Scouting America Oath and Law

Wednesday December 31, 2025

Scout Oath

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.

Scout Law

A Scout is:

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent

Since 1907 and 1908 with the writings of Seton and Baden-Powell, there have been many forms and evolutions of Scout Laws. The version here is current for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and somewhat distinctive in its focus on single words. (Explanatory sentences are also included but omitted above.)

Here's Baden-Powell's 1911 version:

Promise

On my honour I promise that I will do my best:

1. To do my duty to God and the King.
2. To help other people at all times.
3. To obey the Scout Law.

Law

1. A Scout's honour is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is Loyal to the King, and to his officers, and to his country, and to his employers.
3. A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other scout no matter to what social class the other belongs.
5. A Scout is Courteous.
6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
7. A Scout obeys orders of his patrol leader or scoutmaster without question.
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9. A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.