooking and personal management, and even career-oriented subjects like architecture and medicine. There are over 135 merit badges, allowing Scouts to explore interests and learn new skills.
How Are Merit Badges Earned?
Earning a merit badge involves several steps:
Important Note: Changed in the Guide to Advancement, Chapter 7, includes a clause regarding Merit badges. Once the Scout decides on the merit badge he or she wishes to pursue, he or she must speak with the Scoutmaster (or appointee) for the badge to be registered in Scoutbook and to get a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC). Further:
"A Scout who avoids or ignores the unit leader’s role and completes a badge without first discussing it with the leader should be counseled about the proper way to start a merit badge, and the discussion should be documented. If the Scout (or the parents) continue to ignore the established process, merit badges will not be recorded as “earned” until the Scout has demonstrated, told, shown, etc. that they have met all the requirements to the satisfaction of a merit badge counselor acceptable to the unit leader.
Merit badges encourage Scouts to learn about different fields, develop new hobbies, and gain skills that can be useful throughout their lives. They are also a great way for Scouts to take responsibility for their own learning and growth." - Guide to Advancement Section 7.0.0.3
For more detailed information on merit badges and tips on how to earn them, you can visit this resource: Scouts BSA Merit Badges. This link provides a list of merit badges available and how Scouts can successfully earn them.
Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
The patrol method is a fundamental part of the Scouts BSA program because it builds leadership and cooperation among Scouts.
What is the Patrol Method?
The patrol method divides the troop into smaller groups called patrols. Each patrol acts as a team to accomplish activities and goals. This method gives Scouts a chance to interact more closely with a group of peers, take on leadership roles, and learn teamwork. It is the primary way through which Scouts experience and practice Scouting.
Types of Patrols
Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit
Each patrol chooses a unique name, emblem, and flag, and they might also have a special yell. These elements are important because they help create a sense of identity and pride among the members.
Creating Patrol Spirit
By being familiar with these aspects of their patrol, Scouts feel more connected to their group. This connection helps build camaraderie, teamwork, and a competitive spirit, making the Scouting experience more enjoyable and effective.
More information on the patrol method and types of patrols can be found at: BSA: The Patrol and BSA: Types of Patrols.
This knot is used to join two ends of a rope of similar thickness. It’s useful for tying bandages or securing items together quickly. The square knot is easy to tie and untie.
When tying a square knot, the tag ends should lie on the same side of the knot.
This knot is best used with ropes of natural fibers. Nylon is too slick and does not contain enough friction to hold it securely.
The square knot is not a load bearing knot. Do not use to secure heavy loads or to haul.
Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a tautline hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
Two Half Hitches (often called a Double Half Hitch) is a useful knot for tying a rope to a fixed pole or object. It can be very useful for setting up a tent or hanging items from a branch.
The knot is especially useful if paired with a round turn (looping the rope around the fixed object one extra time) to help secure the load.
This adjustable knot is perfect when you need to tighten or loosen a line without retying it. It’s ideal for securing tent guy lines because it allows for adjustment as the line stretches or as weather conditions change.
It is typically used for securing tent lines in outdoor activities involving camping, by arborists when climbing trees, for tying down aircraft, for creating adjustable moorings in tidal areas, and to secure loads on vehicles.
Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
Tell what you need to know about pocketknife safety and responsibility.
Pocketknives are useful tools in Scouting activities, but they must be used carefully to prevent accidents.
Here are some key safety tips every Scout must know about pocketknife safety:
Understanding and practicing these safety guidelines helps Scouts use their pocketknives responsibly. These skills not only ensure the safety of the Scout but also those around them during various Scouting activities.
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and view the Personal Safety Awareness videos (with your parent or guardian’s permission).*
*If your family does not have internet access at home AND you do not have ready internet access at school or another public place or via a mobile device, the Personal Safety Awareness videos portion of this requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.
Download How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide (PDF format) - Scouts and parents should read this pamphlet and do the exercises near the end.
The safety awareness videos can be found on the BSA website. - Scouts need to watch all four videos (with their parent's permission).
Personal safety is not just for Scouting. It is important all Scouts (and all youth for that matter) to be able to know and recognize the signs of abuse and know how to report it.
"Scouting America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, Scouting America developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs." - scouting.org/health-and-safety/youth-protection/
A Scout, as they progress through the ranks of Scouting, will become very familiar with the policies of Youth Protection. We will cover this topic periodically to ensure a Scout can recognize and know how to protect themselves from abuse. These discussions walk a delicate line between instilling fear
The Three R’s of Personal Safety and Protection
This requirement is vital for empowering Scouts with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and handle situations that could compromise their safety.
A Scoutmaster Conference is a one-on-one meeting between the Scoutmaster (SM) and the Scout. This is a discussion to review a Scout's progress and talk about things the Scout enjoyed and any challenges he or she might have faced. It provides an avenue for the SM and Scout to get to know each other better and for the SM too encourage the personal development of the Scout through the Scouting Program.
The Scoutmaster Conference is not a test. Once a requirement has been signed off, the Scout has shown they know the content. While we all know that refreshers are good from time to time. The Scoutmaster Conference is not a place where the Scout has to prove he or she did the requirement. That has already been done.
According to Scouting.org:
"The Scoutmaster conference allows the Scoutmaster to review:
In a Scout-run troop, the Scoutmaster does not assert his authority, but guides and counsels every Scout so the troop can function well and serve the purposes of Scouting. The Scoutmaster conference is one of the primary ways the Scoutmaster does this."
In Troop 143, we use the Scoutmasters Conference as a way to touch bases with the Scout on how to help them succeed in Scouting. We will review the subjects of the rank and how the Scout uses the information in their daily life. We will talk about their goals and how to achieve them. Finally, the Scoutmaster Conference is to motivate and empower the Scout to progress in Scouting.
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