Category: Blog

Scouting is a worldwide brotherhood bound by the Scout Oath/Promise and Scout Law. However, the Scout Law is worded differently in many parts of the world. There are 172 organizations of Scouting listed with the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM). In my research, it was challenging to find English-translated Scout Laws, and had to narrow the list to 47. I quickly discovered that all that I found were profoundly similar. Many of the words were comparable and the order of them varied.

In the United States, the Scout Law is recited as 12 keywords. This is special as most of the Scouts in the world recite as a text phrase or type of mantra. Baden-Powell originally intended the Scout law to be memorized as a short speech. When establishing the Boy Scouts of America Ernest Seton heavily influenced the formation of the Scout Law. Seton had established the Woodcraft Indians organization in 1902. The 12 points outlined in the Birch-Back Rolls are defined as keywords. Using Baden-Powell’s original 9 and adding 3 more (brave, clean, and reverent) we find the American 12 point Scout Law we use today.

Most of the Scout Laws throughout the world are based on the original Baden-Powell Scout Law.

“A Scouts’ honour is to be trusted. A Scout is loyal to The Queen, His Country, His Scouters, His Parents, His Employers and to those under Him. A Scouts’ duty is to be useful (helpful) and help others. A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what Country, Class or Creed the other may belong. A Scout is courteous. A Scout is a friend (kind) to animals. A Scout obeys orders of his parents, Patrol Leader, or Scout Master without question. A Scout smiles and whistles (cheerful) under all difficulties. A Scout is thrifty. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.” *

*The last sentence was added back in 1911.

The current day Scouts BSA, Scout Law is;

“A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”

The following is an alphabetical listing of all the countries researched in comparison to the United States 12 point Scout Law which is listed here first for reference. The last line of this spreadsheet is the percentage of how often a keyword or a similar word is used.

In short, the conclusion is… no matter how it is said the meaning is the same. Every Scout Law from every country is unique and represents cultural focuses. Be proud of your individual beliefs and support others with their beliefs. Live your life by your Scout Oath and Law.   YIS⚜

Recently I participated in a school night that did not have the desired impression. The school had scheduled us to have our parents meeting in a hallway between the cafeteria and library. There were five small tables with three chairs at each. I thought to myself, “That’s OK Scouts can adapt to just about anything.” But when 25 parents show up with their kids to sign up most people are standing and uncomfortable in a small space. To pour salt into the wound the cafeteria and library doors were open and everyone could see that both of them were empty with plenty of seating. Many of the parents remarked that the school felt that Scouting was somehow in competition with their students; which is crazy when you think about it. It doesn’t happen during school! The overall impression was that the parents were somehow being punished and forced into an uncomfortable space by the school just for trying to do something good for their children. I did speak with a few parents that expressed this disappointment in the administration of the school. I assured them that this was just a mistake and we should make do with what we’ve got for now. Later when I got home I wanted to write a thank you letter to the school for allowing us to have a parent’s sign-up night. I also wanted to warn them that the parents “were onto their game” as they put it and we’re probably going to say something. It would be a friendly, courteous, and kind thing to do. I sat for a great deal of time and thought about my feelings.  “Allowing us?” I understand that this would be appropriate if it was just the Scouts. What about the taxpaying parents who paid for the school and the salary of all employees in it?  To be truthful and not helping others at all times was really sticking to my thoughts. Unfortunately, this was the thank you letter  I ended up with…

“I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to have a parents’ night at their school. Although the accommodations were rather unusual being in a hallway with limited seating. Many parents were able to get introductions to Scouting and signed up their children for the adventure that we offer. Despite the space we were meeting in was crowded and uncomfortable, we had wonderful ventilation as the cafeteria and the library doors were completely open and vacant. I’m sure that this made a negative impression on what your administration thinks of the needs of your parents in regards to their children’s extracurricular activities. I just thought you should know that it did not leave a good impression on the parents you are hired to serve. I understand that some administrators can be mistaken in thinking that they’re really in charge when they’re actually accountable to the parents of the children in their charge. I recommend that you take seriously any complaints that may be forthcoming from your employers. Again thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to assist the parents of your school.”

After a great deal of thinking, I decided not to send this note as I know that it would end up being misunderstood. Any anger generated from the text would be taken out in retribution on Scouting the following years. If I had mailed it we would probably have meetings on the sidewalk, outside the gate for years to come. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what they want us to do. Who knows it might be an improvement. Sometimes not warning them and letting them come to it on their own is best. Deep down I know the school principal is not favorable towards Scouting though I’m not sure why. Only tolerating our presence due to School Board pressure. It’s unfortunately gone political. This is only impeding the children from eventually finding the Scouting path. It also makes taxpaying, voting parents angry that they would do this to them and their kids.  YIS⚜

At the sound of the tone please leave a message. BEEEEP! … Stan, I know you’re there… I can hear you breathing… STAN! Okay…Okaaay,… I get it! You are doing that “family thing”… Okay, it’s cool… Just remember you are committed to doing a second season… Right?   Hey, I can hear you giggling on the line… Alright, I’m going to hang up now… … … STAN!? 

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