Adult leaders and parents are NOT exempt from the Scout Law. Have you ever really thought about it. Also the number one question we should ask all Scouts.
Definition as to there meaning:
Friendly – A Scout is friends to all. Scouts are a brother to other Scouts. Scouts offer their friendship to people of all races, religions, and nations and respect them even if their beliefs and customs are different from their own. B-P wrote about similar wording however he diverted into a social class. “No matter what Social Class the Other Belongs.” B-P was from the late 1800s and must think of his times and his revolutionary thinking. Today we would say he was “woke”.
Courteous – A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions. Scouts understand that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. B-P had similar meanings in his writings however, he added the line “And he (the Scout) must not take any reward for being helpful or courteous.”
Kind – A Scout treats others as they want to be treated. Scouts know there is strength in being gentle. Scouts do not harm or kill any living thing without good reason. Originally, “Kind” was oriented only towards the treatment of animals. This has changed shortly after World War II to reflect kindness to all creatures including humans.
History – The original writings of Baden Powell in the first Handbook are conveyed Similarly. Historically there were only 9 scout laws outlined originally. However Later the British scouts added Reverent making it 10 scout laws. Do you know which ones were added to the 12 American Scout laws?
The scout law is an amazing principle for real Action in one’s life. Putting each one of the scout law into a daily meaning can literally change the outlook of a young person. As scout leaders, we need to be the example, not the exception. Never forget that we are all obligated to abide by the scout law.
The number one question that every Scout leader and parents should ask of their Scouts. “What do you think I most want you to be?” A. Successful, B. Good, C. Smart, or D. Happy. The correct answer is “B” Good. You cannot achieve any of the others without being good. This question also helps calibrate how we are doing as leaders and parents.
🔗LINKS:
🌐 What are the Scout Oath and Scout Law?: https://www.scouting.org/about/faq/question10/
🌐 Teaching Cub Scouts the Scout Law: https://scoutingmagazine.org/2012/02/tips-for-teaching-cub-scouts-the-scout-law/
📄 1910 Edition of the ‘Boy Scouts of America Official Handbook’ Pages 32-34 PDF: http://scouterstan.com/storage/1910-BSA-Handbook-Scout-Law.pdf
🎬 Who Created The Scout Law?: https://youtu.be/dqaKrXDnXSo
🎬 Dealing With Upset Parents: https://youtu.be/0cOjHNCZkqw
