Boy Scout Oath

When making a promise or oath, be sure you know what you are promising…

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.

The Boy Scout Oath has three main clauses which are good to remember and may help you understand that the oath is meant to cover all parts of your life:

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY

The core of your being is your relationship with God. Your family and religious leaders teach you about knowing and serving God and you do your duty by following their teachings and being a good family member. Your duty to your country is being a good citizen, obeying the laws, working to make it a stronger nation, and defending it and its principals.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE

Doing your Good Turn each day, looking for people that could use a hand, and providing aid for community services are all ways to help others. We are obligated to help those that can not help themselves and helping with a cheerful spirit builds our own character.

DUTY TO SELF

Caring for yourself physically, mentally, and morally will result in a more rewarding life. Only you can control how you respond to challenges, hardships, and pleasures – and being strong in body, mind, and spirit will aid you in handling anything that comes your way.