Scout Law

The Scout Law is a great life tool in guiding you towards the right path. All Scouts will have made the Scout Promise where they have promised to do their best to obey the Scout Law.

The Scout Law

1. A Scout's honour is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother/sister to every other Scout.
5. A Scout is courteous.
6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
7. A Scout obeys orders.
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9. A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.

Note: there is one Scout Law with 10 parts. This is why 'Scout Law' is not plural. We do not say 'Scout Laws'.

The meaning of the Scout Law

1. A Scout's honour is to be trusted

People know they can depend on you because you are a Scout. They know you will tell the truth and when you say you will do something it will be done without fail. A scout is honest.

2. A Scout is loyal

To be loyal means to be faithful, obedient and true. As a Scout you are faithful to your country, your family, your Scout Troop and Patrol, your friends, and as you get older those serving with you. You will speak up and stand by your principles even if they are not popular.

3. A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others

Helping others can bring you the greatest happiness, and as a Scout you do so willingly, without pay or reward. Try to do at least one good turn to somebody every day.

4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother/sister to every other Scout

You try to understand other people and respect those with ideas and customs different from yours. To other Scouts anywhere in the world, you are more than just a friend. You are a brother or sister to them, as you both obey the same Law of friendship and helpfulness.

5. A Scout is courteous

Courteous is an old word meaning respectful and polite. As a Scout you know that good manners help everyone to get along better with one another.

6. A Scout is a friend to animals

You respect all living creatures and the natural environment in which we live. You don't hurt animals on purpose, and never neglect to feed your pets. If animals must be killed for food, or for some other good reason, it should be in the kindest way.

7. A Scout obeys orders

You obey orders, rules and laws of your family, community and country. The orders from your experienced and trusted family, teacher, Scouter or Patrol Leader are important and to be obeyed. If you think they are unfair, address it in an orderly way instead of being disobedient.

8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties

You look on the bright side of things, no matter what goes wrong. You do your best to keep others happy with your smile. You don't turn away from a problem, but look for solutions.

9. A Scout is thrifty

You don't waste things that are valuable. You take care of your possessions, your money and your time. You protect and conserve natural resources and do your jobs efficiently.

10. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed

You keep your body and mind clean, fit and ready for action. You should only think good things about others, don't gossip, swear, or use bad language. Scouts always try to think and speak positively.

Remembering the Scout Law

There is a short 'poem' that can be used to remember the order of the 10 parts to the Scout Law:

Trusty, Loyal, Helpful
Brotherly, Courteous, Kind
Obedient, Smiling, Thrifty
Clean in body and mind

See also

• Scout Promise